The Creative Arts Trail – Ballina to Lismore
An Arts & Culture Journey
Creativity runs deep in the Northern Rivers. It flows through riverbanks and hinterland roads, studios and galleries, museums and living cultural sites.
The Creative Currents Trail invites visitors to follow that flow from the coast at Ballina to the regional heart of Lismore, discovering the artists, stories, and living cultures that make this region one of Australia’s most creatively rich destinations.
Ballina: Stories Shaped by Water and Time
Begin on Bundjalung Country in Ballina, where arts and culture are inseparable from the river, the sea, and long-held community stories.
- Northern Rivers Community Gallery | Ballina
Showcasing a diverse program of exhibitions by leading regional artists alongside touring shows, offering insight into the ideas, identities, and environments shaping the Northern Rivers today. - Ballina Naval & Maritime Museum | Ballina
Step back in time and uncover maritime legends, river trade stories, and ocean-going histories that helped shape the Ballina Coast. A rich, hands-on experience that connects past livelihoods with present-day coastal culture. - Creative Artisans Gallery | Ballina
Showcasing original creations and artwork from local artists and artisans. It is owned and managed by local women who have lived and worked in the shire for many years. - Water Stories & Soundtrail Walk | Ballina Riverfront
This self-guided experience blends place, sound and storytelling, inviting you to explore Ballina’s riverfront while listening to local voices, histories and reflections. - Public Art Trail | Ballina
The Ballina Public Art Trail showcases a vibrant collection of sculptures, murals and community creations that celebrate the region’s culture, coastline & creative spirit.
Ballina to Lennox Head
Enjoy a coastal detour to Lennox Head and wander through this stunning seaside town and discover its beauty.
- The Lennox Head Village Heritage Trail | Lennox Head
A self-guided walk highlighting iconic village landmarks and places of Aboriginal cultural significance. The trail begins at Williams Reserve near the Cultural and Community Centre, winds through the village, and finishes at Lennox Point—home to the famous right-hand surf break that played a key role in shaping Australia’s surfing culture. - Lennox Arts Collective | Lennox Head
Is a vibrant group of local artists who collaborate to showcase their work in a welcoming gallery space. The gallery has been a creative cornerstone for over a decade, born from the vision of local artists wanting a space to share their work with the community.
Into The Hinterland
As you travel inland toward Lismore, the trail climbs onto the Alstonville Plateau, where creativity takes on a distinctly village feel. Wander the village centre to discover heritage buildings repurposed as creative spaces, where history and contemporary culture sit side by side.
- Alstonville Heritage Trail | Alstonville
Alstonville, once known as Duck Creek Mountain, is a charming hinterland village set among what was once dense rainforest between the Richmond River and the Nightcap Range. Visitors can explore its rich past on a self-guided heritage trail featuring 17 historic sites, including Crawford House Museum, heritage parks, early civic buildings, and Alstonville’s oldest church dating back to 1897. - Crawford House Museum | Alstonville
Step inside Crawford House, a beautifully restored Federation-era home offering a glimpse into life on the Alstonville Plateau from the early 1900s to the 1960s. Explore authentic household items, rotating exhibitions, and a dedicated research room that bring local history, community life, and heritage architecture vividly to life. - Black Fig Gallery | Alstonville
A curated art gallery in the heart of Alstonville, NSW, created for artists – and for those who feel the room and know when something belongs in it. This intimate and thoughtfully designed space invites visitors to slow down and connect with art on a deeper level. Every piece is hand-selected through considered curation, ensuring each work resonates with the gallery’s unique atmosphere.