Sale to Bairnsdale drive: Distance, time & best stops

The Sale to Bairnsdale drive covers a 70km distance in a driving time of around 52m. The best road trip stop along the way is Stratford.

The drive from Sale to Bairnsdale connects two of the most popular towns in East Gippsland, Victoria.

Most overseas visitors will pass this way while driving from Melbourne to Mallacoota or Melbourne to Merimbula.

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Sale to Bairnsdale distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Sale to Bairnsdale is 70km. This makes for a driving time of around 52 minutes.

Things to do in Sale include the sensory garden in the Sale Botanic Gardens and the 3.4km Lake Guthridge and Lake Guyatt Loop walk around two man-made lakes. The top attraction in Sale, however, is the Port of Sale Heritage Cruise. This boat tour incorporates Aboriginal traditions, settler history and wildlife-spotting.

For Sale accommodation, the Matador offers a pool plus plenty of character.

Sale to Bairnsdale road trip: Sale to Stratford

The Sale to Bairnsdale drive then passes through Stratford on the way to East Gippsland’s biggest town, Bairnsdale.

Stratford is mainly a coffee stop, but you can try walking the 3km Stratford Arts Trail. This is a collection of sculptures and art installations with a distinct Shakespearian theme.

Things to do in Bairnsdale include seeing the frescoes of St Mary’s Church and learning about local Indigenous culture at the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place.

Bairnsdale accommodation favourites include the heritage-heavy Riversleigh and the good value Colonial Motor Inn.