Picture this. It’s 1846. Alexander Balcombe stands on this very land. He gazes over his 2000-hectare pastoral lease. This is The Briars Homestead.
The Briars is one of the oldest homesteads on the Mornington Peninsula. Balcombe named it after his family’s home on St Helena. His father, William, worked for the East India Company there. The family befriended Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile on the island.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the Balcombe family on St Helena. William Balcombe and young Alexander. They shared stories and perhaps even a game or two with the exiled Emperor. This connection to Napoleon would shape the future of The Briars.
Alexander Balcombe sought his fortune on the goldfields. He returned to The Briars and farmed the land. He even tried his hand at wine production. But his experiments were unsuccessful.
Later, Alexander’s granddaughter, Dame Mabel Brookes, embraced the family’s Napoleonic connection. She established a collection of Napoleonic memorabilia. Some of these items are displayed in The Briars Homestead today. Keep an eye out for Bonaparte’s writing table. Dame Mabel’s collection includes locks of the emperor’s hair and his death mask.
The Boonwurrung people knew this land as Tichin-Gorourke. It means “voice of many frogs.” Today, The Briars is a haven for wildlife. Its wetlands and gardens teem with life. Alexander Balcombe’s descendants lived here until 1976.
The Briars offers many attractions today. There is a visitor’s center. A wildlife sanctuary protects native animals. Explore the wetlands and bird hides. Wander through the gardens and vineyards. Enjoy a meal at Josephine’s Restaurant. Or relax with a picnic amidst the beautiful scenery.
Note that The Briars is an extensive natural and heritage precinct. There are free BBQs and picnic areas.
Imagine the sounds. The rustling leaves. The chirping birds. And yes, perhaps even the “voice of many frogs”. The Briars is more than just a homestead. It is a living testament to history and nature.
Today, The Briars stands as a reminder of the past. It connects us to the Balcombe family. Their friendship with Napoleon. And the rich history of the Mornington Peninsula.