The Briars

Opening hours update: 28 November 2022
- The Briars Precinct including the Wildlife Sanctuary is open.
- The Shire Nursery is open this Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- The Balcombe Estuary boardwalk to the Briars has extensive damage and is closed until further notice.
- The Heritage Homestead is closed due to extensive restoration. 

The Briars is a much-loved community space - perfect for a day out!

Take a walk through our Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoy a BBQ with family and friends or explore the outbuildings and heritage garden surrounding the Briars Historic Homestead.  

We have worked with the community to develop a master plan to protect and enhance this wonderful place.

Explore the pages below to learn more.

About The Briars

The Briars, situated at Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula, is a beautiful conservation park which is steeped in local history, flora and fauna on 230 hectares and offers a range of activities.

The Briars Historic Homestead and Gardens

The Briars Historic Homestead is one of the oldest houses on the Peninsula. It is a beautiful example of the resilience and bravery shown by the early European settlers as they made a home here.

What's On at The Briars

Find out about all of the events and activities available at the Briars.

Shire (Briars) Nursery

The Shire Nursery grows beautiful plants, indigenous to the peninsula as well as a range of native Australian plants, ready for your garden. Phone and email orders are still being taken with a no-contact pick up made available so you can still get out into your garden.

Weddings and Functions at the Briars

The Briars is a beautiful historic homestead and one of the oldest homes on the Mornington Peninsula. Set amongst formal gardens, views across a vineyard and over the Wildlife Sanctuary, this stunning location sets the scene for a perfect and unique function.

Venues at The Briars

There are a range of venues at The Briars, including the Marquee, Historic Gardens and a number of rooms / venues available for hire to suit a variety of function types, large and small.

We are currently taking bookings. Please note capacities will be in line with COVID-19 restrictions.

Beautiful walks at The Briars

There are a range of walking trails at The Briars, both within the Wildlife Sanctuary and around the property.

Briars Master Plan

The Briars Master Plan is Council and community's vision for the Briars. Ideas from the community have been compiled to create a plan which aims to protect, celebrate and enhance the natural, heritage and cultural beauty of this much loved community asset.

Community Environmental Education

See first-hand how you can reduce your water, energy and waste to make your home more comfortable and save the environment by a visit to the Eco Living Display Centre, located at The Briars.

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