Louisa Albury was born on a farm near Mudgee, New South Wales. Her early life was marked by hardship, limiting her formal education but fostering a strong connection to the Australian landscape and a keen awareness of social inequalities, particularly those faced by women in rural areas. This early exposure would later fuel her commitment to social reform.

At the young age of 18, Louisa married Peter Larsen, a Norwegian gold miner who later Anglicized his name to Lawson. The marriage proved challenging, marked by financial instability and periods of separation. Despite the personal difficulties, the marriage produced five children, including the renowned poet Henry Lawson. This experience provided Louisa with first-hand knowledge of the struggles faced by working-class families, further solidifying her dedication to social justice.

Following years of hardship and separation from her husband, Louisa moved to Sydney and managed a boarding house. This provided her with a degree of financial independence and exposed her to a diverse range of individuals, including writers, activists, and reformers. It was during this period that Louisa became more deeply involved in the burgeoning feminist movement in Australia.

Louisa Lawson founded "The Dawn", a monthly journal dedicated to promoting the interests of women. "The Dawn" was groundbreaking as it was written, printed, and published entirely by women. It provided a platform for female voices on a wide range of issues, including suffrage, education, employment, and social reform. "The Dawn" became a powerful force in the Australian feminist movement and played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights.

Louisa Lawson became a prominent figure in the New South Wales Womanhood Suffrage League and served on its executive committee. This period saw intense campaigning for women's right to vote, involving public meetings, petitions, and lobbying of politicians. Lawson's leadership and dedication were instrumental in achieving women's suffrage in New South Wales in 1902.

Louisa Lawson passed away in Gladesville, Sydney, after several years of declining health. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, she left behind a lasting legacy as a pioneering feminist, writer, and publisher. Her work paved the way for future generations of Australian women to pursue their goals and advocate for equality.