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.

Our guide on 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 Robinson's Lookout and Lismore Workers Golf Club.

Lismore CBD

If you're spending some time in Lismore CBD, Lismore Produce Market and Lismore Regional Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

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.

Loftville

Loftville is well liked for its restaurants and lake views. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Lismore Workers Golf Club and Lismore Produce Market are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Girards Hill

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

Lismore Wilson Motel

Lismore Wilson Motel

4 out of 5
119 Ballina Road Lismore NSW
The price is NZ$228 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$228
22 July - 23 July
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (284 reviews)
"Great location, rooms are comfortable, well equipped and spacious, a little dated but more than adequet for our stay"

Reviewed on 30 June 2026

Lismore Wilson Motel
Invercauld House

Invercauld House

3.5 out of 5
163 Invercauld Rd Goonellabah NSW
The price is NZ$284 per night from 10 July to 11 July
NZ$284
10 July - 11 July
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! (31 reviews)
"The room was clean and spacious. Comfortable bed. Large bathroom. The place is in a nice quiet location about 10 minutes to town. I recommend this place"

Reviewed on 28 May 2026

Invercauld House
Sisleys Motel

Sisleys Motel

2 out of 5
111 Dawson St Lismore NSW
Stay at this motel in Lismore. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lismore Regional Gallery and Lismore Produce Market ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Everybody was so friendly and helpful. And the room was spacious and spotless. With a little kitchenette and everything you needed."

Reviewed on 6 May 2026

Sisleys Motel
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! (31 reviews)
"The room was clean and spacious. Comfortable bed. Large bathroom. The place is in a nice quiet location about 10 minutes to town. I recommend this place"

Reviewed on 28 May 2026

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 beach aparthotel in Byron Bay. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (255 reviews)
"We have stayed at this property before and enjoyed a 10/10 experience. Not so on this occasion. Mainly due to my choice of the room, but in part also the 2 noisy groups of arrogant guests above this room during our stay. Constant thumping as they stomped around and irritating chalkboard like scratching ..."

Reviewed on 23 May 2026

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 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (649 reviews)
"Liked that the cabins are next door to the bowling club and you could walk through a side entrance...very sensible planning. The cabins are starting to show their age but still comfortable. The chinese resturant in the club is excellent."

Reviewed on 29 June 2026

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.

Stay near popular Lismore attractions