Lilydale train station pub: Lilydale VRI bar to close for level crossing works

A hidden bar at Lilydale station is in limbo as level crossing removal works threaten its future.

The secret pub hidden at Lilydale train station is facing an uncertain future, with the bar set to close for 18 months to make way for level crossing works.

And there’s no guarantee it will reopen, with VicTrack yet to make any decisions about a future tenancy in the building.

The Victorian Railways Institute bar opened in the 1970s, with the heritage-listed space previously used as refreshment rooms dating back to 1914.

Many people weren’t aware the bar existed until TikTok user ragnarthedon shared his amazement at finding it in a video that has now been viewed more than 28,000 times.

The social club and bar, which is on VicTrack land, is open on the level two platform at the station every Friday from 2pm for members and the public to enjoy a drink with friends.

But the VRI have been told the bar will have to close at the end of July for 18 months, as work ramps up on removing the Lilydale level crossing.

VRI general manager Katherine Jackson said it had leased the building for many years through VicTrack.

“But once this is all shut down for heritage and level crossing removal works, we will no longer be entitled directly to have that back again,” Ms Jackson said.

“At this point I don’t think it will reopen the way it is now.

“Our guys would really love it back but VicTrack has basically said we can’t run it as it is now.

The bar at Lilydale train station.

“We potentially could take out a commercial lease but we’re a not-for-profit organisation and (the bar) is just run by two volunteers.

“We’re not really in a position to do that but we’d love to see the (bar) reopen.

“Maybe its more about a celebration of rail and also bikes, because so many of those rail trails (in the Yarra Ranges) have become bike tracks and so many people come down to Lilydale; maybe we could have it as an operation where you come down and pump up your bike tyres, have a coffee and head off on a rail trail.

“That’s what we’d love to do but can’t do it on our own.

“We’re trying to reach out to VicTrack, council and local groups.”

She said they wanted to explore if there was an interested body who could come and take on the commercial lease.

Ms Jackson said she wanted to see the bar continue to operate, and potentially open on more days.

She said the venue had a great history.

“It would be really sad to see it disappear and shut.”

Linday Wilson, Don Sergeant, Richard Godbehere, John Smith and Darren Gloury enjoy a drink at the hidden bar at Lilydale station. Picture: Rob Leeson.

A VicTrack spokesperson said the Victorian Railways Institute would be temporarily unable to occupy the Lilydale station building while works were carried out to remove the Maroondah Highway level crossing.

“While we’re yet to make any decisions about a future tenancy in the building, we are looking at opportunities to open up the heritage-listed building to benefit the local community and visitors to Lilydale,” the spokesperson said.

Level Crossing Removal Project director Steve Brown said it was building a new Lilydale station and bus interchange on the other side of the Maroondah Highway to better integrate with the town centre.

“We know the community values the heritage of the existing Lilydale station building, and this project will protect that,” he said.

The boom gates will be gone in 2022.