Tourist Drive 24 – Coast to Country
Hit the Road
Exit the Pacific Highway onto Tuckombil Road, which becomes River Street, and continue into Woodburn. Known as “the traveller’s rest,” Woodburn is a tranquil town situated along the Richmond River. This peaceful spot is a popular stop for those journeying along the Pacific Highway.
Relax by the River
Turn onto Coraki Woodburn Road, located across from Woodburn Public Pool and approximately 500 meters south of Woodburn Bridge. Continue across Rocky Mouth Creek and drive about 16 kilometres to reach Coraki.
Situated at the confluence of the Wilsons and Richmond rivers, Coraki means “meeting of water” in the local indigenous language. Its scenic riverside location makes it a favoured spot for boating, fishing and water sports. Once the busiest inland port in NSW, Coraki has transformed into a serene retreat for tourists looking to camp by the river and unwind. The village also features a popular nine-hole golf course that offers a challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
While you're here
Head north from Coraki on Queen Elizabeth Drive. As you approach the outskirts of Coraki, follow the signs for Lismore and Tourist Drive 24, which will guide you across Glebe Bridge and onto Coraki Road. Continue on this road for approximately 11 kilometres, then turn right onto Wyrallah Ferry Road. After crossing the bridge, turn left onto Wyrallah Road and drive about 11 kilometres until you reach Lismore.
Local Tips:
For those with a green thumb, consider a detour through Wyrallah to explore the hamlet’s charming gardens. About 5.5 kilometers south of the village on Wyrallah Road, visit the Aboriginal Bora Ring behind Tucki Tucki Cemetery. This sacred site, significant to the Bundjalung tribes, is estimated to be over 300 years old.
Welcome to Our Beating Heart
Lismore, the vibrant and artistic hub of the Northern Rivers, offers a rich blend of quirky shops and innovative dining options. Its historic and leafy city centre features an array of fascinating boutiques, antique stores, galleries, street art, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
KEY SPOTS:
Lismore Laneways
Explore over 60 artworks including murals, graffiti and installations by local and national artists.
Lismore Laneways Listening Booths
Located on Carrington Street and in the pop-up library on Molesworth Street. Experience stories about local art and listen to excerpts from events like the Opera in the Gardens and the From the Heart concert.
Lismore Regional Gallery & Serpentine Community Art Gallery
Check out local art exhibitions in Magellan Street (Regional Gallery) and Conway Street (Serpentine).
The Quad
A central greenspace in Lismore for community activities, performances, or relaxation.
Farmers Markets
- Lismore Farmers Market: Saturdays at the Showground.
- Lismore Organic Market: Tuesdays at the Showground.
- Lismore Produce Market: Thursdays at Northern Rivers Conservatorium.
- Fundies Wholefood Market: On Keen Street, known for health and organic products with a qualified naturopath on-site.
Dining
Enjoy diverse options such as the gourmet Lismore Pie Cart and Henry’s Bakery.
Koala Care Centre
Located on Rifle Range Road, East Lismore. Offers educational tours and koala rehabilitation viewing. Tours are Monday to Thursday at 2pm (booking essential, call 6621 4664). The centre also features a native plant nursery selling koala food trees.
Parks and Nature Walks
- Heritage Park: Features a miniature railway, colourful play equipment and picnic facilities.
- Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens: Home to local rainforest species, good for spotting koalas and birdlife.
- Tucki Tucki Creek Walking Track: Scenic walk through rainforest and marshland, home to platypus and the endangered purple-spotted gudgeon.
- Lismore Community Garden: A space for learning about and harvesting fresh produce.
- Nesbitt Park: Includes a mountain bike skills course, pump track, accessible playground, walking/jogging track and picnic facilities.
Bexhill and Clunes
Leave Lismore’s Heritage Park and turn left onto Molesworth Street. At the third roundabout, at the corner of Woodlark and Molesworth streets, turn right, then turn left at the second roundabout, at the corner of Dawson and Woodlark streets. Continue on this road for 33 kilometres, passing through the villages of Bexhill and Clunes, until you reach Bangalow.
KEY SPOTS:
Bexhill General Store
The store is known for its friendly atmosphere, offers a range of delicious food and drinks, including coffee, homemade Indian curries and samosas. Dhezi Deli is a must-visit for food enthusiasts, especially cheese lovers, with its selection of 100 varieties of cheese, salamis, hams and other gourmet items.
Bexhill Open Air Cathedral
Provides panoramic views and is a popular spot for outdoor weddings and picnics. It’s also a peaceful place to relax.
The Church of the Good Shepherd
Known for its remarkable organ, attracts organists from across Australia and beyond for recitals.
The Clunes Store
A lively establishment, features a popular café, boutique cellar, post office and grocery store, offering local, sustainable and specialty produce. The café is known for its seasonal, locally sourced menu.
Uncle Peter’s Books
Located a short walk from The Clunes Store, boasts a vast collection of around 25,000 second-hand books at reasonable prices.
A Chilled, Charming Village
Bangalow is a charming town known for its Federation-style architecture and lush parks. The main street, lined with trees, features historic buildings that house a variety of independent boutiques, galleries, cafes, restaurants and antique shops.
KEY SPOTS:
Bangalow Parklands
Situated just off the main street next to the Bangalow Heritage House Museum and its tearooms. This spacious park offers shaded areas along Byron Creek and the Bangalow Weir, with a rotunda, picnic tables, barbecues, toilets, a playground and plenty of parking.
Abracadabra
A quirky store that has been a local favourite since 1973, originally sold a wide array of baskets, used furniture and second-hand books. Today, it is known for its incense, clothing, prayer flags, wind chimes and model cars.
Bangalow markets
On the fourth Sunday of every month, from 8am to 2:30pm, the Bangalow Markets come alive at the showgrounds. Stroll through the numerous stalls beneath the expansive camphor laurel trees.
