The 'front' of the sign reads:
Sale Common State Game Refuge
"Covered by Red Gum woodland and grasslands, the Sale Common State Game Refuge is a 300 ha wildlife reserve. Over 70% of the refuge consists of freshwater marsh and visitors will enjoy discovering a host of of native birdlife who make the area their home. The Sale Common State Game Refuge was proclaimed a wildlife reserve in 1964 and forms part of a system known locally as the Lake Wellington Wetlands."
Sale Common Management
"The Sale Common floods less due to many factors, some of which include the damming of rivers which regulated water flows and climate change. The Sale Common has water control structures which allow Parks Victoria to mimic minor floods when the Latrobe River level reaches a certain level. Flooding and drying cycles are required to kick start life cycles, mush like how bushfire can regulate forests."
Location and Access
"The main entrance to Sale Common is located on the South Gippsland Highway, approximately 1 km south of Sale. The closest carpark to the boardwalk and the best wheelchair access is at the eastern end in Stephenson Street. A carpark is also available on the corner of Maxfields and Stephenson Streets."
From Past to Present
"The Sale Common has a history of over 100 years of clearing, burning and browsing by stock. From 1933 to 1942 permission was granted to the Council for the Town of Sale, for use of the northern section, as a landing ground for aeroplanes. In September 1964 the Sale Common State Game Refuge was proclaimed."
Things to See and Do
"From the car park on the South Gippsland Highway, a short walking track leads through both woodlands and grasslands past the information shelter to the lookout. A longer walk (7.2 km) along Flooding Creek Track can be accessed from the eastern end of the boardwalk. This narrow, winding track passes through Red gum woodlands with extensive views of the wetland and gives the visitor a unique perspective of the area."
Panoramic Views
"From the lookout you can observe the northern section of the wetland and the birdlife that this part of the Sale Common supports, while the bridge leading to the lookout gives the chance to examine some of the plants and smaller pond life of the wetlands."
A Bird's Eye View
"The boardwalk provides an opportunity to observe the wetland at a closer level. The boardwalk winds its way through a variety of habitats, starting from the edge of the swamp, through deeper water, past islands and through small reed beds."
What is a Wetland [Below the map, locating the Sale Common State Game Refuge within Victoria]
"The main difference between a wetland and a lake is a wetland is usually shallower and can be wet or dry. A lake generally holds water and is not designed to dry out. Wetlands can be freshwater like the Sale Common State Game Refuge, or saline. Wetlands act as large sponges for floodwaters which may originate many hundreds of kilometres away. They filter out sediments, recycle nutrients and increase oxygen levels. Wetlands provide feeding and breeding grounds for diverse groups of birds, some being completely dependent on wetlands for their survival. Wetlands are amongst the most threatened group of habitats due to draining and other human activities. In the past wetlands were thought to be useless and inaccessible and breeding grounds for mosquitoes and diseases. In many cases they were drained, filled in and converted for other purposes. Half of Australia's wetlands have vanished since European settlement."
The 'back' of the sign on the south sided of the Latrobe River reads:
[The first paragraph is a direct repeat of the other side.]
"The Long Waterhole, located near the lookout is about 7 hectares in size. This area of permanent deep water is an ideal habitat for fish, which in turn provides food for birds such as pelicans and cormorants. The remainder of the Sale Common is freshwater marsh, which at times can be completely dry. This type of habitat is extremely valuable to many types of waterbirds, frogs and aquatic invertebrates. These and other water plants absorb nutrients from the water thereby helping to maintain water quality as well as providing food and shelter for wildlife. A separate information sheet lists the wildlife that can be found in the Sale Common, contact the Parks Victoria Sale Office for further information."
"For further information contact Parks Victoria Information Centre 13 1963 or visit the website (
visit link) "
Caring for the Environment
"Help us look after this park by following these regulations:"
* Horses, dogs, cats and firearms are not permitted.
* All plants and animals are protected.
* Please take your rubbish with you.
* Bike riding is not permitted on the boardwalk.
* Do not disturb or harass the animals.
The Sale Common State Game Refuge is south of the Sale Swing Ridge.
Visited: 1135, Monday, 9 May, 2016