Lismore

Between the rainforest and the sea, Lismore unites country charm with cosmopolitan verve thanks to its burgeoning population of creatives – painters, sculptors, filmmakers, musicians and dancers among them. On the banks of the Wilsons River on the far North Coast of NSW, the town is blessed with notable galleries and cultural institutions as a result. It’s also the gateway to lush farmland – expect to eat well, and freshly – and World Heritage-listed national parkland, opening up some of the state’s most wonderous wilderness areas to visitors and locals alike.

Highlights

Arts and culture

Whether outdoors or within galleries, art is a constant across Lismore’s streets. The Lismore Regional Gallery is first on your route – stop here to peruse an impressive permanent collection from the likes of Margaret Olley (a Lismore local), Jon Molvig, Peter Powditch, Lloyd Rees, Albert Namatjira and Thea Proctor.

Lismore Regional Gallery, Lismore

Art also consumes Lismore’s laneways, where 60-plus larger-than-life murals comprise the Back Alley Gallery. Some 25 local and international artists were commissioned to create these sensory-overloading works of street art and graffiti, which also tell a poignant story of the region.

Back Alley Gallery, Lismore - Credit: Lismore City Council

Stroll along the river to enjoy sculptures that form the Wilsons River Experience Walk, with installations spread across three sites and interpreting the region’s Aboriginal and European heritage, including a bush tucker garden growing plants used in the traditional diet of the Widjabal people.

Catch a show by the Lismore Theatre Company at the Rochdale Theatre in nearby Goonellabah, or head to the historic Star Court Theatre for avant garde film, theatre and music.

Star Court Theatre, Lismore - Credit: Lismore City Council

Exciting events

From parades and festivals to community games, Lismore’s dynamic events calendar demonstrates that there’s never a dull moment in town. A highlight (literally) is the Lismore Lantern Parade, held around the Winter Solstice to celebrate art and community, with illuminated puppets, fire art and fireworks.

Lismore Lantern Parade - Credit: Lismore Lantern Parade | Lismore VIC

Catch a gig at one of the live music venues – try Hotel Lismore, Northern Rivers Hotel, The Levee, Lismore City Bowling Club or take the 15-minute countryside drive to the Eltham Hotel – which have supported local musicians for decades. Famous Aussie rock band Grinspoon cut their teeth in the city back in 1995.

Eltham Hotel, Eltham - Credit Lismore City Council

Shopping and markets

Also on the town’s roster of events is the weekly Lismore Organic Market. Stalls here sag under the weight of the region’s bountiful produce (this is volcanic country, after all). Seasonal specialties range from macadamias and avocados to stone fruit, blueberries, coffee, beef, pork and dairy. Additional bounty is on offer at the Farmers Market and Produce Market.

Fresh nuts for sale at Lismore Produce Market, Lismore

Lismore Produce Market, Lismore - Credit: Lismore City Council

Lismore's shopping is community-focused, with plenty of of independent and speciality stores. Drop into Two Ravens Antiques & Vintage for a treasure trove of collectables, Valley of Craftsmen for handcrafted furniture, Lark Collective for beautiful homewares and gifts, and Folkmodern for hand-sourced rugs. There are plenty more options to explore, with most shops located in the streets surrounding Back Alley Gallery.

Two Ravens Antiques & Collectables, Lismore - Credit: Lismore City Council

Eat and drink

Taste the town’s growing foodie scene at a number of restaurants, cafes and food trucks. Start your day with a morning to-go coffee from hole-in-the-wall Piggy Bank Cafe, or settle in for breakfast at Dark Horse Espresso, located in the Strand Arcade. Other brekkie favourites include Muddle Puddle, Blueys Cafe, Dragonfly Cafe and Benchtop Espresso.

Dark Horse Espresso, Lismore - Credit: Lismore City Council

Come lunch and dinner, check out the funky decor and Asian fusion menu at Mamamoi; enjoy vegan and vegetarian fare at The Garden Plate; settle in for fun and Mexican food 187 Cantina; try Korean plates at FOREST; sample local brews at Two Mates Brewing; and head to the Pie Cart or Dunoon General Store for finger-licking-good sweet and savoury pies.

Dunoon General Store, Dunoon - Credit: Lismore City Council

Natural wonders

Lismore is surrounded by some of the world’s oldest rainforest, with World Heritage-listed wilderness areas awaiting in nearby national parks including Richmond Range, Toonumbar, Border Ranges, Wollumbin and Nightcap. These wild and wonderful expanses of Gondwana forest unite waterfalls with sheer cliffs, cool streams with soaring trees, all webbed with an expansive network of hiking trails.

This part of the state is also prime koala country, as you’ll learn at the region’s Tucki Tucki Nature Reserve and Koala Care Centre, both dedicated to nurturing these cuddly marsupials and preserving the habitats they call home.

Protesters Falls, Nightcap National Park - Credit: Lismore City Council

Where to stay

Lismore is a great base for exploring the Northern Rivers region, and accommodation options abound. Whatever your budget, grand guesthouses, character-filled hotels and motels, campgrounds, farm stays and cottages all await your arrival. For a convenient location, opt for Lismore Gateway Motel, AZA Motel or Dawson Motel.

Lismore Gateway Motel, Girards Hill - Credit: Lismore City Council

Getting there

Close to the Queensland border, Lismore is an epic eight-hour drive north of Sydney and around 2.5 hours south of Brisbane. Alternatively, a direct train from Sydney services the Northern Rivers town of Casino, whence you can catch a connecting bus to Lismore, with the whole journey taking 12.5 hours. Or, fly into Lismore Regional Airport (daily flights arrive from Sydney) or Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, just 40 minutes away. 