Lismore
Lismore City is one of the major regional centres of Summerland on The Far North Coast of NSW, Australia. It is situated on the Wilson River which is a tributary of the Richmond River and close to Nightcap National Park.
It takes approx. 30 minutes by car from Ballina or about 45 minutes from Byron Bay to reach the central business district of Lismore and the drive is through rolling green hills and tiny villages with old fashioned charm.
The city of Lismore is a major centre with several large retailers and plenty of variety and specialty stores.
It has a regional art gallery, a university, a college, two hospitals, an abundance of sports grounds, tennis courts, cricket pitches, gyms, horse and greyhound tracks, a speedway circuit, a memorial swimming pool and several clubs.
Lismore in Summerland here on the Far North Coast is considered to be the doorstep to some of the most significant World Heritage reserves such as Mt Warning National Park.
The Park surrounds the caldera of an ancient volcano.
The Borders Ranges and The Nightcap National Parks evidence what was once a vast rainforest which blanketed the entire region. What remain are pockets of splendid rainforest which make the area so unique.
Lismore is also well known for its annual Lantern Festival which is held on the banks of the river usually in late June.
The festival is highly colourful, displaying unique artistry in the construction of lanterns in a wide variety of creations.
The night festival is a spectacular community event and usually has a theme with children and teenagers dressing up in magical costumes. The lively performances to amplified music and lighting effects bring the river to life.
The city of Lismore has several sister cities including Yamatotakada City in Japan, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA and another Lismore in Ireland and the interest in other cultures is evidenced in the wide range of the theatrical, musical and art displays.
In the hills districts surrounding Lismore, the town of Nimbin is famed as the rainbow town which held the original Aquarius Festival.
There are always lots of markets happening each weekend in Lismore and its surrounding hill towns.
The Channon Markets is one of the most well known for selling original T shirt designs, jewellery, organic produce, and quirky artistry.
