Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lismore, Australia

In a picturesque rural setting about 20 minutes inland from the coast, Lismore stands out for its rich cultural offerings.

A significant number of artists and musicians reside here, contributing to an abundance of cafes and ephemeral galleries.

The Lismore Regional Gallery serves as the cornerstone of the local arts scene, hosting essential exhibitions and connecting to The Quad, Lismore’s creative hub.

Just north of Lismore lies the progressive village of Nimbin, known for its counterculture origins dating back to the early 1970s.

The activism of the hippie movement during that era played a pivotal role in preserving beautiful local sites such as Protesters Falls.

1. Lismore Regional Gallery

Lismore boasts the oldest cultural institution in the Northern Rivers, established in 1953. The gallery, modern and vibrant, overlooks the green expanse of The Quad.

Housed in a repurposed 1960s brick building formerly part of Lismore High School, the gallery features an innovative extension completed in the 2010s.

In recent years, the gallery has showcased significant solo exhibitions featuring artists such as Tracey Moffatt, Sam Jinks, Julie Rrap, and Roger Ballen, often in partnership with the artists themselves.

The permanent collection includes noteworthy works by renowned figures like Lloyd Rees, Kevin Connor, and Albert Namatijra, as well as contributions from local Northern Rivers artists like Bronwyn Bancroft, Digby Moran, and Jan Davis.

It is advisable to check the gallery’s calendar for a vibrant lineup of discussions, musical performances, and workshops across various media.

2. Lismore Quadrangle (The Quad)

The area in front of the Lismore Regional Gallery can be regarded as the heart of the city.

Constructed from repurposed buildings of Lismore High School, this space is referred to as Lismore’s creative playground, linking the gallery with Slate Gallery Cafe, Lismore City Library, the Northern Rivers Conservatorium, and Social Futures Clubhouses.

These institutions work collaboratively to create a dynamic schedule of joint events, and visitors will likely find engaging activities occurring, be it an art installation or a concert.

The Quad also serves as the venue for Lismore’s highly anticipated Lantern Parade held in late June.

3. Nimbin

This mountain village is located on the edge of an extinct volcano adjacent to the UNESCO-listed Nightcap National Park, approximately 30 minutes north of Lismore.

Nimbin, originally a dairy settlement, has transformed into a hippie enclave since the 1970s, as evident from the vibrant murals adorning the frontier-style facades on Cullen Street.

The village’s evolution began with the Aquarius Festival in 1973, which was notable as the first event to seek permission from the Traditional Owners to use the land.

Following the festival, many participants chose to stay in Nimbin, resulting in the village becoming a haven for environmentalists, musicians, actors, writers, and artists.

It is important to note that cannabis culture is prevalent here, with numerous shops offering accessories and hemp products.

The Nimbin Mardigrass Festival, held annually in early May, focuses on cannabis policy reform and has been celebrated since 1993.

4. Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens

Established in 2002, this botanical attraction situated in southern Lismore showcases rainforest species indigenous to a 200-kilometre radius of the area.

The goal is to replicate as closely as possible the ecosystem of the Big Scrub, an extensive subtropical and dry rainforest that extended from just south of Lismore to Queensland, about 90 kilometres to the north.

The Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens consist of four distinct “rooms,” featuring dry rainforest species in sections one and four, subtropical plants in section two, and myrtle family species in section three. The gardens are designed in a natural style, complete with walking paths for leisurely strolls, birdwatching, and picnicking.

5. Friends of the Koala

This non-profit organization is committed to the conservation of koalas in the Northern Rivers region.

Based in East Lismore, Friends of the Koala rescues and rehabilitates these marsupials, educates the public about their vital role in the ecosystem, conducts research, and works to enhance and protect their habitats.

Visitors may tour the centre at 10:00 and 14:00 from Monday to Friday, as well as at 10:00 on Saturdays.

Dedicated volunteers offer insights into koalas and the organization’s conservation efforts.

Guests are also likely to see any koalas in rehabilitation at the centre, as well as some in their natural habitat within the surrounding koala food trees.

6. Heritage Park Railway

A delightful experience for younger visitors, a miniature railway runs through Heritage Park, located near City Hall.

This railway operates on a 7 1/4-inch (184mm) gauge, with a station conveniently located just steps from Lismore’s Visitor Information Centre.

Constructed in 1995, the railway features two primary locomotives, Toby and Katie, providing scenic rides through this charming park.

The railway system includes a station, a level crossing adorned with a picket fence, and a miniature signal box.

Trains operate on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, as well as daily during school holidays, excluding Mondays.

7. Lennox Head Beach

The Pacific Ocean lies only a half-hour east of Lismore, where the northeastern coastline of New South Wales is characterized by stunning beaches for those wishing to relax by the shore.

This section of coast features rugged headlands that provide sweeping views and great surfing conditions.

For swimming, Broken Head Beach and Byron Bay are ideal choices.

Further south and readily accessible from Lismore lies the spectacular Lennox Head Beach (also known as Seven Mile Beach), where visitors can find quieter spots to unwind.

