A Creative Journey – Byron to Lismore
A Creative Journey through the Northern Rivers Hinterland
Byron is alive with creativity, from coastal galleries to heritage villages and rolling hinterland towns.
This trail takes you off the main roads and into places where local artists, makers, and storytellers shape everyday life, blending contemporary culture with history, community, and Country.
Byron Bay: Coastal Creativity
Start on Bundjalung and Arakwal Country at Australia’s easternmost point, a place where arts and culture flow as freely as the ocean.
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- Byron is home to the Loan Goat Gallery, a contemporary art space presenting emerging and established artists. The gallery is located in the Byron Bay Library building in downtown Byron Bay, just a short walk from Main Beach, and presents a monthly program of exhibitions, kid’s activities and workshops that reflect the diverse array of visual arts in the Northern Rivers and beyond.
- Small galleries and studios across town showcase local painters, sculptors, photographers, and craft makers.
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Planet Corroboree is an Aboriginal art gallery in downtown Byron Bay, it sources directly from artists or from ethical trading sources.
Craig Parry is an award-winning photographer with international acclaim. Visit his gallery in Byron and see nature come to life!
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Haven Gallery is an immersive art experience, where light and technology provide a multi-sensory playground for art, sound, movement and human expression. They host exhibitions, performances and workshops.
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- Gallery 3 is an artist run space that presents quarterly exhibitions of miniatures each year.
Arts and Industrial Precinct
A little west of the town centre and a short solar train ride away lies the Arts and Industrial Estate. What was once a purely industrial zone has evolved into a vibrant creative precinct where artists, designers, musicians, food makers, and wellness innovators work side by side.
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Thom Gallery A contemporary art gallery founded and curated by artist Alex Thom. It features a curated selection of collectible paintings, sculpture, and works on paper from acclaimed local, interstate, and international artists.
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Pack Gallery Studio – A contemporary art space in the heart of the estate showcasing established and emerging Northern Rivers artists with a dynamic program of exhibitions, workshops, and events.
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McTavish Surfboards is more than just a surf shop, this Byron Bay institution is a living creative space where surf culture, design and craftsmanship come together.
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Habitat Collective is a curated concept store showcasing the work of 30+ local and independent designers, makers, and lifestyle brands.
Bangalow: Heritage Artisan Village
Head inland to Bangalow, a heritage village with wide streets, colonial architecture, and a thriving arts scene.
Bangalow Markets | Held on the fourth Sunday of every month, these markets highlight local crafts, artworks, and performance. A great place to meet makers and pick up unique creative souvenirs.
Local Galleries & Studios
Explore small galleries and working artist studios tucked along streets and laneways.
Ninbella Gallery, Byron’s premier art gallery representing some of the best indigenous and non-indigenous artists.
Station St Co-Op A small gallery and portrait studio featuring rotating exhibitions and workshops run by local artists.
The Lumber Yard A vibrant cultural micro-precinct showcasing artists and makers from the Northern Rivers.
Mullumbimby Creatives
Mullumbimby offers a vibrant arts scene, from its creative local shops and artisan makers to dedicated spaces
The Byron School of Art Project Space showcases diverse regional and visiting artists, and Mullum Garage is a unique community‑supported venue that blends exhibitions, education, and creative workspace to foster artistic development and connection across the region.
Clunes Creatives with clay
A short drive west brings you to Clunes, located 10 minutes from Bangalow and on troute to Lismore.
Check out the Byron Clay Workers Gallery which celebrates local clay workers in a supportive, purpose-built and collaborative exhibition space near Clunes.