Lillydale Lake

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There is more to Lillydale Lake than the 2.5 km circuit walk.

On any sunny weekend, the area comes alive with people enjoying themselves. Many walk the circuit, but just as many enjoy the spacious grassy areas, indulging in a picnic or BBQ.

There are numerous bar-b-ques strategically placed in the shade, either under trees or an undercover structure.

For those who don’t want to cook their own lunch, there are often food vans on site. Always there are soft-serve ice cream vans.

The most popular is the coffee van, always there, even on weekdays, weather permitting.

We all know the menace of seagulls at the beach and their liking for your food. At Lillydale Lake Ibis have taken over their role, but not quite as aggressively. Many were seen scouting around picnicking families.

Many of the birds which inhabit the area are not afraid of us humans and close encounters are common, with children delighted at their encounter with nature.

On one visit I observed a group of over 30 coots swimming close to shore.

You can be entertained by watching radio-controlled model boats sailing close to shore.

You can watch or participate in canoeing, kayaking, or fishing in the lake.

The many open spaces allow for ball games or walking your dog. An off-leash area is available for dogs at the northern end of the lake.

For those interested in history the ruins of the former Cashins Mill still stand near one end of the dam wall. On a high area, overlooking the lake is a memorial to the Militia training camp hosting 3000 citizen soldiers in 1914.

On warm days many take to the water.

At the southern end of the lake, a bridge crosses the Olinda Creek where it enters the lake. You can follow the creek upstream to a series of boardwalks past a series of small lakes providing refuge for birdlife.

The lake circuit is also popular with cyclists.

Lillydale Lake was man-made to prevent the flooding of Main Street, Lilydale after heavy rain caused the Olinda Creek to overflow. It has achieved its purpose and provided the jewel in the crown of Lilydale.

#walks
#outdoors
#free
#coffee
#lakes
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