One of the many vineyards at Lilydale

Lilydale (including Montrose, Wandin, Seville, Coldstream and Dandenong Ranges National Park)
Dandenongs settlement noted for wine growing
Lilydale, 39 km west-north-west of Melbourne via the Maroondah Highway, could be described as the gateway to the Yarra Valley wine-growing area. In fact a profitable wine industry developed at Lilydale in the 19th century on the back of the rich red volcanic soils of the area. It got under way with the planting of the Yarra Valley's first vines in 1838 at Yering station to the north (see entry on Yarra Glen). The pioneers in this respect were William Ryrie, Paul de Castella and Baron de Pury.

In 1856 a small number of locals petitioned the government to allow the formation of a local council. In fact Lilydale was constituted as a district and the Upper Yarra Roads Board was constituted that year (it did not hold its first meeting until 1862), bringing some form of local administration although Lilydale shire was not formed until 1872.

The name Lilydale was taken from Lilly, the daughter of Paul de Castella, although locals changed the spelling to accord with the spelling of the flower which presumably seemed more poetic. By the start of the 1880s wine-growing was thriving, as was the lime industry. Locals lobbied successfully for the extension of the Melbourne railway which arrived at Lilydale in 1882. However, the disease known as phylloxera hit Australian vines late in the century and closed all the vineyards. It was not until quite recently that the industry began to thrive once again. Today, boutique wines are a specialty of the area where the vineyards trend to be quite small, owing to the price of land. There are also a number of orchards, along with berry, herb and lavender farms. The population, in the 1996 census, was 10 694.

David Mitchell, the father of famous operatic diva Dame Nellie Melba, was one of the largest landholders in the area. He owned a dairy, a bacon factory and once built a 16-km tramway to convey firewood to his lime kilns. Dame Nellie (1861-1931) maintained her connection with the area during her adulthood. While in Australia, and particularly after her retirement, she passed time in the hills and had a retreat at Coldstream (5 km north of Lilydale). When she died large crowds lined the streets of the funeral procession which conveyed her from Melbourne to Lilydale where it was met by a guard of honour who conveyed the hearse to a gun carriage and from there to the Lilydale cemetery where she was laid to rest in a family plot.

The Lilydale Agricultural and Horticultural Show is one of the state's largest such shows outside of Melbourne. It is held in November. The Lilydale Antique Fair and Art Exhibition is held at Jean Eales Pavilion at 27-29 Market St at the outset of October. At Wandin, 10 km south-east of Lilydale on the Warburton Highway, the Victorian Cherry Festival falls in December and the Wandin Field Days are held at the Wandin East Reserve in October. The Coldstream Country and Western Festival is held in February.

Things to see:  

Tourist Information
A good place to start, regarding local tourist information, is the shire offices which can be reached on 1300 368 333. If they don't have the answers they will probably be able to recommend someone who can.

Lillydale Museum
The Lillydale Museum [it retains the original spelling of the town] is located at 33 Castella St in the original two-storey Classical Revival shire offices (1889). They house a local history collection featuring changing exhibits and research facilities. Items include photographs, documents and artefacts, including memorabilia relating to Dame Nellie Melba who made Lilydale her home after her retirement. The museum can also arrange heritage tours of Lilydale's Main Street (exploring the development of the township from the early days of settlement), the cemetery (examining the town's early pioneers and historic figures) and Church Hill (Lilydale's original civic centre). The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. or by appointment, tel: (03) 9294 6313. Check out http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/museum/museum.htm for more details.

Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company
Adjacent the museum, in Castella St, is the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company which is housed in a 19th-century brick building with another large display of Dame Nellie Melba memorabilia. It is open by appointment only, tel: (03) 9735 1777 or, after hours, (03) 9728 1195.

Courthouse
Also in Castella St is the brick courthouse which was built in 1876. It features a symmetrical central section with an ornate timber verandah.

The Towers
At 6-10 The Eyrie, at Lilydale is a residence known as 'The Towers' which is something of a local landmark. It was built in stages in the 1870s and 1880s and it mixes Classical Revival and Gothic elements. The castellated towers of the second storey are a prominent feature.

Redgum Gallery
The Redgum Gallery is located at the corner of the Maroondah Highway and Victoria Rd, on the western side of Lilydale. It features a good art and craft gallery specialising in slab redgum tables and is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 9735 4745.

