The area was first settled, due to its proximity to Launceston, in 1859 when the first pioneers were William Lynch and in 1860 John Campbell. An American Company established a water driven sawmill on the banks of the Pipers River, and later built a tramway for transporting goods and supplies.

The first school was established by G.K. Sulzberger in 1874, the same year that the post office was opened for business. A public hall was built on the corner of Karoola and Lilydale Roads.

In 1879 a meeting of subscribers to the Upper Piper River Uniting Church resulted in the construction of said church a year later. By 1900 it was reported that the area was primarily concerned with fruit growing and timber milling.

In 1911 a municipal council met on the first Saturday of the month in Lilydale, representing a population of 2,791 people in the area.

A constable, 8 justices of the peace and five different denominations were represented in Lilydale. Post and Telegraph services were available, a coach service linked Lilydale to Launceston, a pound was in operation and there were several state schools in the area.

Today Lilydale has become a well known artistic centre, to which the numerous studios and art and crafts galleries will attest.


Natural Attractions

Nearby Mt Arthur is networked with a variety of walking trails which lead to spectacular mountain views and encompass a wide range of flora and fauna en route. Lilydale Falls Reserve has a pleasant picnic area, and several walking trails make for a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Two oak trees on the reserve were planted on Coronation Day, May 12 1937. A camp site is available on the reserve for those wishing to stay longer.

Hollybank Forest has copses of ash trees, Douglas Fir, Pines, larch and Californian redwood which had originally been planted to provide the Alexander Patent Racquet Co. Ltd with wood for cricket bats and tennis racquets; but no harvesting of timber ever occurred, thus leaving these beautiful trees for visitors to enjoy today. Picnic facilities and a variety of bush walking trails are available.

Arts and Crafts

Pottery, sculpture, woollen knits and other crafts are on display in this town.

The Appleshed Tea House serves as a reminder of the many orchards which dotted the surrounding area, and visitors can purchase supplies from the Bardenhagens General Store, which has served the local community since 1888 and remains one of the very few general stores left in Australia.

Visitors can enjoy a freshly baked organic loaf of bread straight from the wood fired scotch oven in Lilydale Bakery.

0 of a possible 0 points from 0 votes