Casino

Explore the town 

Casino’s streets – particularly main Walker and Barker – are an endless parade of historic buildings, many Victorian alongside an impressive number of Art Deco structures, remarkably well preserved. Pick up a map from the Visitor Information Centre and take them in along the Federation Historic Scenic Walk; take note of the heritage-listed post office, first completed in 1879. Learn more about the early colonial days of the town at the Casino Historical Museum, with its well-curated collection of artefacts and photographs and team of passionate volunteers. Military buffs should also check out the Northern Rivers Military Museum, which sheds light on the region’s involvement in wars and conflicts.  

Casino Historical Museum, Casino

Wining & dining 

You don’t have to be in town in May to enjoy Casino’s star meat – many of the town’s restaurants, bistros and pubs spotlight the region’s finest beef. Try the best steaks in town at The Barn Steakhouse, which comes replete with a beer garden where you can relax in beanbags overlooking the establishment’s private lake. Or dine at a historic Casino landmark at Hotel Cecil.   

Hotel Cecil, Casino - Credit: Hotel Cecil

Family-friendly adventures 

Take a trip on a miniature steam or diesel locomotive at the Casino Miniature Railway, winding through the bird-rich Jabiru Geneebeinga Wetlands. The former station here has been developed into a railway museum, replete with memorabilia that ranges from signals and tools to literature offering insights into Casino’s railroading past. The novelty train’s course skirts the 18-hole Casino Golf Club, a championship course that you’ll want to spend some time exploring.  

Casino Golf Club, Lismore Area

Get back to nature 

Out of all Australia’s marsupials, the platypus is easily the most elusive. But head to Casino’s Platypus Pool, and you’re almost guaranteed a sighting. Stroll along the town’s riverbank near Irving Bridge early in the morning or evening and you might just spot these cute creatures splashing below.  

Platypus Pool Rock Carving, Casino - Credit: Tiarn Stenner

For spectacular views over the Northern Rivers countryside, drive west to the Mallanganee Lookout within the Richmond Range National Park. On a clear day you can see Mount Warning and across the coastal region to the east. From here, the Cambridge Plateau scenic drive winds its way through the Richmond Range rainforest, with equally jaw-dropping views over the Richmond Valley. 

Cambridge Plateau Scenic Drive, Casino - Credit: J Atkins/NSW Government

Events & festivals 

There’s no bigger event on this town’s annual calendar than Casino Beef Week, a festival that actually lasts 12 days and pays homage to Australia’s farming industry and rural life. Bring the family and enjoy food markets, live music, rodeos, horse races, carnival rides and farm tours. Check out the events calendar for more Casino events, from community markets to thoroughbred racing. 

The Casino Food Co-op Casino Beef Week, Casino - Credit: Jess George

Getting there & where to stay

Casino is an eight-hour drive north of Sydney and three hours south of Brisbane. You can catch a train direct from Sydney in about 11.5 hours. Or, fly into Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, one-hour away, or Lismore Regional Airport, 20 minutes away.  Accommodation options suit various budgets, from caravan parks to classic country pubs and motels.