Lismore

Fast facts

• Major North Coast commercial, cultural and administrative centre
• Set in undulating country on the north arm of the Richmond River
• 776 km north of Sydney, population 28,500

Why go there

Many artists and performers have established themselves in this region, and the town has a rich and invigorating cultural life. This is reflected in the number of galleries, theatres and performing arts spaces in and around Lismore.

Equipped with an array of accommodation and dining options, Lismore is a natural base for wider exploration of the surrounding area, which includes a number of outstanding World Heritage national parks.

History

Originally occupied by the Bundjalung Aboriginal people, the area was settled initially by timber cutters exploiting the rich resources in the Richmond River Valley.

When the town was established in the 1850s, the area had become a mixed farming district. By the 1880s it had grown to a substantial size.

Things to do

• Inspect the treasures in the Richmond River Historical Society Museum, which has an outstanding display of colonial cedar furnishings, Aboriginal artefacts and a collection of historic photographs.
• Admire the work of local artists in the Lismore Regional Art Gallery.
• Explore some of the many fine 19th century buildings, including churches, hotels and public buildings.
• See the Bora Ring in the village of Wyrallah, a rare example of an Aboriginal ceremonial ring site.

Events

• The Lantern Parade, in June, features fabulous lantern floats, music, dancing, markets and a street parade, culminating in a spectacularly theatrical grand finale on the banks of the Wilsons River.
• The Northern Rivers Health and Herb Festival, in August, showcases regional cuisine with a program that includes entertainment, food stalls, markets and various events for young people.
• The North Coast National Show, in October, is the biggest agricultural show in the district.
• Annual Opera in The Channon in July.
• Tropical Fruits Festival is a New Year's Eve party.
• The Lismore Rainbow Region Masters Games, held bi-annually in September.

Don’t miss

• Alphadale, an artistic community 11 km to the east.
• Victoria Park Nature Reserve, a remnant of the ‘Big Scrub’.
• Lismore Markets, first and third Sundays of the month.
• The resident wildlife in Tucki Tucki Koala Reserve.