Lismore
NSW 2480 • Rest of NSW
About Lismore
Lismore is the major regional centre of the Northern Rivers region in New South Wales, situated 734 kilometres north of Sydney and 200 kilometres south of Brisbane on the Wilsons River floodplain. The urban area has a population of around 29,000, serving as the commercial, educational, and administrative hub for the wider region. Home to Southern Cross University, the city has a distinctive character shaped by its agricultural heritage, arts community, and the counter-cultural influences of nearby Nimbin and Byron Bay.
The city offers a vibrant cultural scene with galleries, markets, live music venues, and a thriving café culture influenced by its creative and alternative community. Lismore's affordability compared to coastal neighbours like Byron Bay attracts artists, young families, and professionals working across the Northern Rivers region. The CBD features Heritage-listed buildings, Lismore Square shopping centre, and the regional hospital. While the city faced devastating floods in 2022, significant recovery and resilience efforts continue to strengthen the community.
Lismore falls under postcode 2480 and is governed by Lismore Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lismore electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- 661, 662 — Lismore local area services (Goonellabah, TAFE, hospital) 10-25 min
- CDC Northern Rivers — Ballina via Alstonville 45 min
- CDC Northern Rivers — Byron Bay, Lennox Head 60-75 min
- NSW TrainLink Coach — Casino (rail connection to Sydney/Brisbane) 30-40 min
Commute to Ballina (nearest coastal centre)
🛣️ No rail service — former Casino-Murwillumbah line closed. Regional bus services connect to Ballina, Byron Bay, and Casino. Lismore Airport (Rex) offers flights to Sydney.
CBD is compact and walkable; car essential for reaching surrounding areas and outer suburbs like Goonellabah
Supermarkets Nearby
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ColesLismore Square Shopping Centre Cnr Brewster Street & Uralba Street Lismore 2480 NSW
Schools
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Albert Park Public School ICSEA 950344 Keen Street
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Bexhill Public School ICSEA 995Withers St
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Blakebrook Public School ICSEA 942Rosehill Rd
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17 Blue Hills Avenue
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Caniaba Public School ICSEA 955Caniaba Rd
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Clunes Public School ICSEA 1056Walker St
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Coffee Camp Public School ICSEA 964Nimbin Rd
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Corndale Public School ICSEA 998Corndale Rd
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Dunoon Public School ICSEA 1037James St
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Eltham Public School ICSEA 1075Boatharbour Rd
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Eureka Public School ICSEA 1084Lismore-Brunswick River Rd
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Nimbin Rd
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Goonellabah Public School ICSEA 847Lismore & Ballina Rds
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Goonengerry Rd
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Jiggi Public School ICSEA 1010Jiggi-Nimbin Rd
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Kadina High School ICSEA 884Kadina St
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Larnook Public School ICSEA 886Cawongla Rd
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Lismore Heights Public School ICSEA 973195 High St
Heritage-Listed Places
There are 2 heritage-listed places in or near Lismore, listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 92
- 2. New Zealand 47
- 3. Philippines 22
- 4. Nepal 18
- 5. Germany 15
- 6. United States 14
- 7. Scotland 12
- 8. India 11
- 9. South Africa 11
- 10. Thailand 10
- 11. Canada 9
- 12. Italy 9
- 13. Japan 8
- 14. Malaysia 8
- 15. Netherlands 6
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)