Things To Do
in Lismore

Local producers sell fruit, vegetables, baked goods, cheeses and small-batch pantry items — a must for fresh regional produce and artisan products (check weekly schedule).

Often found near community events and evening markets; good spots for tacos, wood-fired pizza and specialty coffee.

A friendly 'G'day' or 'hello' and a handshake in formal situations are common; locals are generally informal and approachable.

Acknowledge that the land is the traditional Country of Bundjalung people and respect cultural sites and protocols — follow signage and local guidance.

Lismore values community and volunteerism; be considerate in public spaces, clean up after yourself, and support local businesses.

Be sensitive when discussing floods; many locals have been affected and recovery remains an important community focus.

Tipping is not obligatory in Australia; in Lismore rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected. Tipping café baristas and casual servers is rare; for tours or private guides a small tip is welcome.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; tap-and-go contactless payments (Visa/Mastercard/Apple Pay/Google Pay) are common. Smaller markets or rural stalls may prefer cash or EFTPOS — carry some cash for weekend markets and remote purchases.

Warm to hot, humid conditions with afternoon thunderstorms possible; great for beaches and waterfalls but be mindful of sun, heat and occasional heavy rains that can cause local flooding.

Mild, pleasant weather with lower humidity — one of the best times to visit for outdoor walks, markets and fewer storms.

Cooler nights and mild days; ideal for hiking and exploring rainforests without excessive heat, but mornings can be crisp so pack layers.

Flowering season with increasingly warm weather, good for waterfalls, farms and outdoor festivals; watch for variable conditions as the wet season approaches.

A popular hike to a dramatic waterfall and scenic lookout through subtropical rainforest; access to walking tracks and picnic areas.

Significant volcanic plug and iconic sunrise hike (access, cultural protocols and track conditions vary) offering panoramic views over the caldera.

Ancient rainforest, lookouts and longer bushwalks with opportunities to see unique flora and fauna and expansive views.

Less-crowded trails through eucalypt forest and high-country pockets ideal for multi-day walks and nature spotting.

Traditional custodians of the area with living cultural presence, events and art — an important part of the region's identity.

Longstanding agricultural communities producing dairy, macadamias, fruit and other regional produce.

A significant creative community including visual artists, musicians and festival organisers drawn to Lismore's cultural scene.

Southern Cross University campus presence contributes students and education professionals to the demographic mix.

Vegetarian options are common in cafés and restaurants thanks to the region’s abundant produce; many places offer salads, grain bowls, vegetarian mains and local cheeses.

Vegan-friendly venues are widely available in Lismore and nearby Byron/Lennox Head; check menus online and ask staff about dairy-free alternatives and local plant-based dishes.

Most cafés and restaurants can accommodate gluten-free diets, but always confirm cross-contamination policies for baking and fried items.

Communicate allergies clearly; smaller venues are usually helpful but rural suppliers may have limited specialized pantry items — bring essential medication if you have severe allergies.