www.visitor.com.au SmartPage Explore more with SmartPage 41 www.visitor.com.au Discover HERONSWOOD BE INSPIRED Escape to Heronswood, one of Australia s finest gardens and discover a tranquil oasis in the middle of the Mornington Peninsula.
Be inspired by 4 acres of colourful flower borders, vegetable parterre and food gardens nestled under the canopy of mature trees.
The lush, cool garden offers a wonderful place to escape to from the summer beach crowds even on our hottest days.
The flower borders are at their peak and the parterre full of heirloom produce right through summer and autumn.
The centerpiece of the garden is the gracious historic house that dates back to 1871 and is a wonderful example of the neo gothic style of architecture.
With high ceilings and internal furnishings appropriate to its early origins, the provides a fascinating glimpse back to early settlement days.
Originally a family residence, the property was gifted to the garden Trust and is now home to the Diggers Club, Australia s largest garden club specialising in heirloom seeds, unusual plants, and gardening essentials.
Wander around the living catalogue of fruit trees, vegetable gardens and flower beds before visiting the garden shop for help with ideas for you own garden and book into workshops to sharpen your gardening skills workshops The historic building now houses the Heronswood Restaurant and offers delicious meals framed around estate-grown heirloom produce and enhanced by the local wines.
Entry to the garden and Heronswood House Restaurant 10 Diggers members free and entry to the Garden shop and casual coffee outdoors free.
A CULTURAL LANDSCAPE The Briars is one of the Mornington Peninsula s oldest properties first settled in 1840 by Captain James Reid, a retired army officer.
He took up a 2000 hectare pastoral lease which he named Tichin-Gorourke after the Boonwurrung name for Balcombe Creek meaning voice of many frogs .
Boonwurrung people lived, hunted and gathered here for tens of thousands of years.
In 1846 Alexander Beatson Balcombe settled at Techin-Gorourke with his wife Emma and their baby daughter.
He erected the pre-fabricated Hutch in 1846, built the South Wing c.
1850 and the North Wing c.
1865.
During this period Alexander was able to buy freehold title to more than 50 hectares.
Alexander s descendants, the Murphy and a Beckett families, remained at the Briars until 1976.
In that year Richard a Beckett sold the remaining 220 hectares to the Shire of Mornington and presented the Briars Homestead and surrounding eight hectares of lawns, old established trees, gardens and outbuildings jointly to the Shire and the national Trust of Australia Victoria , for the people of Victoria and in memory of his wife Elizabeth Clare.
The Homestead today contains a collection of Balcombe family photographs, National Trust owned furniture typical of the nineteenth century, and the Dame Mabel Brookes Family Records of Napoleon.
It was on St Helena in 1815 that Alexander s father and Dame Mabel s great-grandfather William befriended the exiled French Emperor, permitting him to live temporarily in a pavilion attached to the original Briars.
William s career with the East India Company was nearly destroyed by this perceived indiscretion and resulted in his recall to England on suspicion of treason.
Exonerated in 1823, he was appointed as the first Colonial Treasurer of New South Wales.
The Briars is a fabulous destination on the Peninsula it combines history with wetlands and native wildlife appealing to all generations of visitors.
The 230 hectares on Nepean Highway in Mt Martha includes wetlands, woodlands, historic buildings, function centres cafe s is an amazing destination.
Entry to the park is free the Visitor Centre has lots of information to guide you through the spectacular walks that wind through the landscape.
WETLANDS, WOODLANDS WALKS The landscape and wildlife here is amazing and after our winter rain, the wetlands are overflowing.
Make sure you take your binoculars as you walk among some of the finest manna gums on the Peninsula in search of over 120 species of bird and the resident population of Koalas, Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Swamp Wallabies.
There are paths to suit everyone with many suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Experience the night sky like you never have before At 8pm on the first Friday of every month, telescopic viewing nights are held and offer a rare view of the moon, stars and even passing Space Stations.
Bookings are essential for these popular events.
A small fee is involved and bookings can be made on 0419253252 or by email welcome mpas.asn.au.
- Linda Rydin top attractionswww.Heritage - Pioneers, Parks Propertiestop original pastoral gardens dating from farmland Display See the Homestead and learn about the Balcombe family, the amazing connection with the Emperor Napoleon and how the Briars got its name Explore the Wildlife Reserve search for koalas and kangaroos, and view waterbirds from special hides PARK OPEN 9AM - 5PMNepean Briars Park at Mt Martha is one of the Peninsula s original pastoral properties.
Entry to the park is free and families are welcome to bring a BBQ or picnic.
Visit the Homestead entry fees apply and learn about the Balcombe family s connection with the Emperor Napoleon.
Afterwards, let the kids search for kangaroos koalas at the 76 hectares of wildlife reserve.
It's an area for roo wallaby spotting non-breeding populations of both eastern grey kangaroos and swamp wallabies have made the sea change from Healesville Sanctuary and a breeding population of koalas has been introduced to the vermin-proof reserve.
The visitor's centre records daily sightings, so head to where the last sighting was to spot the wildlife.
If you are looking for something to do during the school holidays, why not join one of the organised activities The Junior Ranger Program is designed for kids aged 6 to 10 is always popular, so book early.
