PARKS AND GARDENS FERNSIDE

The tiny town of Bentley sits 23 kilometres north-west of Lismore on the Kyogle Road. It was named after Great Bentley in England, the birthplace of the owner who built Bentley Homestead in the 1870s. Bentley has become recognised throughout Australia for its annual art competition. Held in August at the Bentley Hall, the Bentley Art Prize offers AUD1,000 for first prize for its open section and a AUD1,000 acquisition prize. Hundreds of artists from New South Wales and Queensland enter with the Aboriginal art section gaining an impressive reputation. In April 2014 residents of Bentley and the Northern Rivers gathered in Bentley to form the 'Bentley Blockade', a protest opposing a drill site from unconventional Coal Seam Gas miners. This successful protest has led to the Northern Rivers being declared gas field free....

The quiet town of Goolmangar is a scenic 10 minute drive from Lismore and 15 minutes from Nimbin. As the town entrance sign suggests 'Goolmangar - Where the Cows Come First', the town and surrounding area are famous for its dairy industry. The town has two traditional cow crossings that enable farmers to move their stock from the pasture to the milking sheds. Purchase local produce from the general store or visit the Goolmangar School of Arts Hall that has been operating for over 100 years and is the home to many social, educational and artistic groups....