The Briars Homestead and Gardens |
The Briars Park is the Mornington Peninsula Shire's foremost property, and a beautiful example of 'Cultural Landscape', with a long history of Aboriginal occupation, followed by European occupation of one of the first pastoral 'runs' on the Mornington Peninsula, represented today by a complex of heritage listed farm buildings and gardens.
The Briars Homestead
The Briars 1840s Homestead houses a world renowned collection of Napoleonic memorabilia, established by Dame Mabel Brookes to mark the relationship between her Grandfather William Balcombe and the Emperor Napoleon during the latter's exile on St Helena.
While the original farm has been retained, 96 hectares was never cleared and now forms an important Wildlife Reserve, protected by a vermin proof fence.
Open woodland of manna gum and peppermint is being restocked with kangaroos and wallabies to join the resident koalas, which may be seen from the Woodland Walk. Waterbirds can be viewed from the bird observation hides overlooking extensive wetlands.
Important to the Boonerwrung Aborigines, and one of the first pastoral 'runs' on the Peninsula, the Park today is a working farm, heritage listed site and wildlife reserve.
Nepean Highway
Mount Martha
Mel Ref: 145 F12
The park is open daily between 9am and 5pm. The Homestead is temporarily closed (2019) for conservation works and will reopen shortly.
CLOSED: Christmas Day
ENTRY FEES:
Entry to the park is free.
Entry to the Homestead
Adult: $10
Concession/Child: $5,
Family: $15
National Trust members: Free
The Briars Community Forest
The Briars Community Forest is located in The Briars, a spectacular 230-hectare property located in Mount Martha. The Community Forest was established in 1983 with the help of Rotary and the Mount Martha community in an area once cleared for livestock. Approximately 3,500 trees were planted to revegetate this site, many not indigenous to the area.
The Briars Community Forest
❊ What's On ❊
➼ Josephine's Restaurant | The Briars
➼ Eco Living Display Centre @ Mt Martha
❊ Address ❊
⊜ 450 Nepean Hwy Mount Martha 3934 View Map
✆ Telephone: 03 59 50 1221
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ The Briars Homestead and Gardens
➼ www.mornpen.vic.gov.au
❊ Also See... ❊
➼ The Briars Community Forest
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
Update Page
