Lismore is a Winter Wonder!

Four weeks of fun, friendship making and fantastic events

This year we are promoting four magical weekends of wonderful winter activities in and around LisAmore!

Winter is a special time to visit Lismore, Nimbin and Villages, with warm sunny days, and crisp winter nights we invite you to come play, come stay and explore this beautiful part of NSW during the wintertime.

There is so much to see, do and explore, with Lismore located in the heart of the region, 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 the monthly What’s On guide, head to Visit Lismore.

Accommodation

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

Lismore Showgrounds: RV and caravaners will find a wonderful facility at the showgrounds. 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. This is also the home to our Elders Love Lismore show which runs 16-18 October.

AZA Motel Lismore 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. 2025 Sponsor

Invercauld House nestled amongst the gum trees in the hills of Goonellabah, just outside Lismore, Invercauld House offers a tranquil and picturesque setting. Keep an eye out for local wildlife. if you’re lucky, you might even spot a koala lounging in the trees. 2025 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). 2025 Sponsor

Wonderful Walks

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

New! Nimbin Rainbow Walk
Alternative Way, Nimbin
An easy pathed walk to enjoy the beauty of the area, with cultural and artistic expressions, picnic areas and birdwatching.

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:

  • Lismore to Casino – 29 kms
  • Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek, 24 kms – why not hire a bike for the day

This activity is highly recommended.

Tours and Activities

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. In 1881 some intrepid Italians made New Italy their new home. 2025 Sponsor

Balloon Aloft – Fancy a ride in a hot air balloon? Based out of Byron Bay but depending on the wind this wonderful business will give you a birds eye view of the region. 2025 Sponsor

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 no further then Paul Meccanico’s handmade vegan bags.

Visit the beautiful Starcourt Arcade, with 100-year-old leadlight windows and original pressed metal ceilings. Enjoy some delicious Japanese food, and of course the movies are on at the cinema on Wednesday and Sunday. Definitely worth a wander!

Lismore boasts a large number of unique, boutique and retro stores, check out the local selection on Visit Lismore.

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) 2025 Sponsor

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. 2025 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. 2025 Sponsor

Other winter events

Racing at Lismore Turf Club – Thursday 12 and Thursday 26 June.  The Lismore Turf Club is the North Coast’s premier racing facility and host the  Lismore Cup on 27 September.

Lismore Lantern Parade by LightnUp – Saturday 21 June.  Held on the Winter Solstice the parade celebrates the shortest day of the year, lighting up the night sky with lanterns, light and performances. Starts Saturday lunch time with markets, food stalls and free entertainment. 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.

LisAmore! Film Festival – Sunday 29 June – 11:30 – 3:30 pm – Nimbin Bush Theatre

Featuring two iconic films:

🎥 They’re a Weird Mob (1966)

A light-hearted Australian comedy that follows the misadventures of Nino Culotta, an Italian immigrant navigating Australian culture and language as he tries to fit in and make a life in Sydney. Check it out here.

🎥 La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful) (1997) 

A touching and beautifully crafted Italian film that blends humour and tragedy. It tells the story of Guido, a Jewish-Italian father who uses his imagination and humour to protect his son from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Here’s a taste of what to expect.

Winter Wonderland – Saturday 12 July – 11:00 – 3:00 pm – Nimbin Bush Theatre
An event primarily for children aged 3 to 14, plus their parents.
We have hired a snow machine for use in games and dress-up photographs.
After the fun and games at noon, we are showing the full-length Feature film Narnia. 
For information on other events taking place in the region over winter, see What’s on at Visit Lismore.
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