Lilydale Herb Farm
The Lilydale Herb Farm specialises in herbal insect repellent, medicinal herbs, fragrant herbs and culinary plants and is open from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily, tel: (03) 9735 0486. There is also a restaurant on the complex, tel: (03) 9739 6899. To get there follow the Maroondah Highway east and turn right into Mangans Road just before you reach the turnoff into the Warburton Highway. The farm is at 61 Mangans Rd.

Wineries
St Huberts Vineyard
St Huberts Vineyard was originally established in 1862 and replanted in 1966. It produces chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, roussanne, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet merlot, pinot noir/chardonnay and sparkling wine. It is open weekdays from 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and, on weekends and public holidays, from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. There are picnic, barbecue and playground facilities and Jazz in the Summer is held every summer.

To get there head north along the Melba Highway for about 6 or 7 km. Just beyond Coldstream turn right into St Huberts Rd and proceed to the intersection with the Maroondah Highway, tel: (03) 9739 1118.

Bianchet Winery
About 2 km west of Lilydale on the Maroondah Highway turn right into Victoria Rd. Several kilometres along, to the left, at no.187, is Bianchet Winery which was established in 1978. It produces merlot, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, semillon, shiraz, chardonnay, verduzzo and traminer. The cellar door and cafe are open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and dinners are provided on Friday and Saturday nights. Other times are available by arrangement. There are seasonal vineyard/winery tours and picnic facilities are provided, tel: (03) 9739 1779.

Lirralirra Estate
About 4 km west of Lilydale on the Maroondah Highway there is a right turn into Edward Rd. A few kilometres along this road turn left into Paynes Rd. To the left, at no.15, is Lirralirra Estate which is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. during January and on weekends and public holidays the rest of the year, tel: (03) 9735 0224.

Five Oaks Vineyard
Five Oaks Vineyard, established in 1978 as Oakridge Estate, is a three-hectare vineyard which passed into new ownership in 1995. It specialises in cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay and riesling. Tours are available and there are picnic and barbecue facilities. It is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on weekends and public holidays or by appointment, tel: (03) 5964 3704. To get there follow the Maroondah Highway east of Lilydale for 2 km then head south-east along the Warburton Highway. 10 km along the highway is Seville. Turn right, heading south on the Seville-Monbulk Rd and watch for the turnoff into Aitken Road. The winery is at 60 Aitken Rd.

Lilydale Vineyards
Douthie Rd heads south off the Warburton Highway from Seville East, 15 km from Lilydale. If you follow this road for a short distance there is a signposted turnoff on the right into Davross Court where, at no. 10, you will find Lillydale Vineyards, established in 1976. The cellar door is open from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily and it produces chardonnay, pinot noir, cabernet merlot, sauvignon blanc and gewurztraminer. There is a cook-your-own char-grill and barbecue restaurant which provides lunch daily and dinner bookings on Friday and Saturday, tel: (03) 5964 2016.

Yarra Valley Winery Tours
Yarra Valley Winery Tours offer personalised tours for travellers, social, business and conference groups which include lunch, wine tastings at Yarra Valley wineries, a pick-up and return service and an on-board tour host, tel: (03) 5962 3870.

East of Lilydale
B & E Burgi
Head east from the centre of Lilydale for 2 km along the Maroondah Highway then veer off, heading south-west along the Warburton Highway. After 4 km turn left into Victoria Rd where you will find B & E Burgi which has apples, pears, lemons, cherries and peaches in season. It is open in summer on weekdays from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (03) 5964 4304.

Mont De Lacey Historical Home and Museum
Mont De Lacey Historical Home and Museum consists of an 1882 homestead, a chapel, a schoolroom and the original gardens which have been faithfully restored. The museum details the history of the earliest European settlers in Wandin with photographs and memorabilia. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Devonshire teas and guided tours are available and there are fine views. To get there head east of Lilydale via the Warburton Highway for 9 km to Wandin then veer south along Wellington Rd, tel: (03) 5964 2088.

Wandin Valley Farms
At 75 Wellington Rd is Wandin Valley Farms where fresh cherries are available in season. It is open daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., from early November to early January, tel: (03) 5964 4669.

Warratina Lavender Farm
About 1 km east of Wandin (about 10 km from Lilydale), Quayle Rd heads south off the highway. The farm is a short distance along to the left. There are lavender plants, honey, mustards, vinegars, health products, fresh and packaged food, pleasant walks and picnic/disabled facilities. It is open Saturday to Wednesday from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., September to April. There is no entry fee, tel: (03) 5964 4650. The Country Harvest Fest is held here in November.

