Lillydale Lake

{{Infobox body of water

| name = Lillydale Lake

| image =

| caption =

| image_bathymetry =

| caption_bathymetry =

|pushpin_map=Australia Victoria Melbourne inset

| location = Lilydale, Victoria

| coords = {{Coord|37|45|57|S|145|21|11|E|type:waterbody_region:AU|display=inline,title}}

| lake_type = artificial lake

| inflow =

| outflow =

| catchment =

| basin_countries = Australia

| length =

| width =

| area = {{convert|28|ha|abbr=on}}

| depth ={{convert|3|m|abbr=on}}

| max-depth =

| volume =

| residence_time =

| shore =

| elevation =

| islands =

| cities =

}}

File:Wide shot of Lillydale Lake. Shot February 2023.jpg

Lillydale Lake (the name retaining the earliest spelling and the name of the former Lillydale Shire) is an artificial lake and wetlands area created in Lilydale, an outer eastern suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The park in which the lake is situated covers over {{convert|100|ha}} and includes extensive recreational facilities.{{Cite web |url=http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Things_To_Do/Lillydale_Lake |title=.: Lillydale Lake |access-date=2010-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827145139/http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Things_To_Do/Lillydale_Lake |archive-date=2010-08-27 |url-status=dead }}

File:Lillydale Lake aerial panorama. Shot February 2023.jpg

The lake covers 28 hectares with a 440 metre long dam wall. The ruins of the 1850s era [https://web.archive.org/web/20110328075322/http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/files/20554819-5fc1-45dd-aaae-9d1600ba216a/Cashins%20Flour%20Mill%20Brochure.pdf Cashin's flour mill] stand at the northern end of the dam wall. There are over 10 kilometres of shared trails, a community room and meeting facilities, a monster playground,{{Cite web|url=http://www.family-getaways-melbourne.com/lillydale-lake.html|title=Lillydale Lake|date=28 August 2020 }} toilets, barbecues and a picnic area. A boat launching ramp provides for non-powered boating. There are also two areas where dogs can exercise off leash.{{cite web |url=http://doggo.com.au/lillydale-lake/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307045619/http://doggo.com.au/lillydale-lake/ |archive-date=2011-03-07 |title=Lillydale Lake {{!}} Dog Parks {{!}} Doggo - Where Dogs Go To Play!}}

History

File:A pier at Lillydale Lake.jpg

Areas of Lilydale township are low-lying and susceptible to flooding from the Olinda Creek.{{cite web|url=http://teachit.acreekps.vic.edu.au/cyberfair2002/Lillydalelake.htm |title=Lillydale Lake |accessdate=2009-12-17 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003024921/http://teachit.acreekps.vic.edu.au/cyberfair2002/Lillydalelake.htm |archivedate=2009-10-03 }}

File:Lillydale Lake's parkland and playgrounds from above.jpg

In 1853 surveyor James Blackburn saw the site as a location for a water catchment though the Yan Yean Reservoir was eventually built instead.

The local council proposed a 65-hectare park in 1969 with several more proposals made but due to lack of funds none eventuated. Following floods in September 1984, construction of the lake was proposed to prevent future flooding and provide recreational facilities. Construction began in 1988 and was completed in June 1990. It was officially opened to the public on 7 July 1990.

Local residents often walk, run or cycle around the lake for fitness reasons.

Lillydale Lake

History

References

Further reading