What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 9am - 5pm

The Briars

Directions Website Contact the organization

Situated on the Mornington Peninsula, The Briars is a beautiful homestead and conservation park. Opening Hours

The Briars Precinct is open every day.
(464)

The Briars is a public park, owned and operated by the Mornington Peninsula Shire, for people of all abilities and all ages to learn about heritage, enjoy a range of activities and enjoy close encounters with Australian native animals. The Visitor Centre is open every day 10am to 4.30pm, except Christmas Day. The Wildlife Sanctuary is closed today, Wednesday May 3 due to strong winds. The Shire Nursery is open Wednesday to Friday 9am to 3.30pm and the first Saturday of the month 9am - 1pm. It is closed on Good Friday April 7, 2023. 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. Guests can book a tour of the Heritage Homestead gardens and outbuildings. Please call or email to check availability. There is no charge to go for walks, use of the BBQs or to wander through the homestead garden.

01/11/2026

Cup Day plans? The Brairs Nursery will be OPEN. 🌱🐞🌱

With the weather on the cooler side, it's a great chance for some final spring planting🌱🪴 The team are happy to help pick the right plants for your garden space, or answer any questions you might have.

📌 Never been to the nursery before? Drive past the vistior centre, up the hill and you'll find it near the camp and Eco Living Display Centre.

📆 Open 9am - 4pm .
Don't forget there is coffee van onsite if you need a caffine fix on the way ☕😍

31/10/2026

We’ve got some new little faces at The Briars! 🦎💚

Our newest skinks have moved into the Visitor Centre, and we think they’re pretty adorable. Have you met them yet? 👀

With all this rain around, it’s a good excuse to pop inside and explore! There’s plenty to keep the kids busy, interesting things to learn about The Briars and our cute little gift shop to browse.

Next time you’re visiting, come in and say hello!

30/10/2026

A little sneak peek inside The Briars Homestead. 👀
With the dining room table set, it’s easy to picture the conversations and meals once shared here.
There’s so much history behind these doors and we can’t wait to share more with you.
Stay tuned for more glimpses inside the Homestead! 💚

27/10/2026

Did you know The Briars has a fascinating connection to Napoleon Bonaparte?

It goes right back to our name.

The Briars was named after the Balcombe family's home on St Helena, where Napoleon stayed during his exile before moving to Longwood House.

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming the French Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr David Martinon, for a special viewing of our Napoleonic Collection.

Recognised as one of the most significant Napoleonic collections outside Europe, it preserves an extraordinary chapter of local and international history.

And there's more to come! 👀

We're looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the Homestead to experience the collection firsthand.

Keep an eye on our socials for updates!

13/10/2026

A little pop of pink amongst all that green! 🩷☕

Have you spotted Beverley's Coffee Co. at The Briars?

Next time you're visiting, stop by for a coffee before heading off to explore.

03/10/2026

Some wonderful news for The Briars and the Mornington Peninsula 🌿

Both of our finalist projects have won their categories at the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns & Cities Sustainability Awards.

The Eastern Dwarf Galaxias Recovery Project has won the Environment category, celebrating the work being done to protect this endangered species at The Briars.

The Ngawak Biik (Naa-wuk Beek) Junior Rangers Program has won the Indigenous Culture category, celebrating a program that brings First Nations young people together to connect with culture, Country and caring for the environment.

We’re very proud of the teams, partners, young people and community members behind both programs.

It was a great result across the region too, with the Mornington Peninsula named Victoria’s 2026 Tidy Town Winner for the second year running. 💚

Ecology Australia

02/10/2026

Tomorrow is the first Saturday of the month… and there’s plenty happening at The Briars. 🌿

This weekend, visit the Craft Markets Australia Briars Market, head into the Wildlife Sanctuary, find something for the garden at The Briars Nursery, or stop by the Eco Living Display Centre.

The Home Harvest Exchange is on too, so bring along your homegrown produce, seeds or seedlings and swap them for something new.

You can also explore the heritage gardens, information centre and bring a picnic and find a spot to enjoy it.

There’s plenty happening this Saturday at The Briars.

As many of our activities are outdoors, plans can change with the weather. Check our socials before you visit for any updates.

25/09/2026

Been past The Briars but never turned down the driveway?

Right here in Mount Martha, you can wander through our sanctuary and wetlands, stop at the bird hides, explore the heritage gardens, pop into the nursery, or simply slow down for a picnic.

And the Wildlife Sanctuary is free to explore.

Consider this your reminder that one of the Peninsula’s best nature escapes might be closer than you think.

24/09/2026

Yes, we’re open Grand Final weekend!

The Briars Nursery will be open on both the Friday public holiday and Grand Final Saturday, from 9am–4pm.

Come in for a browse and discover indigenous Mornington Peninsula plants and Australian natives suited to local gardens.
📍 The Briars Nursery
🕘 9am–4pm (Tuesday – Saturday)

23/09/2026

🦘🌿 Wildlife Eco Explorers starts next week!

If you've got a budding wildlife ranger, nature lover or animal enthusiast at home, there's still time to book.

Kids aged 7-13 will spend the day alongside our Rangers.

Across the day they'll:
📸 Set wildlife cameras and look for signs of native animals
💧 Try dip netting and discover what's living beneath the water's surface
🌱 Plant native trees to help restore habitat
🦘 Explore the Wildlife Sanctuary
🎨 Get creative with nature-inspired activities
🔎 Learn how Rangers care for wildlife and protect the environment

A full day of outdoor fun, discovery and hands-on learning.

📅 29 & 30 September + 1 October
⏰ 8.45am to 4pm
📍 The Briars, Mount Martha
Book one day or join us for all three.

Places are limited. Book now: https://mornpen.link/PA

22/09/2026

Looking for a wedding space surrounded by nature? 🌿💍

Set amongst the beautiful landscape of The Briars in Mount Martha, your wedding day can unfold amongst gardens, open lawns, rolling hills and the vineyard.

Plan an intimate ceremony or bring everyone together for a larger celebration. The Briars offers a beautiful setting to bring your day to life, with spaces you can make your own and plenty of natural beauty as your backdrop.

Visit our website for more information about weddings at The Briars: https://mornpen.link/Py

📸wedding and

Address

450 Nepean Highway
Mount Martha, VIC
3934

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm
Sunday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Environment/The-Briars

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Briars posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.