Visit Lismore for a week of Winter Wonder!

Between LisAmore! and the Lismore Lantern Parade a magical week of wonder is building. Over the next couple of years we want to establish activities, opportunities for businesses in the CBD and around Lismore including a progressive dinner to take place in the week between our two events.   It’s a wonderful time of year to visit Lismore, Nimbin and Villages, so come play, come stay and explore this beautiful part of the Northern Rivers NSW during the colder winter months.

Whilst we work with council and local businesses there is much to already do starting with LisAmore! on 16 June culminating in the Lismore Lantern Parade on Saturday 22 June which celebrates 30 spectacular years in 2024.

It is well worth extending your visit to ensure you don’t miss this iconic event and everything in between.

There is so much to see, do and explore, with Lismore located in the heart of the region, and only thirty minutes from iconic coastlines and boarded by World Heritage National Parks.

Here are some local tips and a taste of ‘What’s On’. For further information and to view our monthly What’s On guide, head to Visit Lismore.

Accommodation

For a list of accommodation options, please visit the official destination website Visit Lismore.

RV and Caravanning: Lismore Showgrounds operate a wonderful facility for RV’s and caravans. Fees are $25 a night or $140 a week, includes power, water, hot showers and access to the dump point.  No need to book just come in and find a spot, set up and Keith the Manager will come by and book you in.

AZA Motel is in the heart of Lismore CBD and has been locally owned by the Volpato family since opening in 1971. Catering to visiting sporting groups and travellers alike – AZA Motel has always offered friendly service and affordable accommodation. Coupled with Secure Parking and a Pool Area within its unique CBD location, AZA Motel has much to offer. 2024 Sponsor

Invercauld House outside of Lismore up the hill in Goonellabah Invercauld House is a beautiful setting in amongst the gum trees. Keep an eye out for koalas whilst you’re there. 2024 Sponsor

Motels and Hotels outside Lismore – if you fly in for the weekend and the thought of a beach holiday is more to your liking, we recommend the Ramada Hotel and Suites Ballina (one of our partners). 2024 Sponsor

Wonderful Walks

The area is rich with natural attractions – too many to list here. Our recommendations in Lismore:

Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens
313 Wyrallah Rd, 3kms from CBD
Sensory Garden, Rainforest Walk, Hoop Pine Forest, Palm Gully, picnic area, amenities.

Wilsons Walking Track
Robinsons Lookout, Girards Hill, Lismore
Shared walking and cycling track with stunning views of Lismore. Suitable for moderate fitness levels.

Tucki Tucki Creek Walking Track
Birdwing Butterfly Gully, Kadina St, Goonellabah
An easy, sealed track through tropical rainforest along Tucki Tucki Creek with platypus viewing platform.

Rocky Creek Dam
Rocky Creek Dam Rd, Dorroughby
Four beautiful walks ranging from easy to medium difficulty. Picnic area, BBQ, playground, amenities.

Protestors Falls Walking Track
Terania Creek Rd, Nightcap National Park
A beautiful walk-through Bangalow Palms to the base of the falls. Moderate walk.

The Aboriginal Cultural Ways Coastal Path from Ballina to Lennox Head provides stunning scenery and 22 cultural and historical interpretive panels along the walk.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail – two sections are now opened:

  • Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek, 24 kms – why not hire a bike for the day
  • Casino to Bentley – 13 kms

This activity is highly recommended.

Tours and Activities

Friends of the Koala 2pm tours – This community organisation has been saving koalas for over 37 years. Book a tour of the NR Koala Hospital facilities to learn more about our Australian icon. Your donations go towards helping  ‘Friends of the Koala’ continue with their great, life-saving work. Feeling a bit restless and want to help contact Jen to ask after volunteer work over the month of June.

Botanic Gardens – Do you love gardening? Friends of the Botanic Gardens meet every Wednesday 8-11am to garden together. Why not join them?

Scenic Self-Drives – Get off the beaten track and head for the hills to discover the real charms and natural wonders of the region. The self-drives allow you to explore Nimbin and surrounding villages, renowned for their relaxed lifestyle and quirky charms. There are several magnificent World Heritage National Parks with walking trails and waterfalls that cascade into clear mountain pools with breathtaking lookouts.

Historic New Italy – Heading south or heading north The New Italy Museum complex is a great place to stop, 10kms south of Woodburn.

Shopping

Lismore has a vibrant, creative community that offers a unique and colourful selection of stores and boutiques in the CBD.  Spend a day wandering around, there are multiple places to eat, art galleries to visit, local artisan shops and plenty of great hairdressers and barbers. After the devastating 2022 floods our local businesses would love to see you!

Around the CBD in Magellan Street you’ll find Music Bizarre for CD’s, records and locally made clothes and Little Polli and the Blackbird for beautiful clothes and gifts. Shoppe One in Keen Street has everything you’ll ever need for the kitchen, picnics or gifts for the family and friends. If you’re after that special Italian handbag then go know further then Paul Meccanico’s handmade vegan bags.

Visit the beautiful Starcourt Arcade, with 100 year old leadlight windows and original pressed metal ceilings – all restored post flood. Find beautiful homewares, body products, candles, hand painted china and scarves by local artists and crafters, clothing and accessories, have a piece of jewellery specially made, find some upcycled furniture or visit the Brick Lounge and keep the kids busy with some Lego! Enjoy some delicious Japanese food, and of course the movies are on at the cinema on Wednesday and Sunday. Definitely worth a wander!

In Nimbin, don’t miss the Nimbin Candle Factory, it’s a great opportunity to watch candles being made and you can purchase at factory prices too! The region is famous for markets and Lismore offers a wonderful and delicious selection:

  • Lismore Farmer’s Market, every Saturday, Lismore Showground (8am-11.30am)
  • Lismore Organic Market, every Tuesday, Lismore Showground (7.30am-11.30am)
  • Lismore Produce Market, every Thursday, The Conservatorium 152 Keen Street (3pm-6pm)
  • Nimbin Market, 4th and 5th Sunday of the month, Cullen Street, Nimbin (9am-3pm)
  • Nimbin Farmer’s Market, every Wednesday, Cullen Street, Nimbin (3pm-6pm)
  • The Channon Craft Market, 2nd Sunday of month, Coronation Park, The Channon Road (8.30am-3pm)

Places to Play

Car or RV issues

Chris Albertini Automotive is a seriously good mechanic. Family owned and operated since 1994 by Chris and Angela Albertini they are one of Lismore’s most awarded mechanics for their reliable and professional service. Book ahead as they are always busy. 2024 Sponsor

Frank Vanz Tyres – family owned and run if you need tyres this is the company for you. Truck, bus and car and everything in between. 2024 Sponsor

Other major June events

Racing at Lismore Turf Club – Tuesday 18 June The Lismore Turf Club is the North Coast’s premier racing facility and host the  Lismore Cup each year in September. TAB Tuesday just happens to fall in the week after our event.

Lismore Lantern Parade by LightnUp – Saturday 22 June Stay for the week to experience one of the region’s signature events. Held on the Winter Solstice the parade celebrates the change from the longest night to the return of the sun – known as liminal space, where optimism and magic happen. Starts Saturday lunch time with market delights. For more information check out their website. If interested in volunteering in the lead up to their event and/or on the day you can find out more here.

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