lismore+nimbin tourism

Lismore + Nimbin Tourism operate two Level 2 accredited Visitor Information Centres. One in the regional centre of Lismore and the other in the world famous village of Nimbin.

• Visitor information delivery - average of 300 walk-in visitors, 25-35 phone enquiries and approximately 50 email enquiries each day at each of our VICs. By taking the time to ask open questions, we can qualify our visitors’ interests and identify the tourism products which best meet their individual needs. We refer to our website, Visitor Guide and in-house brochures on a daily basis. We also stock a wide range of visitor guides and brochures from other regions in NSW and Australia to help extend the tourism experience beyond our region;
• Online reservation system makes it easy for visitors to find and book accommodation in advance. It’s free, available 24/7 and provides a secure gateway payment option;
• Transport enquiries – we provide timetable information and advice for visitors travelling within the region;
• Website – www.visitlismore.com.au is the official Lismore and Nimbin Tourism site with a comprehensive source of information on things to do, see and experience in the region. Visitors can research and plan their trip in advance by accessing the online reservation system, monthly events calendar, maps or by downloading a copy of our Visitor Guide;
• Visitor Guide – this stylish 36 page guide is produced biannually to showcase our beautiful region. Over 100,000 copies of the visitor guide have been distributed all over the globe;
• Dining Guide - a 4 page guide showcasing 36 of the finest restaurants and cafes in Lismore, Nimbin and Villages. Updated every 4 months to reflect changes to opening times and menus with information also available on our website;
• Arts Trail – a 6 page trail, showcasing 26 art organisations throughout the region. The trail includes mosaic, aboriginal, textile, sculpture and glass blowing artists, along with the wide variety of small galleries throughout the city centre and surrounding villages;
• Monthly events calendar – visitors can immerse themselves in our local culture through participation in our wealth of art exhibitions, theatre productions, sporting and community events and weekly craft and produce markets;
• School holiday guides - compiled a week prior to each school holiday to inform locals and visitors of what they can do and see in our region during the holidays;
• Gourmet Gift Hampers – tailor made to suit individual taste and budget featuring locally produced coffee, tea, choc coated macadamias, natural body products, rainforest jams, relishes and sauces, handmade candles and pottery etc.;
• Council outreach service – Nimbin locals can view DA’s, Building Plans, Environmental Plans etc. that affect the village and surrounds at the Nimbin VIC;
• Guided tours and itinerary development – Two staff members have work experience as tour guides prior to working at our VIC’s. In the past 12 months we have conducted 10 guided tours (for a small fee) for a range of different groups showcasing our region;
• Local Community Events Board – updated daily at our VICs

Lismore's facilities

• Over 16 interpretative panels promoting Lismore's history, Aboriginal culture and unique natural environment;
• Aboriginal Gallery space at Lismore VIC - featuring artworks for high profile and emerging Aboriginal artists; Rotating exhibitions feature contemporary Aboriginal art from the Bundjalung nation;
• Retail outlet - our VIC's are a showcase for our area, with a huge range of local products and produce, visitors can take home a taste of the Northern Rivers. Maps, postcards and souvenirs are stocked for travellers and a small selection of drinks, icecreams and snacks are available;
• Indoor replica rainforest within Lismore VIC – A unique experience for visitors and the local community with an amazing educational and cultural attraction. Rainforest murals, sounds, taxidermy animals, interpretative panels and indoor waterfall all add to the experience;
• Adequate car parking with designated disabled and caravan parking spaces; Ramped access to Lismore VIC for wheelchairs and elderly visitors;
• Public toilets including disabled toilet with Master Locksmith Access Key System (MLAK)

Nimbin's facilities

• Retail outlet - our VIC's are a showcase for our area, with a huge range of local products, produce, arts and crafts; visitors can take home a taste of the Northern Rivers. Maps, postcards and souvenirs are stocked for travellers and a small section of snacks are available.
• Adequate parking for coaches, buses, visitors and locals.

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We constantly strive to improve our product and services. We recognise that product development improves the profitability of tourism businesses by increasing the number of products and services available for visitors – as well as the number of visits, length of stay and spending by individual visitors.

• Walkabout Lismore brochure – a simple and effective brochure that combines three of Lismore’s CBD walks: the Wilsons River Experience Walk, a 3km riverside walk that features 3 story sites that paint a picture of Widjabul life and European settlement along the river, a bush food garden and talking butter churn; the Café and Culture Trail, a self-guided walk that explores Lismore’s many cultural and culinary delights; and the Historic Interest Walk which takes in Lismore’s historic sites and buildings. This comprehensive brochure features a map, brief interpretation of walks and locations of cafes, restaurants and galleries. It is the perfect tool for self-paced exploration of our city’s attractions;
• Lismore Café Exhibitions – a project instigated by Lismore and Nimbin Tourism in partnership with a local gallery and participating cafes in our Café and Culture Trail. The café exhibitions showcase the work of our talented artistic community, one of the largest in regional Australia, every three months and value adds our visitors’ café experience.
• Product and signage audit – tourism products and signage in Lismore, Nimbin and surrounding villages are reviewed regularly to maintain quality standards and services for our visitors

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Lismore Tourism is responsible for all tourism marketing and promotion associated with Lismore, Nimbin and Villages. We are essentially the “Brand Managers” of our region!

• Lismore and Nimbin Tourism website – is a portal for visitors to our region attracting over 618 hits (unique visits) per week. The website creates an identity for our region and showcases over 392 tourism operators to the world. We are currently updating content and functionality of www.visitlismore.com.au site and researching content and funding for the implementation of a dedicated site for Nimbin www.visitnimbin.com.au
• Visitor Guide – our region’s greatest marketing tool; promoting over 62 businesses in the guide. Over 100,000 copies are produced and distributed to all over the county.
• Bookings – generated $232,428.75 in total sales for 10/11;
• Market Research – conducted regularly to identify our target markets;
• Public relations and media value – media releases, distribution of media kits etc. in keeping with our key target markets and to promote our services;
• In-house brochure design & development;
• Cooperative marketing campaigns with tourism industry partners to promote the region, encouraging visitors to visit Lismore, Nimbin and the surrounding villages.

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Working in partnership with our tourism industry is crucial to the success of the services we provide and the projects we deliver. We have strong relationships with our tourism operators and recognise that communication is the key to success:

• Industry training and workshops – including customer service, e-marketing, product development and strategic planning; regular forums and workshops with our operators to gain feedback and support on developing tourism strategies;
• Events support – we partner with Council’s Events team and local event organisers to attract events to our region. We help with event management, marketing, registration, ticketing and research to encourage financial sustainability and increased overnight stays for accommodation operators;
• Networking functions – we hold a minimum of 2 networking functions each year;
• Staff and industry familiarisation program – tours conducted on request for media and approximately every 8 weeks allowing participants to experience first hand our varied tourism product and attractions;
• Business mentoring and support – to new and existing operators to help improve their tourism product, strategic planning and business operations;

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