(for at least seven days before and after)
LisAmore! takes place in the middle of winter, on Sunday 18 June. It’s a wonderful time of year to visit Lismore, Nimbin and Villages.
The spectacular Lismore Lantern Parade lights up the streets on Saturday 24 June. It is well worth extending your visit to ensure you don’t miss this iconic event.
The Channon Craft market is on the weekend before on Sunday 11 June.
There is so much to see, do and explore in surrounding towns, villages and national parks, plus Lismore is in the heart of the Northern Rivers, making it the perfect location to discover the entire region.
Here are some local tips and a taste of ‘What’s On,’ for further information and inspiration, Visit Lismore or Visit Nimbin.
Accommodation
For a list of Lismore accommodation options, please visit the destination website Visit Lismore provided by our event partner, Lismore City Council.
RV and Caravanning: Lismore Showgrounds and Lismore Turf Club are providing space for the weekend 16-19 June for a nominal fee of $20 per night. For other options, refer to Visit Lismore.
Motels and Hotels outside Lismore – if you can 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).
Great Walks
The area is rich with natural attractions – too many to list here. Our recommendations in Lismore – Wilson’s Park (on the road to the tip or from the Golf Course), Butterfly Gorge (Goonellabah, near Kadina High); or just meander along the river.
North of Lismore – Minyon Falls (Nightcap National Park) and Rocky Creek Dam (picnic and barbeque, children’s playground).
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 – the first 24.5 km section from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek is finished and open to explore. This day out can be done by foot or bike (chose from on-trail bike hire options). This activity is highly recommended.
Tours and Activities
Friends of the Koala 2pm tours – This community organisation has been saving koalas for over 36 years. Book a tour to learn more about our Australian icon. Your donations go towards helping the ‘Friends of the Koala’ continue with their great, life-saving work.
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.
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-4pm)
Places to Play
- Heritage Park and Miniature Railway, 207 Molesworth Street, Lismore
- Nesbitt Park and Biking Facility, 129 Casino Street, South Lismore
- Southern Cross University Pool, Military Road, East Lismore
- Goonellabah Sports and Aquatic Centre, 50 Oliver Ave, Goonellabah
- Nimbin Skate Park, Sibley Street, Nimbin
June Events
Latin Dance at The Aardvark – Saturday 10 June
A fun night out for lovers of dance with a nine piece live Latin band, DJ Havi spinning Cumbia, salsa, son music. All ages welcome. There will be delicious Latin inspired food and cocktail specials at the bar.
For further information, visit the event page on Facebook.
Racing at Lismore Turf Club – Wednesday 20 June
The Lismore Turf Club is the North Coast’s premier racing facility. The LTC is host of the famous Lismore Cup each year in September. TAB Tuesday just happens to fall in the week after our event.
Lismore Lantern Parade – Saturday 24 June
Stay for the week to experience one of the region’s signature events – The Lismore Lantern Parade. 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 delight.
For more information check out their website.
Viking Village Solstice 2023 – Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June
Come and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of authentic village life of the Vikings from the period 800AD to 1100AD. Walk through the authentic village camp and market lane. Watch craft and skill demonstrations and listen to historic talks on the Viking ways of life. Feast and drink as you watch warriors clash in the fighting arena and games circle. Hosted by local medieval re-enactment club Rognvald’s Lith, to celebrate the Winter Solstice.
For further information, visit the event page on Facebook.