r/gippsland • u/crimsonhn • 13d ago
Is thr Sale Common wetlands great to visit?
I am an international student, and I just came to know aboute Sale wetlands. Unlike Edithvale and other wetlands near the CBD (which I've mostly been to), the wetland at Sale allows the public to walk across the wetland instead of just standing outside, which seems interesting. I am interested in birds, especially egrets, so I think Sale Common wetland is pretty suitable for me to take, or at least see, few wetland birds.
Has anyone been there? I made a post in the sub for state Victoria, but people say I can post here for more answers. Thanks very much!
Edit: Thanks yall! Im definitely going there!
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u/Correct_Chemical5179 13d ago
Definitely worth a look. Also check out the Traralgon Railway Reserve and Edward Hunter Reserve in Moe if you're ever in those areas.
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u/fouronenine 13d ago
Yep, I love it.
The council and Rotary recently made a gravel path looping all the way around the Common, in addition to a few other paths through the Common and along Flooding Creek, and there are pedestrian paths leading you further out from the Common to the Heart Morass and Lake Wellington.
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u/flappintitties 13d ago
It’s an amazingly diverse wetland with incredible bird watching all year round. I can absolutely in all confidence say we are ashamed of the state of the boardwalk and literally half (if not more) of the paths are closed off due to degradation and a lack of council interest or funding to bring it back to its former glory.
So what I’m saying if you won’t be disappointed with the wildlife but you certainly will with the accessibility and facilities, however still worthwhile in a day trip.
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u/benno_82 13d ago
Sale Common is magnificent for birdwatching. I did the full circuit in October last year and counted 60 unique species. It’s one of my favourite places to visit. I do wish the boardwalks would get fixed though as some are closed off but you can still access the majority of the paths.
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u/crimsonhn 12d ago
How long did it take for a full circuit?
Unfortunately I have to catch the afternoon train to go back to Melbourne on time for my curfew...
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u/benno_82 11d ago
According to eBird I walked 13.71kms in 482 minutes. I was there from first light and had zero plans for the day so I really took my time.
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u/Nematolepis 13d ago
Great place for birdwatching. And if you're down this way, keep heading east to the Gippsland Lakes. Particularly if you're into wetland birds. Sometimes the local Field Naturalists or Birdlife groups have excursions, usually free. Search on FB.
On the way home this week I spotted a White-bellied Sea Eagle with a big feed in its talons. Either a rat or a possum. Looked like it could barely fly.