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The Briars is a beautiful 230 hectare property in Mount Martha. Visitors can enjoy walks and wildlife spotting through the Wildlife Sanctuary or become immersed in history with a tour around the heritage Briars Homestead garden.

The Shire Nursery is housed on the property and offers a range of beautiful native and indigenous plants for home gardens while the Eco-Living Display Centre provides visitors with all the tips and tricks needed to make your home resource efficient.

Now a National Trust property, the homestead was constructed in 1851 when owner Alexander Balcombe lived at the property with his young family. It is now undergoing extensive restoration work and will reopen to the public in 2025.

The Briars invite you to wander the many nature walks, explore the historic homestead garden and become familiar with the local wildlife.

The Briars also features a visitor’s centre, wildlife sanctuary, wetlands, gardens, outdoor education camp, astronomy centre and picnic areas. Please check the Briars social media channels and website for a complete program of activities and events.

Ideal For

FAQs

Accessibility: Actively welcomes people with access needs. Offer multiple options for booking - web, email, phone . Offer a range of contact methods for receiving complaints . Accept the Companion Card . Train your staff in disability awareness . Ask all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met . Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids) . Have grab rails in the bathroom. Provide seating in common areas including reception area. Caters for people who use a wheelchair. Have step free outdoor pathways (includes picnic areas, barbecues and shelters). Have a step free main entrance to the building and/or reception area (includes ramps or slopes with a maximum gradient of 1:14, otherwise are too steep for wheelchairs). Have wheelchair accessible picnic tables (picnic tables require 720mm knee clearance and 800mm maximum height).
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Point
  • Enquiry Desk
  • Carpark
  • Cafe
  • Barbeque
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