Mount Martha is an ideal destination for those visitors seeking a scenic and less commercial holiday location where the surrounding bushland meets the coast. A safe swimming beach lined with rows of colourful bathing boxes; wide sandy stretches exist just north and south of the village.
This small village offers good shopping with designer stores, boutiques, galleries and tempting little eateries, and a local golf course just up the road with expansive views of the bay. Adjacent to the village is a foreshore reserve that offers an enjoyable boardwalk with an audio trail along the creek through the Balcombe Creek Wetlands - home to a rich selection of birdlife. The boardwalk ends at The Briars. This property is known for its 1840s homestead, bushland and wetland trails that take in several bird hides and provide very peaceful walks. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as wallabies and native birds. Also of interest to nature lovers is 50 hectare Mount Martha Park which consists of 53 hectares of native bushland and walking trails around the 160 metre highest point of Mount Martha with panoramic views of the west over Port Phillip and south towards Arthurs Seat.
Much of the remaining coast around Mount Martha typically consists of rocky cliffs with bushland up above, offering 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.
Just to the south of Mornington, Mount Martha is approximately a 1 hour and 20-minute drive (80 kilometres) south of Melbourne.