From martial arts to the miniature railway there’s activities galore near Lismore
Some of the businesses mentioned in this article may have been impacted by recent extreme weather events. If you are planning to visit these businesses, please contact them first to see if they are open.
When you’re swapping the coast for the country, you might worry that there aren’t as many sporting and recreation activities available. But if you’re anywhere near Lismore or Casino – rest assured you’ll be spoilt for choice.
From some amazing outdoor recreation facilities and parks, to clubs you can join and activities for the kids, there really is something for everyone and every ability. So check out the broad range of activities that this inland region of Northern Rivers – the country is calling (and the coast is always an easy day trip away).
Outdoor recreation
The Richmond Range and Basket Swamp National Parks are two glorious outdoor destinations for those who enjoy getting back to nature.
Basket Swamp is a little more pleasant than it sounds, and is an important wetland that cleans, stores and slowly releases water into the local creeks that run into the Clarence River. The woodland park is ideal for bushwalkers or those looking for trails to ride their horse, and provides access to the Basket Swamp Falls.
Richmond Range is actually an Australian World Heritage Area and within the lush landscapes, you can walk through the ancient rainforest of Gondwana. There are campgrounds if you want to stay a night or two, and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for brush turkeys, non-venomous carpet pythons, rose-crowned fruit doves and rare bent-winged bats.
Clubs
Lismore Workers Club was founded in 1954 as a club for local workers and has grown ever since. It’s now an established community hub, with a golf club, various sports clubs and regular concerts and social events on offer for members.
The Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) in Lismore is a charity-based organisation that is focused on empowering young people to survive and thrive in their communities, as well as inviting the wider community to benefit from their array of activities and facilities.
Image source: Heritage Park Miniature Railway
PCYC Lismore offers gymnastics, school holiday programmes, a range of fitness classes for adults, personal training, martial arts for all ages, toddler time for the tots and a gym/weights room for exercise.
If you’re after a fun way to get into running, or simply enjoy socialising while you exercise, you should definitely check out Lismore Park Run. The free, friendly weekly community event leaves from Riverside Park at 7am on Saturday morning and new participants are always welcome to walk, jog, run, volunteer or even just cheer others on!
Kids’ activities
Looking for something to entertain the kids for the day? Head to the Heritage Park Miniature Railway in downtown Lismore – and don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch! There’s two miniature trains (called Toby and Katie) who are always ready to take the kids on a ride around the park. And once they’ve had their turn, or two, the playground is ideal for burning off energy, from toddlers through to teens.
When the weather outside is less than delightful, or you need somewhere to host a birthday party, Playquest is just the ticket! The indoor playground is the perfect place to park up for the morning (or afternoon), letting the kids have a blast while you grab a coffee from the cafe.
If you’re wanting to get the kids involved in some fun, device-free activities, then look no further than North Coast Gymnastics. It’s home to a variety of classes for all ages, from mini gym to rhythmic skills, tramp skills, acrobatics and aerobics skills. They have school term timetables, holiday programmes and you can also hire their facilities to host a birthday party.
Image source: Stepz Lismore Gym
Yoga studio
When you need a bit of calm put back in your life, Simply U Yoga can help. From easy yoga and stretches, to core and posture workouts in a pilates class, their focus is on making self-care simple. All levels of ability are welcome.
Gyms and classes
If you’re keen to join a gym and get along to some classes, the Stepz Lismore Gym might just be what you’re looking for. Located in Lismore Central Shopping Mall, Stepz Fitness is open 24/7 so you can train whenever it is convenient for you. You can train on your own, get help from a personal trainer, or enjoy some group fitness classes.
F Fitness Lismore is another well-equipped gym located in East Lismore and it also offers 24/7 access. Set out across 900 square metres, there are classes six days a week, more than 40 cardio machines, 60 strength machines and so much more!
Summit Fitness at Goonellabah is a major gym and swimming centre servicing Lismore, Goonellabah and Alstonville. It offers a women’s fitness centre, swimming lessons, group classes and much more.
Phew! Who said you need water to have fun? We all know keeping active is key to a happy, healthy life and it’s always good to know what recreational facilities are nearby to enjoy – as sometimes just the idea is enough to inspire action.
Interested in learning what other sports and recreational facilities are in the area? Check out our business directory.
