Recognised as the gateway to the famed Yarra Valley, the thriving town of Lilydale is a modern, bustling hub for shopping, dining, health and wellbeing, gyms and sports facilities, education, civic services, culture and entertainment – and it’s all just minutes from the heart of Kinley.
For over a century-and-a-half, Lilydale has served the region well, with shopping, schools, eateries, all major services, sports and community clubs, recreation facilities and the Lilydale railway line. Today Main Street is an eclectic mix of specialty stores, everyday essentials and dining hotspots like Locavore, Harrow and Harvest, The Lilydale General and Round Bird, that blend seamlessly to create a modern, inclusive and popular urban centre in Melbourne’s East. And it’s all there waiting for Kinley residents to enjoy.
No matter what stage of life you’re at, everything that easy modern living needs is right here at Lilydale. From national supermarkets to specialty grocers, butchers and bakers, daily essentials are taken care of. There are chemists and health centres, hardware stores and nurseries, clothing boutiques , everyday services and more. In fact, no matter what you need, you’re likely to find it just up the road.
The glistening jewel in the crown of Lilydale is undoubtedly the ever-popular Lillydale Lake. Long a favourite of locals and visitors alike, the lake and surrounds are a hub of activity with playgrounds and picnic areas, sheltered barbecues, a splash pad for the kids, walking trails, wetlands and a dog park. You can even go fishing or canoeing around the calm, picturesque waters. And the best thing is, it’s right on the edge of Kinley with direct access via a walking trail link.
Established sporting clubs are the backbone of this welcoming region. Covering a variety of sports and hobbies from football, soccer, netball and golf to cycling, cricket and tennis clubs, the local social groups offer a way for Kinley’s residents to connect with the wider community as soon as they move in.Kinley are proud to sponsor the Lilydale Junior Football Club, Le Futsal Club, Lilydale Cricket Club, Lilydale Eagles Soccer Club and more – supporting the health and wellbeing of Lilydale’s future stars.
Whether you have young enquiring minds in the house or you’re seeking further knowledge, Kinley spoils you for choice in education and career training. There are plenty of childcare and early learning options already in the district, top quality government, specialist and independent schools are all nearby, and vocational and higher education opportunities are close at hand including:
If a bit of luxury shopping is on the cards – or just family fun – you’ll love how convenient Kinley is to the magnificent Eastland Shopping Centre. Just a 15-minute drive away, it’s the destination for food, fashion, homewares, and entertainment. This jaw-dropping retail and dining precinct is home to leading Australian and international brands, a cinema complex, gyms, department stores, mini golf, bowling and alfresco dining across an array of cuisines from around the globe in the Ringwood Town Square.
Just a short stroll away from Kinley, frequent trains from Lilydale’s new railway station can whisk you on the direct line into the city in around an hour at peak times, and calling at Ringwood, Box Hill, Hawthorn and Richmond along the way. Adjacent to the station, a local and regional bus hub opens up even more destinations for residents. What’s more, a proposed new station* in the heart of Kinley will make the journey to and from home even easier. For those who’d rather drive, Maroondah Highway is just around the corner, providing quick and easy connections to EastLink, the Eastern Freeway, and the magnificent Yarra Valley.
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For many, Lilydale is best known as the gateway to the iconic Yarra Valley and Ranges. Healesville and Yarra Glen await less than half an hour’s drive away, or head east and explore the villages of the Upper Yarra towards Warburton and beyond. Against the dramatic backdrop of the heavily forested mountains, quiet country roads meander past the region’s rolling vineyards, tranquil farmlands, abundant orchards, farmgate stalls and of course boutique and world-famous wineries, leaving you in no doubt that this place is gourmet heaven, and an adventure to be experienced – all in your own backyard.
At the heart of the Yarra Valley lies historic Healesville with its grand old pubs and modern distilleries and wine bars. The town’s cafes and restaurants, gourmet providores and delicatessens all jostle for the attention of discerning tastebuds. And while wine definitely rules these parts – particularly the cold climate varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – Healesville also boasts one of Australia’s most famous gin producers, Four Pillars, as well as small-batch distillers and boutique breweries.