Lismore

Introducing Lismore

The hinterland’s commercial centre is beautified by a liberal supply of heritage and Art Deco buildings and a thriving artistic community. Students from Southern Cross University add to the town’s eclecticism, and there’s a strong sense of individualism here. Furthermore, the town’s close proximity to rainforest, beaches and the Wilson River makes it an ideal base for visiting the hinterland.

The Lismore visitor centre (1300 369 795; cnr Molesworth & Ballina Sts; 9.30am-4pm) has internet access and a rainforest display ($1). Kids groove on the Heritage Park playground and skate park, next to the centre.

The diminutive Lismore Regional Art Gallery (6622 2209; 131 Molesworth St; admission by donation; 10am-4pm Tue-Fri, 10.30am-2.30pm Sat) has just enough space for two visiting exhibitions, but the curators do it justice by showing excellent works.

The Koala Care & Research Centre (6622 1233; Rifle Range Rd; admission free; 9.30-10.30am Sat) is home to recovering koalas and well worth a visit. To get a glimpse of platypuses, head to the northern end of Kadina St and walk up to Tucki Tucki Creek at dawn or sunset.

You can also spot fuzzy grey bums-in-the-gums at Tucki Tucki Nature Reserve (6627 0200; Wyrallah Rd), about 16km south of town.

A pleasant walking track skirts the river. Along the way you’ll pass a bush-tucker garden, nurturing the once daily diet of the Widjabal people, who are the traditional owners of the land.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009