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New South Wales location profile

Goonellabah NSW 2480

Goonellabah is an elevated, family-friendly suburb on the eastern side of Lismore with a mix of established homes and newer estates. It appeals for its convenience to shops, schools and health services, and for being generally less flood-affected than the Lismore CBD.

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Why families consider Goonellabah

Suburban lifestyle popular with families, health and education workers and students, offering quiet streets, local parks and easy access to Lismore’s jobs and services; more affordable than coastal centres while still within a short drive of beaches.

Amenities & services

  • Goonellabah Village (Coles)
  • Woolworths Goonellabah (Rous Rd)
  • Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre (GSAC)
  • Medical centres and pharmacies
  • Cafes, pubs and takeaways
  • Lismore Base Hospital (nearby)
  • Lismore Library – 110 Magellan St, Lismore
  • Southern Cross University Library – Lismore campus, East Lismore

Transport & connectivity

  • Kinetic North Coast (ex-Blanch’s) local buses to Lismore, Alstonville and Ballina
  • Bruxner Highway (Ballina Rd) and Rous Rd arterial access
  • NSW TrainLink coaches via Lismore; nearest XPT rail at Casino (~30km)

Lifestyle & recreation

  • Goonellabah Sports & Aquatic Centre (pools, gym, classes)
  • Local sports fields and courts
  • Skate park and playgrounds
  • Cinemas, galleries and live music venues in nearby Lismore
  • Heritage Park (Lismore)
  • East Lismore Wetlands
  • Tucki Tucki Nature Reserve (nearby)
  • Rocky Creek Dam Parklands (nearby)

Education context

Multiple long day care, preschool and OSHC options across the suburb; generally good availability, with waitlists possible for infants.

  • Southern Cross University – Lismore campus (East Lismore)