Nestled deep in the hinterland of the Northern Rivers, Lismore is a colourful and charming town at the heart of the Rainbow Region. Renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty, cultural diversity and relaxed pace of life, Lismore is a place where old school blends with new age, letting nature set the pace. Situated on the Rim of an ancient volcano, Lismore is surrounded by lush rolling green hills, quaint villages and hidden valleys which are just begging to be explored. You’ll want to jump in your Hertz rental car and take yourself on a journey through this beautiful pocket of paradise.
Cultural Heart of the Hinterland
As the mighty Wilson River snakes its way through the slopes and valleys of the Tweed caldera, it eventually reaches the river city of Lismore. With a range of cultural attractions to experience, the locals are proud of their cultural influence and heritage, in a town that is unashamedly alternative and arty. There are several excellent galleries, arts centres and art installations in town. Start your day with coffee and a brunch fix at Benchtop Espresso, before heading over to Lismore Regional Gallery, the cultural hub of the region. A leisurely walk along the river provides the perfect way to acquaint yourself with the Lismore spirit, where you’ll encounter public art installations, lush public parklands and interpretive displays.
Lismore is known for its eclectic shops, and it’s easy to spend a morning wandering the main street perusing funky boutiques and arcades. You’ll be sure to find a few pleasant surprises here; retro, vintage and antique items take centre stage along with the avant-garde creations of local artisans – there is plenty to see, and you may well be tempted to pick up something truly unique. After soaking up the ambience and atmosphere of the town, stop in at La Baracca Trattoria for a hearty lunch. Situated on the edge of the CBD, the menu highlights the best of modern Australian cuisine, with a hint of international flavours for a truly unique dining experience in Lismore.
After spending some time exploring the town centre, it’s time to head to your boutique accommodation high into the hills. Just 15 minutes drive in your Hertz rental car, Byron Hinterland Villas in the small hamlet of Clunes is the perfect place to make yourself feel at home. This small resort is ideally located, only a short drive away from Byron Bay, nearby national parks and villages to explore. The luxury self contained accommodation is set on a beautiful property featuring lush subtropical gardens, a macadamia plantation, grazing cattle and a rainforest lined river - just serene.
For a fine dining experience, just a short drive from the resort is the highly acclaimed restaurant, Frida’s Field. Set on a working farm, this stunning venue and restaurant offers a carefully curated seasonal menu. The meals highlight farm to table and ecological farming practices, including their very own farm kitchen for a dining experience like no other.
Widjabul Dreaming
At the southern rim of the ancient Mount Warning (Wollumbin) shield volcano, the rolling green hills that surround Lismore are dotted with quaint villages, macadamia and coffee plantations and hidden valleys enshrouded with mystical rainforest. The absolute best way to experience the magic of the Northern Rivers is to strap on your boots, pack up your Hertz rental car and head off on your very own magical mystery tour through the Hinterland. The beautiful lands around the Lismore area are sacred to the Widjabul people, and their connection to country runs strong.
Take a drive out to Nightcap National Park, where you’ll be surrounded by lush ancient rainforests, thundering waterfalls and imposing escarpments. Highlights of this World Heritage area include Protestors Falls and Minyon Falls, which can be reached by short walks. For a cold water plunge, head to Whian Whian falls - a local hidden gem, where you can swim in the pristine and tranquil waters of Rocky Creek.
On your way through, spend some time exploring the many quaint villages and hamlets of the region. The Northern Rivers has a settlement pattern that is unique to the area, and like nowhere else in Australia - the towns out here are small, tight knit farming communities that focus on self sustainability. You’ll find a high concentration of towns in a very small area, making it the perfect destination to explore. Each community has something to offer, whether it’s cute cafes, a farmers or art market, an arty main street or a rustic pub. The magic of the Northern Rivers lies in its eclecticism and community spirit, and it’s out there for you to enjoy.
Set in such beautiful surrounds, Lismore is a must-visit for anyone looking to spend some time in pristine nature. A trip to this captivating place is sure to leave you renewed and revitalised, inside and out. Whether you’re here to soak up some art and culture, or wanting to relax and recharge your batteries, this slice of paradise is sure to leave a lasting impression and leave you wanting more.
