Lismore is the financial and service centre for the flourishing Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales, inland from the renowned surfing and holiday resort towns of Byron Bay, Ballina, Brunswick Heads and Lennox Head. It boast the region`s foremost services and business centres and its shopping centres clinics,sorting facilities and schools support the communities in the surrounding towns and district. Lismore is a flourishing University town, being the base for the multi-campus Southern Cross University, which has over 5,000 students. Lismore also has a flourishing and diverse cultural scene including music and performance arts. It has a rich arts community that is a mixture of innovative, multicultural, traditional, innovative and alternate arts. The local pubs, University venues and
various clubs and groups support a flourishing live music circuit and local gigs. There are numerous natural areas in the district encompassing Mount Nardi, Whian Whian State Forest, Nightcap National Park and Border Ranges National Park. Lismore is well known for its local surrounding villages inlcuding: Uki, Eltham, Rosebank, The Channon, Bexhill, Dunoon, Clunes, Mullumbimby, Bangalow and Nimbin. There is a broad variety of activities and attractions in Lismore and in the local district. The major entertainment venues include: # Hummingbird Bistro, Nimbin # Goonellabah Tavern # Mary Gilhooleys Irish Pub, Lismore # Casino RSM Club # New Tattersalls Hotel, Lismore # Canberra Hotel, Lismore # Tattersall`s Hotel, Lismore # Commonwealth Hotel, Lismore # Royal Hotel Motel, Casino, Cecil Hotel,
Casino # Hotel Richmond, Lismore # Maggie Moores Pub and Bistro, Lismore # Northern Rivers Hotel, Lismore.