Lilyfield Suburb Profile 

On the fringe of some of the Inner West’s most thriving neighbourhoods, living in Lilyfield offers a quiet yet endearing lifestyle. This suburb includes foreshore parklands along Iron Cove and urban streets lined with cottages that reflect its working-class heritage. A large part of living in Lilyfield means enjoying the abundance of parkland—Callan and Leichhardt Parks extend down to the Iron Cove foreshore. Historically, Callan Park was an estate that later became a psychiatric hospital; today, it houses the University of Sydney College of Fine Arts, NSW Writers’ Centre, and the NSW Ambulance Education Centre, with psychiatric and rehabilitation services now relocated. Locals often bring their furry friends to enjoy the serene grounds around heritage-listed sandstone buildings. 

Further west, Leichhardt Park provides expansive outdoor recreation opportunities, accommodating everything from boating to football. The popular Bay Run along Iron Cove passes through both Callan and Leichhardt Parks. 

Lilyfield may lack the café and dining scenes of Rozelle and Leichhardt, but on Saturdays, the Orange Grove Farmers’ Market on Balmain Road is bustling with great coffee, food, and a range of fresh produce. On other days, the intimate café scene at Orange Grove Plaza offers a cozy spot for locals. 

The City West Link cuts through Lilyfield, making commuting to Sydney’s CBD easy by road, light rail, or bus. Still undergoing gentrification, Lilyfield retains a touch of grunge, with workman cottages being beautifully restored and updated, adding to the suburb’s slow revival. 

Area Features

Markets

Orange Grove Farmers’ Market is the place to shop for fresh seasonal produce, boutique fashion and sustainable fair trade homewares. You can grab a bite to eat from one of the many stalls dishing up tantalising flavours and shop for fresh seasonal produce, gourmet delicacies and artisan breads. Held every Saturday from 8am.

Leichhardt Park

The foreshore parklands of Leichhardt Park are home to Leichhardt Aquatic Centre and Leichhardt Sporting Grounds. The popular Bay Run and cycling paths passes through the park and there are picnic and playground facilities. It’s a wonderful place for a weekend picnic.

Callan Park

A 60-hectare heritage-listed site which was once home to a Hospital for the Insane, Callan Park is now a multi-use complex. The psychiatric hospital has been relocated, and the main buildings now house the Sydney College of Fine Arts, the NSW Writers’ Centre, the Ambulance Education Centre and a campus of the University of Tasmania. Callan Park also forms part of the popular Iron Cove Bay Run, which passes through the grounds.