Is there a direct flight to Sale?

No, you must fly to Melbourne and travel by land.

How long is the train from Melbourne?

It takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Is Sale a good place to visit?

Yes, it is a gateway to the Gippsland Lakes and coastal parks.

Are there tolls on the Princes Highway?

No, the Princes Highway is toll-free outside of Melbourne.

Can I take a dog on the train?

Only assistance animals are permitted on V/Line trains.

Gold Coast

Flight Driving

Gold Coast to Sale

Updated: 30 May 2026

Sale is a major town in the Gippsland region of Victoria. To get there from the Gold Coast, the most practical route is flying to Melbourne and taking the V/Line train from Southern Cross Station. The train journey offers a scenic view of the Gippsland countryside. If you prefer to drive, the route follows the M1 through Sydney and down the coast of New South Wales into Victoria. Sale is known for its proximity to the Gippsland Lakes.

Total Distance: Driving distance 1,850 km, straight-line air distance 1,450 km.

Fastest Way

Flight to Melbourne followed by a rental car.

Cheapest Way

Flight to Melbourne followed by the V/Line train.

Compare Gold Coast to Sale Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	6 hours total	20 hours driving time
Avg Price	250-450 AUD	350-500 AUD in fuel
Operator	Jetstar	N/A
Route	Flight to Melbourne, then V/Line train from Southern Cross to Sale.	M1 Pacific Motorway to Melbourne, then M1 Princes Highway to Sale.
Tip	The train ride from Melbourne to Sale takes approximately 3 hours.	The Princes Highway is well-maintained but can be busy near major towns.

Travel Tips

Train Booking
Book your V/Line train ticket online to secure a seat on the Gippsland line.
Coastal Drive
If driving, take the coastal route through Eden for better scenery.
Accommodation
Sale has several historic hotels; book early for weekend stays.
Local Transport
Sale is best explored by car; consider renting one at the airport.
Weather
Gippsland can be cool; pack a jacket even in summer.