Casino

You won’t find finer beef in all of NSW than in the beef capital of Casino, part of the Richmond Valley on the far North Coast. Though it’s not just about cows in these parts. Casino is a pretty place to be, located on the banks of the beautiful Richmond River and beside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Richmond Range National Park.

Explore the town

Stroll through the picturesque town and explore its history, including a large number of art deco buildings and the heritage-listed colonial post office, first completed in 1879. Learn more about the early days of the town at the Casino Historical Museum with its collection of artefacts and photographs.

Military buffs should check out the Northern Rivers Military Museum, which educates visitors about the region’s involvement in wars and conflicts. Then treat your tastebuds to legendary Casino beef at the town’s restaurants, bistros and pubs. Try the best steaks in town at the Barn Steakhouse.

Events

Time your visit with Casino Beef Week, a festival the whole family can enjoy. Held in May, the annual event celebrates Australia’s beef industry and rural life. There are tasty markets, live music, rodeos, horse races, carnival rides and farm tours. Check out the events calendar for more, from community markets and flower shows to thoroughbred racing.

Things to do

Take the kids to the Casino Miniature Railway for a train ride through stunning wetlands before playing the Casino Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course. Spend a day at Aranyani Bison Adventure Tourist Park, a working American bison ranch with fun activities like archery, canoeing, mini golf and fishing.

Stroll along the riverbank near Irving Bridge early in the morning or evening and you might spot platypus. For spectacular views, drive west to the Mallanganee Lookout. From here, the Cambridge Plateau scenic drive winds its way to the Richmond Range rainforest.

Getting there & where to stay

Casino is an eight-hour drive north of Sydney and three hours south of Brisbane. Rex flies from Sydney to Lismore (via Grafton) up to three times a week and you can hire a car for the 20min drive. More flights are also available to Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, one hour away. You can also catch a train direct from Sydney and the journey takes around 11hr 30min. Accommodation options suit various budgets, from caravan parks to classic country pubs and motels.