South of Lilydale
Sosnowski's Farm
Sosnowski's Farm sells freshly-picked organic cherries in season. They are open daily for door sales in summer from 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. To get there head south of Lilydale, along Anderson St. At the roundabout avoid the left and right and choose the middle path along Hereford Rd which passes through Mt Evelyn, becoming the Monbulk Rd. About 8 km from Lilydale turn left into Hunter Rd. At the Lewis St corner is the farm, tel: (03) 9737 9590.

Lilydale Lake
If, at the roundabout mentioned in the last entry, you take the road on the right, you will find yourself heading south along the Swansea Rd. Just south of the roundabout is a signposted turnoff on the right which leads to Lilydale Lake where there is an 80-hectare passive recreational area offering sailboarding, sailing, canoeing and fishing. There are walking and cycling trails, boardwalks, wetlands, beaches, picnic areas and historical features, tel: (03) 9735 8221.

Gumnut Village
Gumnut Village is a combination nursery-gallery-craft shop-gift shop-education centre. The substantial nursery is devoted exclusively to Australian natives and the Austraflora Gardens incorporates a cottage garden, a mudbrick rotunda, fern and rainforest gardens, picnic areas, rockpools, waterfalls, container gardens, planter-boxes, and both formal and informal gardens linked by gravelled pathways. The gift shop sells exclusively Australian handmade products. There is an educational auditorium with an audio-visual presentation on the conservation of the natural environment (for school groups), a mural of May Gibbs characters, a gallery of Australian crafts (glass, wood, ceramics, sculpture, weaving, furniture and painting) and a teahouse, tel: (03) 9728 8277.

To get there head south of Lilydale along the Swansea Rd for about 6 km then turn right into Cambridge Rd. You will soon come to a turnoff on the right into Belfast Rd where you will find the complex.

Dandenong Ranges National Park
Dandenong Ranges National Park (3215 ha) is a very attractive and popular attraction which beckons Melburnians who can gaze upon its western slopes on a clear day. It was declared in 1987, although this declaration represented the amalgamation of diverse sections.

The Park offers opportunities for walking, sightseeing, picnicking, nature observation and car touring. More than 350 plant species, 130 bird species, 31 species of mammals (most are nocturnal), 21 reptile species and nine amphibian species have been recorded in the Park which is divided into five sections. The Mt Evelyn Forest, on the northern slopes of the ranges, constitutes the smallest (180 ha) and newest section of the Park. It is characterised by a combination of wet and dry forest types. The former features manna gums and mountain grey gums with an understorey of fern gullies and creeks while the latter consists of red stringybark and long-leaved box eucalypts. Echidnas, goannas, native rats, fan-tailed cockatoos, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, superb parrots and boobook, powerful and barking owls live in this section of the park. Rarities include a few platypuses, the small grass tree and a local form of the alpine grevillea.

The Wurrundjeri people once passed their winters near the Dandenong Ranges. They passed through the area en route to the Yarra Valley where they spent their summers on the banks of the Yarra River. The first European known to set foot in the Dandenongs was botanist Daniel Bunce who was drawn from Melbourne by the image of the looming western slopes in 1839. Timbergetting later emerged in the Dandenong forests and two mills were established on the northern slopes in the 1840s.

To investigate the Mt Evelyn section, head south of Lilydale along the Swansea Rd (towards Montrose) for about 5 km, turn left into York Rd, right into Crescent Rd then left into Murrumbung Rd. The steep and challenging Alpina Walk (5 km return) starts at the end of Murrumbung Rd on Track 10. Proceed in a south-easterly direction, following the signs to Track 20 (the Alpina Track) and turn right. This north-facing slope is dry and the harsh conditions have encouraged the growth of small-leafed trees and shrubs. Walk downhill, turn right into Richardson's Track, right at Wallaby Track and, at its end, right again into Wols Track. This is an impressive part of the walk but it is steep and slippery when wet. The signs will lead you back to the start of the walk.

For general information and literature contact Parks Victoria on 131 963 or, if you require more detailed information contact the office at Upper Ferntree Gully on (03) 9758 1342. You can also visit the Parks Victoria website on www.parks.vic.gov.au which provides contact details for commercial operators in the park: AAA Plus Surf Tours, AAT Kings Tours (coach and 4WD tours), Allwalks (bushwalking), Art Tracks (bushwalking), Australis Nature Tours, Auswalk (bushwalking and abseiling), Autopia Tours (bushwalking and coach tours), Driving Force (4WD tours), Excellent Tours (coach tours), Footsteps Holidays (bushwalking), Owen Correa Outback Adventures (4WD tours), Ventura Coach Holidays and Young At Heart Tours (coach tours).

