The Briars

The Briars is a 230-hectare heritage park and wildlife sanctuary in Mount Martha on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Centred on the historic Briars Homestead built 1848-1851, it combines a National Trust-classified homestead, formal gardens, wetlands, woodlands and wildlife sanctuary. Notable for its association with Alexander Balcombe and its Napoleon memorabilia collection, it offers nature trails, wildlife viewing and cultural heritage experiences.

Visitors can explore the historic Briars Homestead on guided tours, stroll through heritage gardens and 230 hectares of parkland with walking trails, wetlands and bird hide. The wildlife sanctuary features emus, kangaroos, wallabies and waterbirds. The Eco Living Display Centre, picnic and barbecue areas, visitor centre and interpretive displays are accessible within the reserve. Surroundings include open woodland, Balcombe Creek wetlands and managed conservation areas.

The Briars Homestead was built between 1848 and 1851 by Alexander Balcombe, former purveyor to Napoleon on St Helena, who brought a significant collection of Napoleonic memorabilia to Australia. The property remained in the Balcombe family for generations and was later acquired by the Mornington Peninsula Shire. The homestead, outbuildings and garden are classified by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

The Briars is a significant cultural heritage site for the Mornington Peninsula, preserving early colonial pastoral history, heritage gardens and one of Australia's important Napoleon collections. It serves as a community conservation reserve, education centre for sustainability through the Eco Living Display Centre, and a wildlife sanctuary reflecting local Bunurong/Boon Wurrung Country natural heritage.