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Lilydale Tasmania

Gateway to Northeast Tasmania

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Community and infrastructure development

As Lilydale grew from a small settlement into a thriving township, community infrastructure played a key role in shaping the town’s identity. Schools, churches, post offices, and public buildings provided essential services and spaces for residents to gather, work, and learn.

The original Lilydale Council Chambers, a key part of the town’s governance and development.

Education: schools and early learning

The first Lilydale State School was built in 1871, marking a significant step in community development.

  • The first teacher, W.E. Herriott, taught local children in a modest wooden schoolhouse.
  • The original school was burned down in 1927, and a new school was built in its current location on Main Road.
  • A plaque marking the original site can be found on the corner of Main Road and Lalla Road.
Lilydale’s First State School, where early education shaped the future of the community.

Religious and community hubs

Churches were among the first permanent buildings constructed in Lilydale, reflecting the strong faith and traditions of the settlers.

  • The first church, shared by multiple denominations, was built on land donated by Ludwig Bardenhagen. It was later moved to Bishopsbourne.
  • Uniting Church (originally the Methodist Church) – Built in 1890, still standing on Main Road today.
  • Anglican Church (Station Road) – Built in 1899, now privately owned.
  • St Anne’s Catholic Church (Lalla Road) – Opened in 1891.
  • Salvation Army Hall – Built in 1915, later moved to make way for the swimming pool in the early 1960s.
Lilydale’s first church, an essential part of community life for early settlers.

Civic growth: post office and public services

  • In 1879, the Mutual Improvement Association built a hall at the corner of Main Road and Lalla Road, becoming a key meeting place.
  • The land for the cemetery on Lalla Road was donated by Douglas Downie in 1877, and the cemetery remains in use today.
  • The post office at Upper Pipers River officially became Lilydale Post Office in 1887. The first postmaster was G.K. Sulzberger. The current post office on Main Road was built in 1924.
Lilydale First State School, and public hall in 1885. In the background is G.K. Sulzberger’s house, where the first post office was located.  In the foreground William Mundy on the right and Samuel Arnold on the left. 

Lilydale’s council and governance

Lilydale was originally managed by the Tankerville Trust, but as the town grew, a formal council was needed.

  • In 1908, the Lilydale Council was established to oversee town development.
  • The original council chambers, located on Main Road, still stands today and is known as the courthouse. It now contains a craft gallery.
  • Lilydale also had its own police officer, with a station built near the corner of Main Road and Lalla Road. It is now a private residence but the bars remain on what were the cell windows.

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