Gazing across the sparkling waters of Port Phillip Bay, have you ever wondered about the majestic peak that dominates the landscape? That, my friends, is Mount Martha. A place of captivating beauty and rich history, Mount Martha beckons us to explore its secrets. Mount Martha stands proudly at 160 meters, its peak a testament to time and nature’s artistry. Named in 1836 by Captain William Hobson after his mother, Martha Jones, Mount Martha has witnessed the ebb and flow of history.
Mount Martha wasn’t always a tranquil haven. In the 1840s, it was a bustling hub of farming activity. The iconic Briars Homestead, built between 1848 and 1851, stands as a reminder of this era. Alexander Balcombe, the homestead’s original owner, cultivated the surrounding land and tended to sprawling vineyards. The homestead’s name, interestingly, was inspired by a lodging in Saint Helena. The Briars later housed a remarkable collection of Napoleonic memorabilia, a testament to Balcombe’s connection to the exiled emperor through a shared acquaintance on St Helena.
As time marched on, Mount Martha transformed. The elegant Martha Hotel, built in 1890 in the Federation Queen Anne style, became a social hub. Today, this building, now known as Mt. Martha House, serves as a community center. It even played a vital role during World War II, serving as barracks for the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps. The war also brought the United States Marine Corps’ 1st Marine Division to Mount Martha’s Balcombe Creek camp in 1942.
Modern Mount Martha offers a blend of old and new. The Martha Cove marina development, while initially met with protests, has blossomed into a thriving community. A boardwalk now winds along the scenic Balcombe Creek, inviting leisurely strolls. The Mount Martha Golf Club on Forest Drive draws golf enthusiasts. The annual Mount Martha Australia Day Swim, or “MMAD Swim,” is a beloved local tradition. From its humble farming beginnings to its present-day allure, Mount Martha continues to captivate with its unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant community spirit.