Community hubs and public spaces
Beyond its industries and businesses, Lilydale has always been a community-focused town, with spaces for gathering, recreation, and reflection. From historic parks and reserves to public halls and cultural landmarks, these places have played a key role in shaping Lilydale’s identity.
Lilydale Falls Reserve (1894 – present)
One of Lilydale’s most cherished natural landmarks, Lilydale Falls Reserve has long been a place for relaxation, tourism, and recreation.
- The Tasmanian newspaper (1895) described the falls as “almost perpendicular and about 25ft high while the surroundings are very beautiful with tree ferns and other plants.”
- Once used as a source of road-building materials, the area was officially designated as a reserve in 1917.
- In the early days of the Northeast Railway, trains would bring day trippers from Launceston to picnic in the Falls Reserve.
- Today, walking trails and picnic areas make the falls a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. It is a popular free overnight camping spot.
- Many of the beautiful European trees in the Falls Reserve were donated planted by members of the Lilydale community more than a century ago. Of particular note are two oak trees grown from acorns gathered from Windsor Castle, which were planted to honour the royal coronation in 1937.
Merthyr Park: a unique gift to the people
Merthyr Park, located on Second River Road, was gifted by Lord Merthyr of Castle Pembroke, Wales.
- Lord Merthyr was a prisoner of war during WWII, and as a symbol of goodwill, he gifted the land to be preserved for public use forever.
- The park is home to several walking tracks, offering beautiful views and a peaceful environment.
Lilydale Memorial Hall and swimming pool
The Lilydale Memorial Hall, opened in 1955, stands as a tribute to the community’s volunteer spirit and resilience.
- Built largely through volunteer labor and community donations.
- Local sawmill owners donated timber, and workers gave up a day’s wages to help.
Following the completion of the Memorial Hall, efforts shifted to fundraising for the Lilydale Swimming Pool, which opened in 1964 following working bees by members of the community.
These two facilities were built by the community for the community. In subsequent years they became the responsibility of the Lilydale Council. When that merged with the Launceston City Council, those community facilities went too. In 2025, they are both ‘assets’ of the City of Launceston and managed from Launceston.
Lilydale Cenotaph and Memorial Gardens
In 1997, the Lilydale RSL worked to establish the Cenotaph and Memorial Gardens at the corner of Lalla Road, on land donated by local farmer and businessman Leigh Arnold.
- Dedicated in 2000, the memorial honors Australian servicemen and women.
- The gardens provide a place of reflection and remembrance. The design of black poles complements Lilydale’s iconic ‘painted poles’, while providing poignant details about those from the Lilydale district who served in the First World War.
The Lilydale Village Green (2004)
A more recent addition to Lilydale’s public spaces, the Village Green was opened in December 2004 as a collaboration between the Lilydale District Community (through the LDPA) and the Launceston City Council.
- Features painted poles and murals, celebrating Lilydale’s history and culture.
- Funded in part by the Tasmanian Community Fund.
- Serves as a gathering space for events, markets, and public celebrations.
- Provides toilet and fresh water facilities for travellers.
Beyond its industries and businesses, Lilydale has always been a community-focused town, with spaces for gathering, recreation, and reflection. From historic parks and reserves to public halls and cultural landmarks, these places have played a key role in shaping Lilydale’s identity.
