The Richmond Valley is celebrated for its perfect blend of agricultural country charm and pristine coastal ecosystems. It is anchored by Casino, widely known as the Beef Capital of NSW and a key hub for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, and Evans Head, a premier coastal destination famous for its calm river estuaries and heritage aviation history.

The Richmond Valley is located in the northern rivers region of New South Wales (NSW). The region is highly accessible via the Pacific Highway for road-trippers and features major transport links including daily XPT train services to the Casino Railway Station. Visitors traveling by air can easily fly into the nearby Ballina Byron Gateway Airport located just a short drive from the valley’s main towns and coastal villages.

The region is packed with outdoor, budget-friendly family experiences. Popular highlights include exploring the Northern Rivers Rail Trail by bike in Casino, swimming in the protected estuaries of the Evans River, checking out the vintage aircraft at the Evans Head Heritage Aviation Museum, and enjoying the massive adventure playgrounds at Woodburn Riverside Park and Crawford Square in Casino.

While the region boasts a beautiful, temperate climate year-round, the best time to visit depends entirely on your holiday style:

Summer (December – February): This is the peak holiday season for Evans Head, drawing thousands of tourists and families looking for the ultimate coastal beach break, surfing, and swimming in the Evans River. Local tip: Accommodation and caravan sites book out months in advance for summer, so secure your spot early.

Autumn & Spring: Ideal for exploring the hinterland without the summer heat. This is the perfect time for cycling the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in Casino or catching Casino Beef Week in May.

Winter (June – August): The absolute prime time for nature lovers to visit Evans Head’s coastal lookouts for the spectacular seasonal whale migration. Early August in Casino also features the Casino Truck Show a must see regional event.

No, there are currently no bike hire services operating within Casino. However, with the opening of the Casino to Lismore section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, there is an incredibly high and growing demand for local bicycle, e-bike, and equipment hire right at the Casino trailhead. The region is actively looking to support new or expanding businesses interested in filling this gap; entrepreneurs or operators looking to tap into this booming cycle-tourism market are highly encouraged to contact the Richmond Valley Council Invest & Live team to discuss local opportunities.

Yes, the Richmond Valley is a premier destination for caravan and camping enthusiasts. The region offers everything from absolute beachfront and river-front premium sites at Reflections Holiday Parks Evans Head, Casino Discovery Parks and BIG4 Casino Holiday Park, to peaceful, low-cost riverside camping options at Coraki Riverside Caravan Parks.

The primary public dump point in Casino is located at the Casino Showgrounds (located on Summerland Way). To access it, enter through the main gate and turn immediately to your right, following the directional local signposting.

Yes, free camping is available at the rear of the Casino Showgrounds off Ellangowan Road. While the site is free, bookings are required and visitors are highly encouraged to secure their spot ahead of time by contacting the Casino Visitor Information Centre. You can arrange your booking by reaching out to the center during their standard operating hours, which are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on weekends. Please note, free camping may be closed during an event at the showgrounds.

With nearly 330 bird species recorded across 23 distinct regional locations, the Richmond Valley is a premier destination for birdwatchers. In Casino, the must-visit hotspot is the Jabiru Geneebeinga Wetlands, located right next to the Casino Golf Club, which features dedicated observation points and walkways designed to view native waterbirds with minimal footprint. For coastal, migratory, and shorebird species, head to Bundjalung National Park and the Evans River estuaries in Evans Head to spot rare birds in undisturbed coastal heaths, dunal systems, and pristine wetlands.

A dedicated town water filling station is located directly beside the Casino Council Depot at 9 Cassino Drive. This station allows caravan, motorhome, and RV travelers to easily top up their fresh water tanks for a small fee before heading out to explore the region or pulling into the local showground campsites.

Yes, and they make for the perfect day trip into our surrounding regions! Just a short drive from the Richmond Valley, you can explore some of the Northern Rivers’ most spectacular cascading waters:

Killen Falls: Located a scenic drive north towards the Ballina Shire hinterland, this pristine pocket features a stunning, easily accessible viewing platform where you can admire the falls plunging into a rainforest waterhole from above.

Minyon Falls: Situated just over an hour’s drive into the lush, World Heritage-listed Nightcap National Park, this majestic waterfall drops over 100 meters into a deep, palm-fringed gorge, offering sweeping views from its cliffs.

Protesters Falls: Also tucked away in Nightcap National Park, this spot offers a gentle, enchanting walk beneath ancient subtropical rainforest canopies to reach the base of the beautiful cascades.

Please note: Swimming is not permitted at these waterfalls due to crucial safety and environmental guidelines, which help protect our region’s delicate natural ecosystems.

No, there are currently no free public hot showers located within Casino. However, road-trippers and travellers can easily access clean, hot shower facilities by visiting the local public swimming pool or one of the town’s local gyms, where you can use their amenities for a small, casual entry fee.