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Lismore was first settled in the 1850's by a Scotsman Mr William Wilson. In
1855 the land right next to the Richmond River was surveyed and the beginnings
of a town were laid out for settlers.
The village soon became a centre for the cedar timber cutters in the region
to haul their timber for transport to Sydney and Melbourne. The cedar forest was
then thought to be one of the largest in the world. Today it is mostly gone
cleared for agricultural use. The original inhabitants of the area are the
Bundjalung tribe.
As with most larger rural towns the railways arrived from Murwillumbah and
the town never looked back. Today the region is home to many Macadamia
Plantations, and other agricultural endeavours. The land being of particular
good quality. The Southern Cross University has its main campus here and the
town is the administrative centre for the Northern Rivers Region. Over the
last 20 years the area has also become home to people living alternate
lifestyles, artists, painters, potters, wood turners and every other type of
handiwork or craft work know to man. The beautiful countryside, sub tropical
rainforests, and abundant nature all year round has provided the perfect
environment for artisans to thrive. Lismore these days is full of art galleries
and craft centres.
There are many smaller settlements nearby such as The Channon, Nimbin, Kyogle,
Eltham, Clunes, Alphadale, and Bexhill. Check out some of the listed travel guide attractions and visit the local tourist centre for additional information. |
