Located in Northern Rivers, Casino NSW is a small town of over 10,000 people on the banks of the Richmond River. It is located at the intersection of Bruxner Highway and Summerland Way. The town has a history that is worth exploring. From the history of the town to the Jambama Arts Gallery to the rock carvings, there is plenty to keep visitors entertained and interested. To plan your trip to Casino NSW, here are some things to do.
History of Casino NSW
The history of the town of Casino NSW begins before European settlement. The region was home to the Bundjalung Aborigines, who inhabited the area before the arrival of European settlers. The Bundjalung territory extended north as far as Toowoomba, encompassing the present-day towns of Tenterfield and Warwick. During the winter, these people migrated to the coastal areas to collect fish, and inland people from Casino brought them black bean seeds as trade.
The town of Casino is located on the banks of the Richmond River, about 716 km north of Sydney and 228 km south of Brisbane. Its history goes back as far as 1850, when Henry Clay and George Stapleton purchased a piece of land along the Richmond River. They cut a path to the coast from Glen Innes, and bought cattle and named the property Cassino.
Today, Casino is a quiet rural service centre town on the Richmond River. It has interesting historical buildings, including many from the Art Deco and Victorian eras. The town calls itself ‘The Beef Capital’, and even holds an annual Beef Week. The town of 12,000 people depends heavily on the cattle and timber industries of the region. The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange is the largest saleyard in northern New South Wales.
Jambama Arts Gallery
If you’re looking for something to do in Casino, NSW, consider visiting the Jambama Arts Gallery. The artist collective, Jambama, creates pieces that are inspired by storytelling. The museum is also close to Casino’s Casino Miniature Railway, which takes passengers through the town’s wetlands and past. It also has a children’s spray and play pool, so your kids can have fun too!
The art collection at the Jambama Arts Gallery is the work of professional Aboriginal artists. You’ll find a diverse collection of artworks at the gallery, including traditional and contemporary Aboriginal artworks. The exhibits celebrate local Aboriginal talent and culture. The town is 709 km north of Sydney and 263 km south of Brisbane, and is about 12 hours’ drive from either. If you’re driving from Sydney, you can take the Pacific Highway or choose an alternative inland route via the Summerland Way. You can also use the New England Highway or Mount Lindesay Highway to get to Casino.
McKee’s Antiques
If you’re looking for antique items, then you’ve come to the right place. Located at 99 Centre Street, McKee’s Antiques is a family-run business that delivers antique goods from Sydney to Brisbane and the Northern Rivers region. Established in 1980, the business has been furnishing homes with unique, practical, and attractive antiques. Their inventory includes everything from classic furniture to quirky smalls. You can also find a reputable delivery and storage service for your treasures.
Platypus Pool and Rock Carvings
The Platypus Pool and Rock Carvings are popular tourist attractions in the area. These statues were carved by artist Mick Thorman, who sadly died in 2006. The carvings are easily visible from the road bridge. The sculptures are also located near the Casino Historical Museum, which features local artifacts. It is a great place to spend a day exploring the area. A visit to this place will leave you wanting to come back again.
The Platypus Pool is located below Manyweathers Weir. Visitors can walk along the walking trail and experience the rich birdlife in the area. Visitors can pack a picnic and listen to the various bird calls while strolling through the area. The early colonisers had thought that platypus were mythical creatures, but now they are real and you can see one in the wild. These animals are shy, so a late afternoon or early morning visit are recommended for viewing.
Casino Folk Museum
The Casino Folk Museum, also known as the Richmond Valley Historical Society Museum, is a museum in Casino, New South Wales, Australia. The museum is dedicated to preserving and displaying the history and cultural heritage of the Richmond Valley region, which includes Casino and the surrounding area.
The museum is located in a historic building in the centre of Casino and features a wide variety of exhibits on the local history of the region. These exhibits include displays on the region’s Indigenous history, its early European settlement, and its development into a thriving agricultural and commercial center. The museum also has a large collection of photographs, documents, and artifacts from the local area.
In addition to its exhibits, the Casino Folk Museum also hosts a variety of events and educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours. The museum is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm, and on the first Sunday of each month from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is free, although donations are welcome.
Mallanganee Lookout
When visiting Casino NSW, you should definitely visit Mallanganee Lookout, a local attraction. The lookout offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. To reach the lookout, simply drive from the town of Casino or Tenterfield. You can also take the Culmaran Loop, a four-kilometre track that starts and ends at the Cambridge Plateau Picnic Area. This is an excellent choice if you want to explore the region without driving.
The view from Mallanganee Lookout is unbeatable, and you can enjoy a picnic there. The lookout offers a breathtaking view of the Richmond Range. You can visit the Woodenbong village nearby, and the Great Dividing Range, which contains the largest diversity of macropod species in Australia. The Rainforest Way Loop also passes through Urbenville. Afterwards, you can walk along the Richmond River to get an idea of how the area looks like from afar.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy a meal in the midst of the rainforest, there are several options available for you. Visitor information centres, heritage buildings, and shops can help you plan your day. If you’re looking for an activity to do in Casino, you can explore the local area by driving along the river or hiking along the Culmaran Valley. The Richmond Valley is home to several national parks, including the renowned NP, the Great Dividing Range, and the Culmaran Valley.
Northern Rivers Military Museum
The Northern Rivers Military Museum is a museum located in Casino, New South Wales, that focuses on the military history of the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. The museum is housed in the Casino RSL (Returned and Services League of Australia) Club and is run by volunteers who are passionate about preserving the military history of the area.
