Lismore

Lismore grew in the 19th century as a river port and cedar-getting town on the Richmond River system, and the rich volcanic "big scrub" rainforest soils of the district made it an important dairy and agricultural centre. Today it is a regional capital for the Northern Rivers, home to a Southern Cross University campus and a lively population of students, artists, farmers and the alternative-lifestyle communities for which the region is famous.

The city sits on the floodplain of the Wilsons River and has a long history of flooding, including the devastating floods of recent years; the riverside setting that gives it character also shapes its life. Surrounded by green hills, rainforest remnants and the villages of the Rainbow Region — Nimbin, Bangalow and others — Lismore makes a practical inland base for exploring the hinterland.

The climate is warm and subtropical, with hot humid summers (and a summer–autumn wet season) and mild winters. Spring and the cooler months are the most comfortable times to visit.

By Plane

The nearest airports are Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK IATA), around 35 km east, and Lismore's own regional airport with limited services.

By Car / Road

Lismore lies inland in the Northern Rivers, reached via the Bruxner Highway from Ballina (around 35 km / 35 min east) and connected by regional roads to Casino, Byron Bay, Nimbin and the hinterland villages. It is roughly 730 km (a long day's drive) north of Sydney and around 220 km (2.5–3 hours) south of Brisbane. Coach services connect Lismore with the coast and regional towns.

The compact city centre is walkable, with the shops, galleries and riverside close together. A car is the best way to reach the surrounding villages, rainforest reserves and the coast. Local bus services cover the city and connect to nearby towns.

• Lismore Regional Gallery — A respected regional art gallery, a cornerstone of the city's strong arts culture.

• Wilsons River and riverside precinct — The river and its parks at the heart of the city.

• Nimbin Rocks and the hinterland — Dramatic volcanic plugs and rainforest country surround the district.

• Rainforest reserves — Remnants of the "big scrub" rainforest, such as those in nearby Nightcap National Park, lie close by.

• Lismore Carboot Market — One of the region's largest markets, a long-running drawcard on the university grounds.

• Arts and music — Galleries, theatre and a vibrant music and festival scene reflect the city's creative population.

• Rainforest and waterfall day trips — Explore Nightcap National Park, Protesters Falls and the surrounding rainforest.

• Visit the Rainbow Region villages — Nimbin, Bangalow and others showcase the area's alternative culture.

Lismore has a diverse, often health-conscious food scene reflecting its multicultural and alternative population — cafés, vegetarian and vegan kitchens, multicultural restaurants and pub bistros — making good use of the region's abundant organic produce.

The city has a lively café culture, historic pubs and a growing craft-beer and small-bar scene, alongside the wider Northern Rivers' organic and artisan drinks producers. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget — Motels and pub accommodation in and around the centre.
• Mid-range — Motor inns and modern motels near the city centre.
• Upscale / boutique — Boutique stays and rural guesthouses in the surrounding hinterland.

The city centre holds Lismore's main shopping, with an emphasis on local, organic and artisan goods reflecting the region's culture. The large weekend market is the place for produce, crafts and second-hand finds; farm gates and organic growers abound in the surrounding hills.

• Nimbin (around 30 km / 30 min) — Famously alternative hill town, the heart of the Rainbow Region.
• Byron Bay (around 50 km / 50 min) — The region's famous beach and wellness town.
• Ballina (around 35 km / 35 min) — Coastal town and the region's gateway airport.
• Bangalow (around 35 km / 35 min) — Charming hinterland village with cafés and markets.
• Nightcap National Park (around 30 km / 40 min) — World Heritage rainforest with waterfalls and walks.
• Casino (around 30 km / 30 min) — Beef-country town to the west, the nearest railhead.