Situated high on a hill, Blue Gables Vineyard is an exposed site that is warmer than most in Gippsland by day, yet with the absence of any sea breeze, the nights cool off significantly. These day/night temperature extremities are perfect for viticulture and this unique microclimate has resulted in the wines displaying intense varietal flavour and elegance.
The now established boutique vineyard has 2 acres of Shiraz, 2 acres of Pinot Gris, 2 acres of Sauvignon Blanc and 1 acre of Chardonnay. The vineyard has also expanded with plantings of Sangiovese and Pinot Noir in the spring of 2017.
Our first vintage was in 2009, with wines initially made by Mal Stewart, who continues to make our sparkling wines.
Our current winemaker Alastair Butt has set a high benchmark for us with his first few vintages, commencing 2015. Blue Gables was awarded a 5-Star James Halliday Winery rating in 2019 and continues to deliver premium quality award-winning wines.
We have a very busy Cellar Door, open all year round on Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, where people come to enjoy our wines paired with our wood-fired pizzas amidst magnificent views of the Newry Flats in the Macalister Irrigation District.
Stop by at The Hunting Ground, for a store with a difference! With a focus on quality produce, amazing home baked goodies and so much more to hunt for. The team at The Hunting Ground also make a fantastic coffee, ready for recharge you after scouring the store for some particularly amazing finds.
The Hunting Ground certainly packs a punch - with dedicated customer service, local artisan foods and gifts for everyone. Whether you need a last minute present, delicious foods for home, or a quiet coffee in peace - try The Hunting Ground today.
With the 21st Century fast approaching, the formation of the Friends of the Sale Botanic Gardens with support from Wellington Shire Council, saw the Gardens begin to re-awaken from it’s slumber. Twenty years on, and the community has truly rediscovered the Gardens, with over 100,000 visitors to the precinct each year.
The Gardens today occupies 5 hectares on the eastern periphery of Lake Guthridge. Prior to European settlement, the precinct was well visited by the Gunaikurnai, the Traditional Owners of the land. With everything from play spaces, quiet forests, entertainment spaces and learning places, you'll find something to entertain you at the Sale Botanic Gardens.
The Sale Botanic Gardens walk is accessible to people of all abilities, find a map of the walk here
Situated on the southern end of Stratford, you will find Stratford’s Apex Park. Featuring open spaces, themed playgrounds, undercover and open area seating, BBQ facilities and so much more.
As you enter Apex Park in Stratford, you’ll be amazed at the open spaces, surrounded by bushland. Within the Park itself, you will be awed by the award-winning medieval themed playground, that has an all-abilities castle adventure. There is a wide range of play equipment, from springers to climbing equipment and everything in between.
There are a couple of asphalted walking tracks around the park, one of which will take you near the historic Avon River bridge. The park itself also features undercover BBQ facilities, seating throughout and grassed areas, facilities also include public toilets, car, caravan & RV parking.
At the edge of Apex Park Stratford, you will also find the Stratford Pump Track, which was a community driven endeavour with input from local school groups, Landcare groups and the Historical Society in Stratford.
On the rail bridge that overlooks Apex Park Stratford, acclaimed Gippsland artist Ray Thomas painted a mural on the wall of the new rail bridge in Apex Park. It features the Avon River as its theme, as chosen by Stratford locals. Ray is an award-winning artist with more than three decades of experience. His works are inspired by the stories and designs of his Gunaikurnai people, as well as the Gippsland country they call home.
The mural honours the Brayakaulung clan and their connection to the Avon River. It features Gunaikurnai ancestral totems and cultural practices including scarred canoe trees, stone grinding grooves and bush foods.
The Apex Park Playground in Sale is situated in a quiet residential neighbourhood, making it a perfect spot for the entire family. The playground is nestled within beautifully landscaped grounds. It features a charming wooden structure complete with a wave slide, a shop front, a small climbing wall, and steps. Kids can enjoy disks mounted on a vertical pole, a clock, a fireman’s pole, and a steering wheel. The playground also includes an inclined bridge, a rope spider web climbing frame, a balance beam with obstacles, monkey rungs, and a hanging disk traverse.
For relaxation, there’s a set of swings and two unshaded tables, along with a bench for seating. Ample open grassy areas provide plenty of space for children to run and play. So whether you are young or old, or even young at heart, there is something for you at Apex Park Sale.
The Den of Nargun is a place of great cultural significance to the Gunaikurnai people, especially the women. Traditionally Gunaikurnai men were not allowed down to the Den of Nargun or the Woolshed Creek valley. Please treat this place with respect. Stories were told around campfires about how the Nargun would abduct children who wandered off on their own.
The Nargun could not be harmed with boomerang or spears. These stories served the dual purpose of keeping children close to the campsite and ensuring that people stayed away from the sacred cave.
Featuring the Bluff lookout with views of the Mitchell River, green rainforest pockets and Woolshed Creek, the Den of Nargun Loop is also part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail, which explores Gunaikurnai Aboriginal history and culture.
Location: Mitchell River National Park
Distance: 5km return
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Grade: Level 3 – Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep sections, a rough surface and steps.
Start: Den of Nargun picnic area
Finish: Den of Nargun picnic area
The Blue Pool is a waterhole and gorge near Briagolong, just half an hour north of Sale. It’s a well-known swimming spot by locals. Enjoy a walk through nature on the Peregrine Lookout Trail, which takes about an hour return. BBQ and picnic areas are also available.
This is one of the most popular campsite in Briagolong State Forest with well established facilities and plenty of room.
The pools consist of a large waterhole that starts off shallow but quickly gets deep. The Bluff is a nice and steep five-minute climb with some amazing views over the Blue Pool area. If you fancy a bit more of a stroll, there is the Peregrine Lookout Trail, which takes about an hour return.
Between September to December, you may even be lucky enough to see some of the Peregrine falcons which nest there.
Sale parkrun is a FREE weekly 5km event for participants of all standards, which takes place every Saturday at 8:00am in Sale Botanic Gardens. It is not a race against other runners, but a 5k timed event and it can really be whatever you want it to be, whether that's for fun or as part of a training plan.
It offers an opportunity for all the local community, regardless of age or gender, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy this beautiful park and get physically active into the bargain. We want to encourage people to run, jog or walk together irrespective of their ability – this event is truly open to all and best of all it really is FREE!
Taking part is easy – just register before your first ever parkrun. The great thing is that you only ever need to do this once! Then just set your alarm for Saturday morning and get yourself there!
Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in a local café - please come and join us! Maybe swap stories about your run that day, chat to other parkrunners over a cup of tea or coffee and just be an important part of this new community.
So whether you are a complete novice looking to get yourself started on your own "running journey" or a seasoned athlete wanting to use this as a part of your training schedule, you’re welcome to come along and join us.