Discover Mount Martha

Mount Martha combines a distinctive coastal setting with nature and cultural experiences. Mount Martha Beach is home to bathing boxes, while The Briars offers a different focus on nature and history. This gives you different starting points for planning your trip: a beach break or a visit centred on natural surroundings and a historic estate.

Nature and history at The Briars

The Briars precinct in Mount Martha includes a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary, a historic house listed by the National Trust, historic gardens and outbuildings, as well as a visitor centre. The wildlife sanctuary and nature reserve are the focus for nature; the house, gardens and outbuildings give the precinct its historic character. This offers specific points of interest for different visitors, without reducing The Briars to a single building.

A guided tour takes you through the garden of the historic Briars Homestead. The house itself is closed for restoration work. Check current access arrangements before your visit, especially if you plan to join the tour.

Trails, opening hours and practical information

The wildlife sanctuary has a 300-metre Wetland Walking trail boardwalk. The area is among the places accessible to people with varying mobility needs. The Eco Living Display Centre is also accessible to people with varying mobility needs. This information can help you consider the different places to visit based on the experience you want and your personal needs.

The wildlife sanctuary and Visitor Centre are open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. As opening hours can change, check the current times before your visit. The Eco Living Display Centre is open on Fridays from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; check these hours in advance too.

The Briars Community Forest is open daily and accessible from the Nepean Highway. Access may be restricted during severe weather warnings and Total Fire Ban days. It is therefore worth checking current conditions before your visit. The Briars also has picnic areas with free barbecues, a practical addition if you plan to take a break.

The 300-metre Wetland Walking trail boardwalk should not be confused with the Balcombe Estuary boardwalk: this is also at The Briars and is currently closed due to storm damage. Before visiting, check whether access has since changed.

Coastal scenery and finding accommodation

The bathing boxes at Mount Martha Beach give the town’s coastal side a distinctive character. The Briars offers a different focus, with its nature reserve, wildlife sanctuary and historic estate. If you’re looking for hotels in Mount Martha, you could start by considering which of these interests you want your trip to centre on. This way, you can begin your search with the experiences that appeal to you, rather than with a generic accommodation checklist.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bentleigh East, Princetown, Mandurang, Hopetoun, Murrabit, Sulky, Lakes Entrance, Humevale

For the main travel overview: Victoria.