Lillydale Lake (the name retaining the earliest spelling and the name of the former Lillydale Shire) is an artificial lake and

wetlands A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded or saturated by water, either permanently (for years or decades) or seasonally (for weeks or months). Flooding results in oxygen-free (anoxic) processes prevailing, especially in the soils. The ...

area created in Lilydale, an outer eastern suburb of

Melbourne Melbourne ( ; Boonwurrung/Woiwurrung: ''Narrm'' or ''Naarm'') is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria, and the second-most populous city in both Australia and Oceania. Its name generally refers to a met ...

Victoria Victoria most commonly refers to: * Victoria (Australia), a state of the Commonwealth of Australia * Victoria, British Columbia, provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada * Victoria (mythology), Roman goddess of Victory * Victoria, Seychelle ...

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. The park in which the lake is situated covers over and includes extensive recreational facilities. Lillydale Lake aerial panorama

The lake covers 28 hectares with a 440 metre long dam wall. The ruins of the 1850s er
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, 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.

History

Areas of Lilydale township are low-lying and susceptible to flooding from the

Olinda Creek Olinda Creek (Woiwurrung–Daungwurrung language, Woiwurrung: ''Gnurt-bille-worrun'') is a major tributary of the Yarra River in Victoria, Australia. Its origins are in the Dandenong Ranges, and it is notable for passing through the human settle ...

. In 1853 surveyor James Blackburn saw the site as a location for a water catchment though the

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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.

History

References

Further reading