PENINSULA S ORIGINAL PASTORAL PROPERTYHospital National Park s Quarantine Station Quarantine Station permanently opened opportunity to explore the grounds and 3 and the adjacent Cook House visitors greater access, appreciation Station and its rich history.
evolution of the uses and the fabric of through to today and evidence subsequent alterations are passenger class accommodation original hospital buildings on the site the organisation and functions of Army subsequently used the site.
the Quarantine Station to the into the national park thousands and discovered a wealth of remained largely unknown to the wider do with the family this summer, Point Nepean pack a picnic, around the park and make your DISCOVERIESTHINGS POINT NEPEAN dramatic coastal landscape where Port Phillip Bay meets Bass Strait.
Propertiestop earliest original pastoral buildings and gardens dating from delightful farmland wetlands See the Homestead and learn about the Balcombe family, the amazing connection with the Emperor Napoleon and how the Briars got its name Explore the Wildlife Reserve search for koalas and wildlife.
If you are looking for something to do during the school holidays, why not join one of the organised activities The Junior Ranger Program is designed for kids aged 6 to 10 is always popular, so book early.
five original hospital buildings on the site understanding of the organisation and functions of how the Army subsequently used the site.
opening of the Quarantine Station to the incorporation into the national park thousands the grounds and discovered a wealth of had remained largely unknown to the wider something to do with the family this summer, beautiful Point Nepean pack a picnic, or walk around the park and make your AT POINT NEPEAN tunnels at the dramatic coastal landscape where Port Phillip Bay meets Bass Strait.
hides ensure watchers as the wetlands Dotterels could hide last week.
Now exposed, long-necked themselves too.
Grey Kangaroos Sanctuary from a closed Fauna Park.
They have joined the existing kangaroos and wallabies and have settled in well to their new environs and are thriving.
One of the swamp wallabies living in the wetland area currently has a joey.
They are seen quite regularly by staff and visitors.
- Hope to see you here enjoying a day out at The Briars.
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM FOR 6-10 YR OLDS 2nd, 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th 13th April 2012, 9 30am-midday.
Meet at the Visitors Centre.
Bookings pre-payment ess.
15 per child.
Life in the Leaf Litter Leaf litter, an autumn delight, an amazing hidden world of orange ears, puffballs and earth stars.BYO Box drink snack for morning tea.
Dress appropriately for the weather and wear enclosed footwear.
Please advise staff at time of booking if your child has Anaphylaxis.
SPOTLIGHT WALKS Wed.
4th, Sat.
7th, Sun.
8th Frid.
13th April 2012, 7 00 8 30pmEnjoy the ultimate bush experience.
Take a night bushwalk spotlight walk with a Ranger in The Briars Wildlife Sanctuary.
10 per person.
Bookings pre-payment are essential.
BYO small torch.
Meet at the Visitors Centre.
Why not bring along a BBQ for dinner prior to the walk Free electric BBQ s in the picnic area.
MINI JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM Mon.
2nd April 2012, 1st session 9 30-11 00am, 2nd session 11 30am 1 00pmMagical Aquatic Minibeasts Fun nature activities for children 2 6 years.
14 per child.
Come ponding at The Briars in a beautiful billabong, learning the wonders of the underwater world.
Make your favourite minibeast to take home.
BYO box drink and snack.
Dress appropriately for the weather and wear enclosed footwear.
Meet at the Visitors Centre.
Children must be accompanied by an adult adults are free .
Bookings pre-payment ess, phone or text Narelle on 0431-791-379 or email oaks bigpond.net.au.
www.naturedkids.com.au Enquiries also to The Briars.
SUSTAINABILITY WORKSHOPS AT THE ECO LIVING DISPLAY CENTRE Saturday 14th April, 10 00 11 30amIndigenous gardening workshop Find out about the Peninsula s diverse indigenous plant communities, how to determine which species are local to your area, the benefits of indigenous gardening and how to prune and plant indigenous species.
Cost 10 pp.
Saturday 21st Sunday 22nd April, 10 00am 4 00pm Dig deeper into permacultureJarrod Ruch, Senior Ranger at The Briars will present a two day workshop on permaculture.
Topics will include the ethics and principles of permaculture, natural soil fertility, agroforestry, water harvesting and seed saving.
Cost 130 pp BYO lunch.
Morning and afternoon tea provided .
Bookings are essential Phone 5987-3078 or 1800-804-009 or at www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.orgTELESCOPIC VIEWING NIGHTS 1st Friday evening each month 8pmCome and join the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society MPAS for an informative talk on astronomy followed by telescopic viewing weather permitting .
Prices 8 Adult, 4 Child, 20 Family.
To book call MPAS on 0419-253-252 or email welcome mpas.asn.auJOSEPHINE S LICENCED RESTAURANTRestaurant open Wednesday to Sunday for delicious morning and afternoon teas and lunches.
Bookings taken for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Restaurant opening hours 10 30am - 4 00pm.
Bookings Phone 5974-1104Entry to the Briars is free.
While dogs are not permitted in the park, the Community Forest on Nepean Highway is a leash-free area.
On days of Total Fire Ban there is o entry into the Wildlife Sanctuary.Picnic facilities include free electric bbqs.
There is also an urn on-site for use by visitors.
The requestFeatures the BriarsWHAT'S ON031 .heronswood