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The Briars

Welcome to the Briars! Our opening hours are listed below.
- The Visitor Centre is open 10am to 4.30pm daily.
- The Wildlife Sanctuary is open 9am to 4.30pm daily.
- The Community Forest is open daily.
- The Balcombe Estuary boardwalk in the Briars has extensive damage and is closed until further notice.
- The Heritage Homestead is closed due to extensive restoration.
- The Shire Nursery is open Wednesday to Friday 9am to 3.30pm and 1st Saturday of every month 9am to 1pm.

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.

Please Note
Due to the sensitive natural environment dogs are prohibited from The Briars. Dogs may be walked on lead along Balcombe Creek trail or off lead in the designated areas of the co-located Community Forest.

Briars Nursery

The Briars 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 welcome.

Education Programs at The Briars

The Briars offers various Biological Science programs, as well as Animal Encounter programs for Foundation to Year 6 students. Sessions run weekly throughout the school term and can be booked for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with up to three sessions per day.

What's On at The Briars

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

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.

Venues at The Briars

There are a number of outdoor venues at The Briars, including the Marquee and the Historic Gardens, to suit a variety of function types, large and small.

We are currently taking bookings.

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.

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.