Three ideal days are ahead for the Australia Day Long Weekend after a couple of scorching days this week where the mercury reached mid to high 30s.

The only forecast of rain is a 30 chance tomorrow (Saturday). Otherwise, there will be a mix of sunshine and clouds with maximum temperatures of 28, 30 and 29 degrees.

The Lismore Farmers Markets will get the long weekend underway at 7:30am tomorrow at the Lismore Showground.

It is always a great way to socialise and buy some fresh, locally grown fruit and veg or flowers & plants, have some coffee/tea and breakfast and listen to live music from Cheese 'n Crackers until 11:30am.

Heritage Park will be open, and the miniature train will run over the long weekend. Getting the family out and about on the new Rail Trail from South Lismore is another outdoor option, as is rollerskating at Rollerworld in North Lismore.

On Sunday, take a trip into the hills for the Nimbin Markets open from 9am to 3pm on Cullen Street.

Spend a few hours checking out the unique artisan wares, recycled inventions, clothes and furniture and more. Then go for a bushwalk in Nightcap National Park Walks.

Rotary Lismore is holding a Free Australia Day Family Fun Day at the Limsore City Bowling Club (171A Molesworth Street) on Sunday from 10:30 to 3pm.

The day will include a free BBQ, thong throwing, barefoot bowls, face painting, the Lollipop Ladies, Polly Esta, the Wild Rangers Animal Show and live entertainment from the Cath Simes Band.

There is more live music at the Northern Hotel over the long weekend.

Saturday night, Sabotage hit the stage from 7pm, and on Australia Day, Short Fuse plays the Sunday Session from 3pm.

The Lismore Workers Club live entertainment kicks off for 2025 with Forever Olivia - A Tribute to Olivia Newton-John on Saturday, February 15, Reputation - the Ultimate Taylor Swift Tribute Show on Friday, February 21 and the Fab Four - The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Show on Friday, March 7.

Check out all the live music in 2025 at the Lismore Workers Club website.

Events coming up in February to make a note of include:

• Legends of Cricket - Saturday, February 15 at Oakes Oval and
• Country Championships at the Lismore Turf Club featuring Lismore's richest race on Saturday, February 22.

Fuel prices have been a mixed bag this week. Prices in Ballina have risen about 3 cents a litre, Lismore is steady while Casino has dropped about 2 cents a litre depending on the fuel type.

Here are the cheapest fuel options in each town:

• E10 is 178.9 at the 7-Eleven in South Lismore, 175.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street and The United on Johnston Street in Casino, with The Metro and the Mobil on River Street in Ballina cheapest at 170.5.
• Unleaded 91 is 179.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, Lismore, 177.9 at the NightOwl Puma, and 172.5 at the Metro and the new Mobil in Ballina.
• U95 is 188.5 at Bakers Corner, Terania Street, North Lismore, 193.9 at the EG Ampol on Canterbury Street in Casino and 185.5 at the Metro and Mobil on River Street, Ballina.
• U98 is 196.9 at the Liberty Foodmart on Ballina Road and the Liberty at 113 Union Street, South Lismore, 198.9 at the two Liberty's on Hare Street and Centre Street in Casino and The United on Johnston Street, and 193.5 at the Metro and Mobil in Ballina.
• Diesel is 189.9 at the Astron on Ballina Road, the Coles Express on Dawson Street and the Caltex on Leycester Street, Lismore, 192.9 at The United on Johnston Street in Casino and 192.5 at The Mobil and Metro in Ballina.

Have a great weekend!