Mount Martha is a seaside town on the Mornington Peninsula 60 kilometres south-east of Melbourne’s central business district. It has an area of 17.2 square kilometres.
While Mount Martha offers only a small commercial centre in Lochiel Avenue, it is an ideal destination for those visitors seeking a scenic and less commercial holiday location where the surrounding bushland meets the coast.
Peninsula Link and the Mornington Peninsula Freeway are both major arterial routes to both Mount Martha and the Mornington Peninsula, from Melbourne via the EastLink tollway.
Safe swimming beaches with wide sandy stretches exist just north and south of the commercial centre, lined with rows of colourful bathing boxes. However, much of the coast around Mount Martha typically consists of rocky cliffs with bushland above which offer a number of walking tracks and scenic viewing spots.
A worthwhile drive is along the Esplanade – a coastal road linking Mount Martha with Mornington in the north and Safety Beach in the south. This hilly and winding road hugs the steep coastline with views down to the bay on one side while exclusive homes perched high above the coast feature on the other side.
Other attractions in Mount Martha include Balcombe Creek, which swells into a wide body of water near the coast and is surrounded by a boardwalk and is home to a rich selection bird life. Of interest to nature lovers is Mount Martha Park which consists of 53 hectares of native bushland and walking trails surrounding the 160 metre peak of Mount Martha, offering panoramic views of the bay and towards Arthurs Seat.
Mount Martha’s highest point bears the area’s name and reaches 160 metres.
The peak was named after Martha Lonsdale, the wife of the colonist William Lonsdale. It marks the start of the Selwyn Fault, a geological formation which runs to the eastern Dandenong Ranges.
The median house price to buy is $1,440,000 and to rent is $800 per week.
Celebrity sightings in Mount Martha include Megan Gale, Shaun Hampson and Andy Lee.
From the 1990’s to the present the Mount Martha area has experienced significant population growth in the south with the Martha Cove marina development as well as to the east towards the Moorooduc Highway.
Mount Martha Surf Lifesaving Club holds the popular annual Mount Martha Australia Day Swim, the “MMAD Swim”, Mount Martha is home to a public golf course, public tennis courts, four football ovals and numerous grass reserves.
The Briars Park is a historic property in Mount Martha that includes the graceful Briars Homestead which was built in stages commencing in 1848 and is open for public tours. The park also includes a visitor’s centre, vineyard, nursery, restaurant, and a large wildlife reserve featuring wetlands and bird observation hides. There are number of walking trails through the wetlands, woodlands and pastures.
The population according to the 2021 census, is 19,846.
Coffee Safari
Freshly brewed coffee is a must-have. Here are a few places to check out when you’re in this beautiful part of the world.*
Donato
88 Craigie Road
Enjoy authentic Italian-inspired dishes, freshly brewed coffee, spacious indoor and outdoor seating, (furry friends welcome), and a relaxed coastal vibe at this slice of Italy on the peninsula.
Via Battisti
26 Lochiel Avenue
Coffee specialists serving amazing pours and delicious fresh food inspired by the Mediterranean in an atmosphere where customers and staff are on a first name basis.
Milk Bar & Co.
1/42 Lochiel Avenue
With great coffee and seasonal menus created by their talented chefs, locals have embraced the relaxed and friendly ambience as the go-to for a bite after a swim at the beach.
Mr Curtis
Upstairs 4/42 Lochiel Avenue
Doing lunch, dinner, cocktails, wine, choose to have a tipple downstairs in the picnic area or enjoy upstairs with the best view in town and our set menu of tasty morsels, made to share.
*Note: Please check with businesses for trading information.
What to do
Mount Martha offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxing coastal vibes. You can explore the stunning beaches, like the popular Mount Martha Beach and South Beach, ideal for swimming, picnicking, and walking. For scenic views, head to the nearby Mount Martha Lookout.
Nature lovers can enjoy the area’s parks and walking trails, such as the Balcombe Creek Reserve. Wine enthusiasts can visit local wineries and markets while art lovers can explore nearby galleries. The town also features charming cafes and boutique shops, making it a great spot to unwind and explore.
Photos Yanni