IN AND AROUND LISMORE TOWN
Taking a daytrip from the Tweed Coast inland to Lismore, we found there is more to this big-hearted country town than meets the eye. Centrally located, it’s the home of a thriving arts community, agritourism experiences, nature-based activities
and education facilities that service the
Northern Rivers and surrounds.
After a couple of challenging years and in typical regional Australia style, Lismore is slowly but surely bouncing back with gusto. The town is undergoing infrastructure works, urban planning and sustainable design practices to ensure the community can thrive into the future. Heading 45 minutes south from the border we take the exit to Bangalow and follow the signs to Lismore. A pit stop at Clunes is on the cards, to visit the iconic Clunes General Store (a must) where we grab their specialty brewed coffee and baked goods to go. The store is bursting with fresh produce and local artisan goods and has an impressive natural wine selection. The town of Lismore is about 30 minutes
from Clunes, it’s a leisurely country drive, we take a detour about 15 minutes off the
main road to dip in the majestic waterfalls at Dunoon along the way. Hot tip, on your
drive back, stop off at the charming Eltham Hotel - located in the one-horse town of
Eltham about 15 minutes off the main road - with its old-school facade, plush bedroom
suites, classic dining hall and quirky beer garden.
As we drive down the picturesque hill into the town of Lismore, we spot the
Trinity College grounds and stunning historical building that was decimated in
the relentless floods of 2022. The school has been around for 136 years and is
committed to returning one day - they are currently sharing campuses between
Southern Cross University and Woodburn. We head to the cultural heartbeat of the
town, to visit the popular Lismore Regional Gallery, located on the banks of the
Wilson River with picturesque views of the hinterland and beyond. The Gallery forms
part of the Lismore Quadrangle precinct that includes the Lismore Library and
Conservatorium of Music. The gallery hosts a myriad of local and
touring exhibitions, including artist talks, children’s workshops, film, music and
sound art projects. Lismore City Council and Lismore Arts Council jointly oversee
the gallery to ensure it’s a public space for the people. That’s the thing about Lismore, its history runs deep through the surrounding rivers and mountains, Bundjalung Country.
The community is connected, proud and resilient, and we can feel the collective
pride as we wander the character filled streets.
Explore What Lismore has to Offer
Lismore is renowned for its eclectic cafés and plethora of artists with studios dotted
around the place, such as Art Aspects Gallery and a colourful street art display,
literally in an alleyway at The Back Alley Gallery. The Garden Plate, Benchtop
Espresso and Dragonfly Café, are all about good coffee and sourcing and showcasing
local produce. There’s a quirky pop-up pie van that’s as iconic to Lismore as peas and mash are to pies, along with Henry’s Bakery Café and Southside Hot Bread for all your bakery needs. The town hosts regular weekly markets including an organic market,
farmers market and fresh produce market. The laneways are adorned with colourful
local street art and artisans’ wares can be found in the array of galleries and
homewares shops that line the Main Street. There is a selection of global restaurants
to choose from, like La Barraca Italian, Masala Fusion Indian and Banzai Japanese,
with a Mandarin Palace thrown in for good measure. (What’s an Australian Country
town without a Chinese takeaway!) Two Mates Brewing is the place for craft
beer, food trucks and a rocking line-up of live music along with a couple of
mandatory and historical corner country pubs. From glass blowers, potters, and
woodworkers to NORPA’s nationally acclaimed productions, Lismore is home
to an active community of creatives, positioning itself as the creative hub of the
Northern Rivers. The town hosts an annual lantern festival held by the Community Lantern Project; the Lismore Lantern Parade has been going strong for 27 years. More recently with a few bumps and bruises along the way, it continues to shine bright and bring people together. A collaboration between artists and community, the iconic event
has travelled as far as the Woodford Folk Festival on the Sunshine Coast and is
indicative of the abundance of creativity that is at the heart of this region.
A short drive out of town and you’ll discover the unique and alternative town
of Nimbin, well known for its openminded ways, it’s well worth a visit. The
historical building facades are filled with rainbow flags and Nimbin Herbs, along
with a local’s pub, and a number of quirky eateries and cafés.
The laidback and colourful community of Lismore has reinvented itself in the
face of adversity and is working together, toward a more sustainable future. There
is still a lot more to do, and the best way we can think of to help is to visit the town
and pledge your support at one of the local businesses – out-of-towners
are more than welcome.
The country charm is alive
The country charm is alive and well in Lismore, we discovered a connected and
creative community that is committed to rebuild and re-invigorate the place they
call home, with open heart and arms for both locals and visitors alike.
Take a day trip to Lismore and explore the beauty of the town’s natural surrounds,
visiting quaint villages along the way. It’s the ideal place to savour all the
Northern Rivers region has to offer. Get to know Lismore a little bit more, a
charming country town with an extra big, beating heart. From the eclectic galleries
to the food producers and artisans with an array of global eats, cafes and markets
to wander. There’s plenty to do on day trip in and around Lismore town.
ADVERTISE WITH US
We distribute printed copies throughout the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast in resorts, Air BnBs, hotels, cafes, restaurants, and fashion boutiques. We offer discounts on multiple bookings to help businesses maximize their exposure. In addition to our print editions, Locale Magazine has a rapidly growing online presence.
When you advertise with us, we give your business shoutouts on our platforms, including a dedicated social post and shared posts on Instagram. Our social media profiles drive traffic to our website and to our advertisers, events, and services.
Contact us at sales@localemagazine.com.au for a media kit.