The southern section of the beach features Lennox Head, with cliffs reaching 65 meters above the ocean.

This location is renowned for its famed right-hand break, attracting skilled surfers from far and wide.

8. Rocky Creek Dam

The Rocky Creek River, upstream from Lismore, was dammed in the late 1940s to create Rocky Lake reservoir, which spans over 200 hectares on the periphery of Nightcap National Park.

This reservoir provides potable water to numerous towns across the Northern Rivers, including Lismore; consequently, swimming activities are prohibited.

However, visitors are encouraged to experience the scenic landscape and perhaps spot a platypus in the waters.

A dedicated viewing platform for platypus observation exists at the dam, complemented by a boardwalk and pontoon bridge.

Four walking trails, ranging from 1.5 to 6 kilometres, wind around the dam and through the lush vegetation of the Rous Water Rainforest Reserve.

9. Lismore Visitor Information Centre

The Lismore Visitor Information Centre is designed to guide visitors toward attractions, tours, accommodation, and events in the Northern Rivers region.

Moreover, this building near Lismore City Hall offers more than simply information.

Inside, detailed interpretive panels highlight the region’s natural environment and Aboriginal culture.

The space also features an artistic gallery spotlighting prominent Bundjalung Aboriginal artists, alongside a shop filled with handcrafted souvenirs from the area.

Local culinary delights are available here as well, including artisanal tea, coffee, pecans, macadamias, olives, muesli, sauces, and jams crafted from rainforest fruits.

10. Kadina Park

For those visiting with energetic children, Kadina Park in the eastern suburb of Goonellabah offers an excellent playground.

Conveniently situated off the Bruxner Highway, the park has received significant upgrades in recent years, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

There are dedicated play areas for toddlers and older children, highlighting new attractions such as a “mouse house,” akin to a human-sized hamster wheel, a freshly installed carousel, and a flying fox.

Additionally, ten new fitness stations enhance the park’s offerings for adults.

11. Protesters Falls

Within the UNESCO-listed rainforest of Nightcap National Park, visitors can trek a short but challenging path to discover an exquisite waterfall.

The trail leading to Protesters Falls is a 1.4-kilometre loop that showcases the remarkable biodiversity of this treasured rainforest.

Observing the subtropical tamarind and bangalow palms transition into towering strangler figs and yellow carabeen, one will be enveloped by the chorus of barred cuckoo-shrikes and rose-crowned fruit doves.

This waterfall is named in honor of the anti-logging Terrania Creek protests of the late 1970s, which succeeded in safeguarding this pristine rainforest for future generations.

The falls cascade down from a sheer cliff, with the base surrounded by undergrowth that provides habitat for the endangered Fleay’s barred frog.

12. Summerland Farm

Located on the Alstonville plateau, east of Lismore, this 90-hectare farm specializes in avocados and macadamias and welcomes visitors.

Set in lush tropical surroundings, Summerland Farm offers numerous activities for families to enjoy.

Younger children can take advantage of the recently renovated playground and water park.

Additionally, tractor tours are available through the avocado and macadamia orchards, educating visitors about the farm’s agricultural techniques.

Produce from the farm, along with locally sourced oils, jams, and vegetables, can be found for sale at the on-site store, known as the Grocer.

Furthermore, Summerland Farm features a nursery and a fully licensed restaurant, hosting various public events and private gatherings throughout the year.

13. Lismore Car Boot Market

This bi-monthly market in Lismore has been a staple for over three decades, garnering regional acclaim across the Far North Coast.

Held undercover at the Lismore Shopping Square car park on the first and third Sundays of each month, the market typically features more than 200 stalls offering a diverse range of items, including clothing, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, candles, plants, books, and homewares.

Shoppers can also find numerous stalls selling fresh produce, such as fruits and vegetables, along with tempting baked goods, and an array of hot food options.

14. Lismore Farmers’ Market

When seeking fresh and handmade produce, the Lismore Region excels, as exemplified by this weekly market every Saturday morning at the Lismore Showground.

Established in 1997, the market offers an abundance of seasonal vegetables, fruits, garlic, and herbs, in addition to eggs, olives, flowers, coffee, chocolate, sauces, and a wide variety of baked goods, from muffins to classic homemade cakes.

Visitors can enjoy breakfast options while perusing the stalls, and the market atmosphere is enlivened by live music each week.

15. Lismore Lantern Parade

Each winter solstice, tens of thousands gather in Lismore for the city’s signature event.

The Lismore Lantern Parade represents a true community initiative, resulting from months of collaborative planning and construction at various schools and local workshops.

The craftsmanship of the lanterns is exceptional, and the parade, accompanied by musicians and street performers, provides a magnificent opportunity for photography.

Each year features a unique theme, as the lanterns illuminate the journey through the city center toward The Quad, which transforms into an enchanting outdoor venue for fireworks and side events.

Arriving early is recommended, as the CBD buzzes with market stalls, live music, and arts and crafts lantern-making workshops.