The museum has a large collection of military artifacts and memorabilia, including uniforms, weapons, photographs, and documents. It also has displays on the history of the Australian military and the role that the Northern Rivers region has played in Australia’s military history.
The Northern Rivers Military Museum is open to the public and is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and military collectors. It is open on weekends and public holidays from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Admission is free, although donations are welcome.
For more information about the Northern Rivers Military Museum, you can visit their website or contact the museum directly.
The museum is also home to a WW1 Honour Board, a project funded by the estate of legendary Australian war poet Len Boswell. The museum’s permanent exhibition displays are also a great place to learn more about Australia’s war veterans and how they helped shape Australian society. A recent exhibition, “The Soldier’s Way to War”, highlights the military’s impact on the lives of Australians.
Hotel Cecil Casino
There are many things to do in Hotel Cecil Casino NSW, but if you want to spend some quality time with your family, you can enjoy your stay at this casino hotel. Located 726 kilometers north of Sydney and 228 kilometers south of Brisbane, Casino is a beautiful country town that boasts interesting historic buildings. The town is a major service centre for pasture lands and receives an average rainfall of 1107 millimetres per year.
Best Festivals/ Music
Casino Beef Week is an annual festival held in Casino, New South Wales, Australia. The festival celebrates the region’s rich agricultural heritage and its importance as a producer of high-quality beef.
The festival typically takes place in May and features a variety of events and activities, including live music and entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and agricultural displays. One of the highlights of the festival is the Parade of Beef, which features floats and displays showcasing the region’s beef industry. The festival also includes a range of culinary events, including BBQ cook-offs and beef-themed dinners.
Casino Beef Week is a popular event that attracts visitors from all over the region and beyond. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the local beef industry, enjoy some delicious food, and participate in a variety of fun and exciting activities.
Best Places to eat in Casino NSW
Casino is a charming town located in the Richmond Valley region of New South Wales, Australia. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the town offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. From classic pub grub to modern Australian cuisine, here are some of the best places to eat in Casino.
- The Charcoal Inn The Charcoal Inn is a popular dining spot in Casino that has been serving up delicious meals for over 50 years. The restaurant offers a variety of classic pub dishes, including steaks, schnitzels, and burgers, as well as seafood and vegetarian options. The Charcoal Inn is also known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for a casual night out.
- The Lazy Labrador The Lazy Labrador is a modern Australian restaurant located in the heart of Casino. The restaurant offers a range of gourmet dishes, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. The menu features everything from seafood to pasta, and there are also plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
- The Oxford Hotel The Oxford Hotel is a historic pub in Casino that offers a range of dining options, from classic pub meals to modern Australian cuisine. The pub features a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with a fireplace and outdoor seating area, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- Kibbles of Casino If you’re looking for a great breakfast or brunch spot in Casino, Kibbles of Casino is the place to go. The cafe offers a range of delicious breakfast dishes, including pancakes, eggs benedict, and smashed avocado, as well as coffee and freshly squeezed juices.
- The Commercial Hotel The Commercial Hotel is a popular pub in Casino that offers a range of classic pub dishes, including steaks, schnitzels, and burgers. The pub also features a beer garden and live music on weekends, making it a great spot for a night out with friends.
- The Pastoral Hotel The Pastoral Hotel is a family-friendly pub in Casino that offers a range of classic pub meals and modern Australian cuisine. The pub features a large outdoor seating area, as well as a children’s playground and regular live music events.
- New Tattersalls Hotel The New Tattersalls Hotel is a historic pub in Casino that offers a range of dining options, from classic pub meals to modern Australian cuisine. The pub features a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with a fireplace and outdoor seating area, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
- The Imperial Hotel The Imperial Hotel is a classic Aussie pub in Casino that offers a range of classic pub meals and cold beers. The pub features a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with a large outdoor seating area and regular live music events.
Overall, Casino may be a small town, but it offers a variety of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a classic pub meal or a gourmet dinner, there’s something for everyone in Casino.
Best Places to stay in Casino NSW
River Park Motor Inn & Restaurant
The River Park Motor Inn & Restaurant has some pretty average reviews on TripAdvisor but in general it is difficult to find good accommodation in small towns in Australia. You also need to pay up for the privilege as well. I guess if you need a roof over your head for the night you’ll take the chance.
Casino Motor Inn is a family owned and operated business. Set off the main road in peaceful surrounds, yet just 2 minutes from town, we have 30 well-appointed rooms. With ample coach and trailer parking, a guest pool to relax by and a licensed restaurant just to name a few of our many features! It is the perfect place to stay overnight
10 interesting facts about Casino NSW
- Casino is a small town located in the Richmond Valley region of New South Wales, Australia.
- The town was founded in the mid-19th century and was originally called “Cassino” after the Italian town of the same name. The name was later changed to “Casino.”
- The town is home to the Jambama Art Gallery, which features an impressive collection of Aboriginal art.
- Casino is also home to the Casino Folk Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the local area.
- The town is known for its beef industry, and the annual Beef Week festival is held in Casino each year.
- Casino is located near the beautiful Richmond River, which offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and kayaking.
- The town is surrounded by beautiful national parks, including the Richmond Range National Park and the Border Ranges National Park.
- Casino is home to the iconic art deco-style Casino Drill Hall, which was built in the 1930s and is now used for community events and performances.
- The town is also known for its historic pubs, including the Commercial Hotel and the Tattersalls Hotel, which date back to the early 20th century.
- Casino is located just a short drive from the popular tourist destinations of Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, making it a great base for exploring the region.
