Lismore / Northern Rivers
As a popular destination for sea-changers and both domestic and international visitors, Northern Rivers is one of the fastestgrowing regions in New South Wales. With a population projected to increase by 30% over the next 15 years, the Northern Rivers region includes the major townships of Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay, Kyogle, Casino, Lennox Heads and a number of other vibrant coastal and rural villages*. The city of Lismore is the tourism gateway for the Northern Rivers region. Settled between lush rainforests and miles of coastline, Lismore is only a short drive from the tourism icons of Byron Bay, Lennox Heads and Ballina. Lismore is also the commercial hub of the Northern Rivers region, and is home to a dynamic combination of industries including:
- tourism
- agriculture and horticulture
- health and community services
- construction and manufacturing
- education and research
Featuring a strong mix of trade- and tertiary qualified workers together with high-quality infrastructure, the Northern Rivers region is set to continue attracting new investment across a diverse range of industries.
Source: Northern Rivers Regional Development Board 2007
- *Australian Bureau of Statistics 2007; Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Kyogle Local Government Areas
Lismore / Northern Rivers at a glance
- Population:
- 126,152*
- Location:
- 2 hour drive south of Brisbane; 70 minute flight north of Sydney
Facilities:
- 3 hospitals
- 1 airport
- 1 university (Southern Cross University)
- 5 shopping centres
Key Events:
- East Coast Blues and Roots Music Festival (March)
- Primex Rural Trade Expo (June)
- Byron Bay Writers Festival (July)
- Lismore Cup (September)
- North Coast National Show (October)


