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. 

Homestead admission: Adults $10, Concession/Child $5, Family $15. No charge for current National Trust members.

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; Shire Nursery and Angus & Rose restaurant.

Dogs are not permitted at The Briars.

Phone: 03 5950 1221

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