Lilydale
The Lilydale VRI bar and museum, originally opened its doors in 1914 and now sits under a heritage listing.
November 2025!
Exciting News: Our Heritage Station Restoration is Full Steam Ahead!
Get ready to mark your calendars! We have some truly incredible news to share regarding the restoration of our heritage station building—a project many of you have championed for so long.
Funding Secured & Progress Underway
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the Yarra Ranges Council and VicTrack have successfully secured the necessary funds to restore the station building to a usable, occupied level! This is a massive milestone that brings the heart of our community's history back to life.
In late October, representatives from the VRI, local community groups, VicTrack, and the Yarra Ranges Council met right there at the station. We reviewed the impressive work completed so far and ironed out the exciting plans for the months ahead. The commitment from everyone involved, including our wonderful local Neighbourhood House, is stronger than ever. It's clear that all parties are dedicated to celebrating this heritage and ensuring the return of the VRI to its historic home.
Looking Ahead: A Grand Return!
While we anticipate more detailed updates early next year, the current projection is that we hope to be back in the building and celebrating this incredible achievement sometime in late 2026!
Thank you all for your patience and unwavering support. This restoration isn't just about a building; it's about preserving our legacy and revitalising our community hub. We can't wait to share the next round of details with you!
The Lilydale VRI bar and museum, originally opened its doors in 1914 and now sits under a heritage listing.
The VRI Lilydale station rooms were closed in July 2021 due to the level crossing removal project. We want the VRI to return and flourish once again and are working with the Yarra Ranges Council, VicTrack and local groups to make this happen.
Members welcome!
Station courtyard
Friday 30 July 2021 - last drinks!
On Friday 30 July, last drinks were called at the Lilydale VRI. We thank all our long standing VRI members and Lilydale community for making this a special place over the last forty years.
Special thanks to John Smith and Darren Gloury who have spent every Friday for many years manning the clubrooms, without them none of this would be possible!
We had a visit from Yarra Ranges Life TV, watch their tribute to the 'last drinks' at Lilydale, with an interview with Darren and a tour of the clubrooms.
The station rooms are in the process of being packed and we thank all volunteers for their support during this time!
Saturday 10 August (this was postponed due to the lockdown)
Watch the event thanks to the Yarra Ranges Life TV
5 May 2021 - Level Crossing Removal Project Presentation
Old and new members enjoy the last months at VRI Lilydale. Picture thanks to TAYLAH EASTWELL 30042021
We thank VRI Lilydale members and the Level Crossing Removal Project team for presenting the project works for the new Lilydale station on Friday 30 April.
We learnt about the new island station, pedestrian and rail bridge access along with the works to be carried out to the current station building as part of the heritage overlay, and how this will connect to the new station. At this point we will need to vacate the building at the end of July 2021 as part of these works.
We will continue our conversations with the newly formed VRI Lilydale project committee, local council, VicTrack and community groups in the area regarding our future use of the rooms after the completion of works in approx 18 months.
Please register your interest to become involved and like the VRI Lilydale page along with joining the private Preserve the VRI Lilydale group to learn more about the history and progress of the future use discussions.
Thanks must also go to TAYLAH EASTWELL from Star Mail for joining us on the night and for the article and images (above and below) Hidden bar not ready to call last drinks | Ferntree Gully Star Mail (mailcommunity.com.au)
Ryan, Alix and Robyn enjoy a Friday refreshment at the bar. Picture TAYLAH EASTWELL 30042021
8 April 2021
As part of the Level Crossing Removal Project, the Lilydale Station will now be relocated to the other side of Maroondah Hwy. What will this mean for the future of the VRI in Lilydale? At this point we are not sure!
Join us at the VRI Lilydale Clubrooms 4pm Friday 30 April to learn first hand from the Level Crossing Removal Project Team the plans for the site. See how the new will be built and learn more about the works planned for the current station and VRI clubrooms.
Please note, this will be a chance for members to learn more about the plans for the VRI Lilydale Clubrooms but the Level Crossing Removal Project Team are not responsible for the future use of the site, this will be subject to ongoing negotiations with VicTrack, Council and local groups.
