Arts & Culture
The Northern Rivers is a true melting pot of cultures, philosophies and ethnic groups. The rich and inspiring environment has attracted scores of artists, filmmakers and photographers providing a feast for live theatre, film and culture buffs.
Local cinemas and theatres offer a diverse playbill with everything from the mainstream to the classical and avant garde.
There are scores of exhibitions, expos and arts festivals. Galleries and craft shops bulge with prolific output of local artists and artisans working in an amazing variety of media. You can visit the studios of painters, sculptors, wood turners and glassblowers and watch their fabulous creations brought to life.
The performing arts also flourish in the Northern Rivers and local theatre and dance troupes have achieved national and International recognition for their world-class productions and innovative new works.
Events such as Byron Bay's the annual Bluesfest attract visitors from around the globe.
(click here for more on the Byron Bluesfest)
The mild climate is conducive to outdoor pastimes – and the region is sports crazy! From badminton to bowls; cricket to croquet; rodeos to roller-skating; you’ll find every imaginable sporting activity happening sometime, somewhere... and if you can do it on or in the water, its here too!
For enquiring minds, there are historical societies and museums in most of the region’s towns and villages that document the fascinating history of white settlement.
At culture centre’s like Minjungbal at Tweed Heads, the Gurragai Aboriginal Arts and Crafts at New Italy, south of Woodburn or the Yarrawarra Centre at Corindi Beach, you can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Northern Rivers people.
You can take the Aboriginal Drive through the Clarence and visit sites of spiritual and historic significance to the people who, for thousands of years, have lived in harmony with this idyllic subtropical environment.
If you’d like to find out more about the notable attractions and happenings make sure you contact your local Visitor Information Centre.
