The Briars Community Forest |
The Briars is a spectacular 230-hectare property located in Mount Martha, roughly 1 hours drive to the south of Melbourne.
Visitors can enjoy walks and wildlife spotting or become immersed in history with a tour.
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 3500 trees were planted to revegetate this site, many not indigenous to the area.
Walks
There are a range of walks at The Briars, both within the Wildlife Sanctuary and around the property.
The Wildlife Sanctuary is open every day except Christmas Day, Good Friday, days of Total Fire Ban and days when a severe weather warning is issued. Closures are listed on The Briars web page, our Instagram and Facebook accounts.
Walks outside the Sanctuary are available every day.
You can drop into the Visitor Centre and collect a walking map before you head off or download it below.
Please note: Due to sensitive environments dogs are not permitted at the Briars. Dogs may be walked on lead along Balcombe Creek trail or off lead in the Community Forest.
Wetland Walk
A short 600m return boardwalk through the Ken McCarther Wetlands to two bird hides then another 400m to the Wetlands Lookout. Continue past the Wetland Lookout to complete the full Wetland Walk, a total of 2km.
Directions:
Enter via the gate located on the eastern side of the Visitors Centre.
Time:
15-30 minutes return.
Access:
A flat easy walk to the boardwalks - this part of the walk is suitable for wheelchairs and prams.The walk to the Wetlands Lookout is uphill and the remainder of the path is a gravel track.
Download: Briars map
Woodland Walk
A longer 4km return walk through a variety of vegetation including dense scrub and woodland, high quality Manna and Swamp Gum woodland and more open country where cattle once grazed.
Directions:
Enter via the gate on the western side of the Visitors Centre.
Time:
Allow 1 ½ hours to complete the walk.
Access:
Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. This walk is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. The pathway is both formed gravel track and boardwalk with occasional steps. There are some uphill sections.
Download: Briars map
Balcombe Creek Walkway
The Balcombe Creek Walkway follows the Balcombe Creek in a westerly direction from the Visitors Centre to the Nepean Highway, a distance of 1.6km return.
Directions:
Commences at the Visitors Centre.
Time:
30-45 minutes return. This walk can be continued under the Nepean Highway Bridge, linking onto the Mt Martha Boardwalk through to Mt Martha Beach, approx 7km return.
Access:
This walkway is both a formed gravel path and boardwalk. Flat with no steps. The section to Nepean Highway is suitable for wheelchairs.
Download: Briars map
Harrap Creek Walkway
The Harrap Creek Walkway commences 250m along the Balcombe Creek Walkway at the bridge crossing Balcombe Creek. The gravel walkway then continues north to Craigie Road, a distance of 1.7km return.
Directions:
Commences at the Visitors Centre.
Time:
The Harrap Creek Walkway links onto a walkway which can be followed to Civic Reserve in Mornington, approx. 7km return.
Access:
The Harrap Creek Walkway is a gravel path with one slight uphill section. Suitable for prams.
Download: Briars map
Historic Homestead Walk
Make your way up the Historic Walk - the original driveway which welcomed horses and carriages to the Briars in the 1800's. As you reach the formal gardens you will be immersed in the 1850's - 1900's, when some of the peninsula's first European families settled here. Wander the grounds and discover the heritage homestead and outbuildings, the heritage kitchen garden and the cute farm animals. A beautiful area for a walk, picnic or a function.
Download: Briars map
❊ What's On ❊
➼ Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience - Saturday 6 April 2024
❊ Address ❊
⊜ The Briars Community Forest, 442 Nepean Hwy, Mount Martha View Map
✆ Telephone: Visitors Centre 5974 3686
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ The Briars Community Forest
❊ Also See.. ❊
➼ The Briars Homestead and Gardens
Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.
Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.
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