Lismore Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A panoramic view of a lush valley with rolling hills, scattered trees, and a few buildings.
A flooded urban area with buildings and streets submerged in water.
A lush green landscape with dense forests, a few scattered houses, and a clear blue sky.
A lush green landscape with dense forests, a few scattered houses, and a clear blue sky.

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

Find the best Lismore areas for the activities you enjoy most.

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 Showgrounds.

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.

Lismore CBD

If you're spending some time in Lismore CBD, Wilsons River Experience Walk and Lismore Regional Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

South Lismore

When in South Lismore, you can plan a visit to Wilsons River Experience Walk and Lismore Car Boot Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Girards Hill

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

Lismore Wilson Motel

Lismore Wilson Motel

4 out of 5
119 Ballina Road Lismore NSW
The price is £87 per night from 7 Oct to 8 Oct
£87
7 Oct - 8 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Lismore. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lismore Produce Market and Lismore Regional Gallery ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (291 reviews)
"Well presented, comfortable and pleasant."

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2026

Lismore Wilson Motel
Invercauld House

Invercauld House

3.5 out of 5
163 Invercauld Rd Goonellabah NSW
The price is £107 per night from 25 Sept to 26 Sept
£107
25 Sept - 26 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Lismore. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Robinson's Lookout and Wilson ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"A beautiful place to stay - quiet, peaceful, lovely property with amazing trees and sunsets to die for! Wonderful staff and spotlessly clean also. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2026

Invercauld House
Waves Byron Bay

Waves Byron Bay

4.5 out of 5
35 Lawson Street Byron Bay NSW
The price is £189 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
£189
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach motel in Byron Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (980 reviews)
"Good position, clean, staff friendly, parking excellent"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2026

Waves Byron Bay
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 business-friendly aparthotel in Lismore. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Robinson's Lookout and Wilson ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
"A beautiful place to stay - quiet, peaceful, lovely property with amazing trees and sunsets to die for! Wonderful staff and spotlessly clean also. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2026

Invercauld House
The Bowlo Holiday Cabins

The Bowlo Holiday Cabins

4 out of 5
2 Beech Street Evans Head NSW
Stay at this cabin in Evans Head. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Evens Head Living Museum and Shark Bay Beach are located ...
The Bowlo Holiday Cabins
99 Acres Bangalow Retreat

99 Acres Bangalow Retreat

4 out of 5
75 Rifle Range Rd Bangalow NSW
Stay at this holiday home in Bangalow. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Bangalow Market and Bangalow Heritage House Museum are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (166 reviews)
"We would highly recommend this property as its location is so central to Bangalow and the Villas are elevated and nestled into the surrounding hinterland and the hilltop views are outstanding and breathtaking. It’s so peaceful and quiet and private and you have everything you need for your stay to ..."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2026

99 Acres Bangalow Retreat
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.

Stay near popular Lismore attractions

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