National Trust The Briars Homestead/Park

Address: 450 Nepean Hwy

Suburb: Mount Martha

Postcode: 3934

The Briars is one of the Mornington Peninsula’s oldest properties. Captain James Reid arrived in 1840 and erected a hut on the site now occupied by the Visitor Information Centre. In 1846 Alexander Beatson Balcombe purchased the property, and built a homestead from local materials. They named it “The Briars” after the family home on St Helena. The Homestead contains historic photographs, artefacts and a Napoleonic Collection.

Opening hours: The Historic Homestead is open on days when a volunteer guide is on duty. The Visitors Centre is open between 9am & 5pm. The Wildlife Sanctuary is open between 9am & 4.30pm. Please note the Sanctuary is closed on days of Total Fire Ban and when wind strength exceeds 35 kph.

The Briars is closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday.  

Services/Activities: Guided tours; BBQ & picnic facilities; 90+ hectare Wildlife Sanctuary including wetlands and bird hides; several bushland walks including pram friendly and wheelchair accessible walks; school holiday activities include Junior Ranger Programs and ranger-guided spotlight walks; function hire of Homestead, barn and grounds; Outdoor Education Camp; Josephine’s Restaurant; Eco House. 

Dogs are not permitted at The Briars.

Phone: 03 5950 1221

Email: the.briars@mornpen.vic.gov.au