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail
Lilydale lies at one end of the scenic Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail which allows you to walk or ride your bicycle or horse for 38 km along a clearly marked course following the route of the old railway line which was built in 1901 to relay local fruit, vegetables and timber to the Melbourne line (it closed in 1964).

The track can be subdivided into several sections which can be walked singly or collectively. The first section is from Lilydale to Mt Evelyn (5 km) and the track can best be joined from the corner of the Maroondah Highway and Queens Road. It passes through an area rich in fauna (such as kangaroos and birds) and springtime wildflowers and terminates at the former Mt Evelyn station (now restored and used as a library) where there is an adjacent picnic area.

The second section, Mt Evelyn to Wandin (5.4 km), passes through some damp fern gullies and remnant bushland. It finishes at the Wandin station, near the Warburton Highway. There is a carpark and picnic area adjacent.

The Wandin to Seville section is 3.4 km and it is followed by the Seville to Killara section (3.2 km) which ends at Killara station in Sunnyside Road. There is a carpark and a picnic area with horse facilities.

The Killara to Woori Yallock section (4 km) concludes at the Woori Yallock station which is in Syme Rd (close to the Warburton Highway). There are parking and picnic facilities. The Woori Yallock to Launching Place segment (6.4 km) finishes at the Launching Place Hotel (parking is available between the hotel and the general store).

The Launching Place to Yarra Junction section (2.2 km) follows the Warburton Highway to Corduroy Rd and on to a former train station at Yarra Junction which is now a museum, open Sundays and public holidays from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. (see entry on Yarra Junction).

The Yarra Junction to Wesburn section (3.4 km) is a particularly attractive trek. It crosses the Little Yarra and offers fine views over the Central Highlands and Yarra Ranges National Park.

The Wesburn to Millgrove portion is 1.7 km and the final section to Warburton (3.3 km) passes by the foot of Mt Little Jo, Tommy Finn's Trout Farm (see entry on Warburton), the gateway to Yarra Ranges National Park and Warburton Station. From the latter you can follow the highway, cross the river and pursue the cycling track to East Warburton.

For a map ring the Yarra Ranges Shire (tel: 1300 368 333). If you require more details ring (03) 5964 4842. Bicycle Victoria can be contacted on (03) 9328 3000.

Tours
Vintage Fun offers chauffeur-driven rides in vintage cars. They pick up from anywhere for any occasion, tel: (03) 9754 7670.

	Motels
	Billanook Country Inn Motel 420 Maroondah Hwy Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 3000 Facsimile: (03) 9735 1838 Rating: ***1/2
	Lilydale Motor Inn 474 Maroondah Hwy Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 5222 Facsimile: (03) 9739 5922 Rating: ***1/2
	Hotels
	Crown Hotel Lilydale Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 1619
	Olinda Creek Hotel Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 1622
	The Duke's Saloon Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 1620
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Lilydale Herb Farm B & B 61 Mangans Rd Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 0486 Rating: ****1/2
	Farm & Eco Holidays
	Cherry Top Accommodation 81 Lalla Rd Bottom Downie Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 6395 1167
	Restaurants
	Ahaan Thai Restaurant 13 Castella St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9739 6224
	Andromaches Pasta Restaurant 226 Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9739 7077
	Bianchet Winery & Restaurant 187 Victoria Rd Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9739 1779
	Billanook Country Inn 418-420 Maroondah Hwy Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 3000
	Chew Yeong Chinese Restaurant 108 Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 1802
	Food For Vitality Restaurant Olive Tree Shopping Cntr Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9739 5335
	Golden Lily Chinese Restaurant 4 Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 0680
	Goldfinger Pizza & Pasta Restaurant 230 Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 4605
	Jade House Chinese Restaurant Shop 2260 Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 1008
	KFC cnr Main St & Deschamp Ave Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9739 6492
	La Prochetta Pizza Restaurant 315 Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9739 7090
	Lilydale Herb Farm Restaurant Mangans Rd Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9739 6899
	Lilydale International Restaurant 471 Maroondah Hwy Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 0555
	Lilydale Motor Inn 474 Maroondah Hwy Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 5222 Facsimile: (03) 9739 5922
	Lilydale Palace - Chinese Restaurant 4-7 Clarke St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9739 5988
	Margarita's Mexican Cantina 190 Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9739 6171
	McDonalds Family Restaurant 356 Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 0650
	Oriental Paradise Chinese Restaurant 9a Clarke St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9739 6391
	Stans Seafood Restaurant 208 Main St Lilydale VIC 3140 Telephone: (03) 9735 4944