Lismore

Travel Guide

With exciting theatre shows, intriguing galleries, riverside scenery and ancient rainforests, this New South Wales city is a welcoming year-round destination.

Lismore is an attractive and culturally diverse city just inland from the North Coast, where you can experience a thriving local arts scene near a stunning riverside landscape. Explore the rolling hills and dense rainforest reserves that surround the meandering tributaries of the Richmond River or pick from a selection of exciting arts performances and events that occur throughout the city centre.

Start your trip with a visit to the Lismore Visitor Information Centre to find out what’s on during your stay in town. Check out the city’s parks and gardens, including the fun-filled Heritage Park, which is situated next door to the visitor’s centre and has a miniature railway. Go on a cultural trail through the region’s art galleries and exhibition spaces. Check out Lismore Regional Gallery and visit artists in their studios and galleries.

The Northern Rivers Performing Arts Centre stages excellent productions of theatre, music and dance throughout the year. Farmers markets occur weekly across Lismore’s wider area. Take a seat in a café or restaurant and sample some of the region’s high-quality produce, which includes tropical fruits and delicious macadamia nuts.

Take a trip out to see Lismore’s World Heritage Listed rainforest, known as the Big Scrub. Go for an invigorating trek or pack a picnic and relax beneath a lush forest canopy. See awe-inspiring views across the Border Ranges or marvel at the waterfalls in the Nightcap National Park.

Delve into Lismore’s history at the Richmond River Historical Society Museum and head to nearby Wyrallah to see an Aboriginal ceremonial ring site.

Lismore is located 32 kilometres (20 miles) inland from the coastal city of Ballina. Reach Lismore in just over 2 hours by car from Brisbane or fly into Lismore’s local airport. Combine your visit to Lismore with a trip to the relaxed centres of Byron Bay and Nimbin.

Where to stay in Lismore

Default Image

Goonellabah

While there might not be top attractions in Goonellabah, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Lismore Workers Golf Club and Lismore Produce Market.

Goonellabah
Default Image

East Lismore

You'll enjoy the cafes and gardens in East Lismore. You might want to make time for a stop at Lismore Workers Golf Club or Wilson Nature Reserve.

East Lismore
Default Image

South Lismore

When in South Lismore, you can plan a visit to Lismore Showgrounds and Lismore Produce Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

South Lismore
Default Image

Girards Hill

Girards Hill is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Lismore Workers Golf Club and Lismore Produce Market while you're in town.

Girards Hill
Default Image

Chilcotts Grass

Though Chilcotts Grass may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lismore Workers Golf Club and Lismore Produce Market.

Chilcotts Grass
Default Image

North Lismore

While visiting North Lismore, you might make a stop by sights like Lismore Showgrounds and Lismore Car Boot Market.

North Lismore
Lismore Wilson Motel
Lismore Wilson Motel
3.5 out of 5
119 Ballina Road, Lismore, NSW
The price is €100 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€100
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Lismore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lismore Produce Market and Lismore Regional ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (226 reviews)
"Easy access and bit olde fashioned but just what we wanted."

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2025

Lismore Wilson Motel
Lismore Gateway Motel
Lismore Gateway Motel
4.5 out of 5
99 Ballina Road, Lismore, NSW
The price is €121 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
€121
includes taxes & fees
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star motel in Lismore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Lismore Produce Market and Lismore Regional Gallery ...
9/10 Wonderful! (309 reviews)
"Great place to stay for work. All is fresh and new. Great friendly service"

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2025

Lismore Gateway Motel
Lismore City Motor Inn
Lismore City Motor Inn
3.5 out of 5
129 Magellan St, Lismore, NSW
The price is €87 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
€87
includes taxes & fees
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Lismore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (466 reviews)
"Suitable location for required situation"

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2025

Lismore City Motor Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Invercauld House
Invercauld House
3.5 out of 5
163 Invercauld Rd, Goonellabah, NSW
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Lismore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Robinson's Lookout ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Rooms are spacious, clean and quiet."

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2025

Invercauld House
Bayview Beachfront Apartments, in town right on the beach
Bayview Beachfront Apartments, in town right on the beach
4 out of 5
22 Bay Street, Byron Bay, NSW
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Byron Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (220 reviews)
"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay: easy check-in and check-out, friendly front desk, convenient location across from the beach, ocean views, great pool and sun lounges - thank you, and I will definitely be back"

Reviewed on 22 Feb 2025

Bayview Beachfront Apartments, in town right on the beach
The Bowlo Holiday Cabins
The Bowlo Holiday Cabins
4 out of 5
2 Beech Street, Evans Head, NSW
Stay at this 4-star cabin in Evans Head. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Evens Head Living Museum and Shark Bay Beach are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (555 reviews)
"we enjoyed the cabins, but Cyclone Alfred had other plans for us. we had sunshine and lots rain and wind. the walk to the beach was great and was awesome to watch. There were only 3 other couples at the time. The bowling club was just through the cabins 1minute walk and the staff were super friendly. ..."

Reviewed on 8 Mar 2025

The Bowlo Holiday Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit