Major works to remove the dangerous and congested level crossing at Maroondah Highway, Lilydale and build a new station are well underway.

With the new infrastructure now under construction, community feedback has helped shape plans to plant over 60,000 trees, shrubs and grasses throughout the Mooroolbark and Lilydale area. The landscaping designs have now been finalised, with planting to begin after major construction has been completed.

How we select species

When selecting tree and plant species, there are several factors we must consider including maintenance requirements, how much sun is available in each location and how the plants will affect the look and feel of the station precinct.

The plants have been selected to ensure they will create an open, green feel that links to the rural history at Lilydale and blends well with the other elements of the station design such as Coldstream stone and Corten steel.

Their locations have been carefully selected to make sure tree branches stay clear of the rail corridor, keep sightlines open to discourage antisocial behaviour and create a safe, open atmosphere around the stations.

Landscaping plan – Lilydale Station precinct

Orange natal lily

This bright flowering bush loves the shade, so we’ve planted it where it can thrive. The thick green leaves spread out to provide groundcover over time.

Willow leafed oak

As its name suggests, this tree is part of the oak family and drops its leaves in a shower of yellow each autumn. We've planted Willow leafed oak in the precinct to blend with the existing deciduous trees in the area.

Silky eremophila

Also known as emu bush, this silvery-green bush does well without much water and likes strong sunlight, so we’ve planted it in areas with direct sunlight around the precinct.

Purple coral pea

This winter-flowering creeper is excellent for providing groundcover. We’ve added this native species to provide low maintenance cover of large areas in the precinct.

Your feedback at work

In 2019 we asked the community what kind of planting you would like to see at the new station. Feedback we received said that landscaping should reflect the rural roots and the village atmosphere of Lilydale.

We took that on board, worked with Yarra Ranges Council and their own landscaping strategies for the area and have included flowering shrubs for colour, as well as native plantings to reflect the rural history of the area.

Species at your new Lilydale Station

Trees

• Blackwood
• Bella pink kurrajong
• Bella donna kurrajong
• Kurrajong
• Dwarf lemon scented gum
• Tuckeroo
• River red gum
• Willow-leafed oak
• Chinese elm

Shrubs

• Kings Park special bottlebrush
• White correa
• Bellissimo correa
• Star showers white correa
• Lemon-scented myrtle
• Gymea lily
• Silky eremophila
• Cherry cluster grevillea
• Purple coral pea
• Loopy lou grevillea
• Grevillea ‘Ned Kelly’
• Cushion bush
• Creeping boobialla
• Violet westringia
• Mundi coastal rosemary

Plants and grasses

• Cast iron plant
• Common everlasting
• Natal lily (orange and yellow varieties)
• Little Jess turf lily
• Breeze turf lily
• Katie belles mat-rush
• Katrinus deluxe mat-rush
• Spiny-head mat-rush
• Tanika mat-rush
• Fan flower
• Diggers speedwell
• Little Jess flax lily
• Revelation flax lily
• Silver holly

Revitalising Lilydale Station building

A historic heritage assessment identified the existing Lilydale Station building to be on the Heritage Register, under the Heritage Act.

In liaison with Heritage Victoria, the design of the rail bridge at Lilydale has been amended to minimise impact to the station.

The design has also created a new forecourt area to revitalise the existing station and create a welcoming approach to the building that enhances its heritage character.

Project timeline

Early 2021

• Summer construction blitz sees foundation work completed
• Elements of the bridge structure start to arrive on site

Mid 2021

• Mooroolbark Station closes to allow for relocation of existing building and new station to be constructed

Late 2021

• Lilydale Station closes to allow the new station to be constructed

2022

• Project completion
• New multi-deck car park opens at Mooroolbark

Please note that the timeline above is subject to change.