Melbourne Social Walks - Balcombe Reserve & The Briars - Lara's Birthday & Easter Walk - Easy 11km

ABOUT THIS EVENT

Join the whole Social Walks crew for a fun and meaningful Easter Sunday hike as we come together to celebrate Lara’s birthday — and her last hike before she and Nath start nesting and getting ready to welcome their little one into the world! Only a few weeks to go now! 💛

We’re heading out to explore one of the Mornington Peninsula’s hidden gems: the Balcombe Reserve and Ker-Bur-Rer Walks. This beautiful trail winds its way through native bushland, along boardwalks and creeks, and finishes up in the gorgeous Briars Wildlife Sanctuary.

Our Social Walks are a great way to get outside, get your body moving and make some amazing new friends along the way!

Meet our group and stay up to date with all our events here in our Facebook Group - Melbourne Social Walks

WHAT TO EXPECT

Get ready to explore one of the Mornington Peninsula’s hidden gems 🌿. We’ll kick things off at the Balcombe Estuary Reserve in Mount Martha — right where the creek meets the bay. From there, we’ll follow the scenic trail as it winds through peaceful bushland, over wooden boardwalks and bridges, and all the way to the stunning Briars Wildlife Sanctuary 🦘🦉.

The full trail is around 11km long and should take us roughly 3 hours to complete, depending on the pace of the group. It’s mostly flat with a gentle 100m elevation gain, making it a great choice for beginners or anyone just wanting a chilled Sunday walk. You don’t need to be super fit — just bring a good attitude and comfy shoes 👟😊.

This track is loaded with native flora and fauna, and if we’re lucky, we might even spot some iconic Aussie wildlife along the way — keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos, koalas, emus, echidnas, and plenty of birdlife 🐨🦅🐾. The Briars is especially known for its peaceful bushland and protected habitats, so it’s a special spot to walk and unwind.

We’ll finish up around 12:30–1:00pm back where we started, and from there, everyone is welcome to join us at the Dava Hotel for a cheeky Sunday drink and some birthday cake! 🍻🎂. It’s the perfect way to cap off a relaxing hike with some good vibes and see Lara off for a short break from Social Walks 😊

NOTE: A small portion of the boardwalk between the Balcombe Reserve and the Briars is currently closed, our guides have arranged an alternative route for this part of the trail. 

START TIME AND MEET LOCATION

MEETING LOCATION: Balcombe Estuary Reserve - Mirang Avenue, Mount Martha VIC 3934

MEETING TIME: Arrive between 9:00am - 9:20am to meetup for a 9:30am sharp Departure (Plan to arrive early and give yourself extra time for parking).

NOTE: Arriving on time is critical to the Walk getting away on time. Participants not check-in by 9:20 may be left behind. 

PARKING: There is free parking at the end of Mirang Avenue at the Balcombe Estuary Reserve. There is additional parking at the beginning of Mirang Avenue and also more parking at the Ritchie's SUPA IGA Mt Martha only 400m from the start of the trail. 

CARPOOLING: Need help finding a ride to the hike, feel free to post in the Melbourne Social Walks Facebook Group.

WHAT TO BRING

- Water (at least 2-3L)

- Snack food for the hike

- Money for pub/café afterwards (optional)

WHAT TO WEAR

- Comfortable Walking Shoes

- Comfortable Weather Suitable Clothing (check weather on the day). 

- Hat / Beanie

FINISH

The Hike should take around 3 hours with small breaks to enjoy some sightseeing and wildlife spotting.

The walk starts and finishes in the same location. 

There is no cost to enter the Briars Wildlife Sanctuary

Can't wait to see you there!

Nath, Lara, Dan, Ads & Grant