Seven Day Itinerary – Discover Richmond Valley

Country to Coast - Seven Day Itinerary

Day One - Casino

Start your day off by supporting a local café and grab your favourite snack and warm brew. While you’re down the main streets, explore the beauty and secrets of the art deco and federation heritage buildings by taking our Federation Heritage Walk.

If you would like more information on the heritage of Casino, stop by the Casino Historical Museum and browse the extensive collection of historical items. The helpful volunteers will also be able to answer any of your historical questions.

Experience the beauty of the mighty Richmond River by taking our Richmond River Scenic Walk and discover significant sites such as the Crossing Place, marking the first European crossing of the Richmond River, or the platypus rock carvings, which resonate times past.

For lunch – dine in or takeaway at one of Casino’s many pubs, restaurants and cafés. Enjoy the variety of takeaway options in Casino and enjoy your meal listening to the wildlife in one of Casino’s beautiful parks.

From here, you can explore the unique learning opportunities at Casino Drill Hall, which is home to the Northern Rivers Military Museum. The volunteers aim to educate all visitors on local involvement in all world wars and conflicts. The museum holds a remarkable collection of stories representing generations of local service.

A few minutes away from Casino’s CBD, take a trip on a miniature steam or diesel locomotive, skirting Casino Golf Course, winding through the Geneebeinga Wetlands.

Looking for something a bit more adventurous to top off your day? Head to the Old Casino Railway Station and embark on the ultimate journey of the Casino to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. The trail spans 13.4km and has been carefully crafted to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for all trail-goers. It also includes a brand-new bridle pathway for all equestrian enthusiasts.

Day Two – Casino continued

If you enjoy street art, Casino has an Art Trail which has several painted buildings and alleyways that can be seen along the streets of the charming country town. Visit Toys Change Lives Gallery and admire the toys designed, crafted and painted with Aboriginal styles of artwork.

Experience the Richmond Valley hinterland on our self-drive short tour. Expect picturesque views from Australia’s Green Cauldron in the north-east to Mt Lindesay and the Great Dividing Range to the west. Our beautiful national parks and state forests are perfect for bushwalking and camping. The short tour explores Casino, Wooroowoolgen, the beautiful views of Hogarth Range, Mallanganee and a final stop at Peace Park.

About 20 kilometres south of Casino, a turnoff leads you through pleasant farming land to the village of Rappville, a former bustling timber and beef village which continues to have an involvement with those industries. Timber is at the heart of Rappville, nesting at the foot of the beautiful hinterland mountains.

Rappville have beautiful, story-telling murals throughout the village. Those mural locations and stories can be viewed in our Art Trail brochure.

From Rappville, you can travel west along Wyan Road to the T-junction of historic Tenterfield Road before turning south to rejoin the Summerland Way, north of Whiporie, close to the Olive Family cemetery.

Day Three – Coraki

Wander along Coraki’s riverbank and encounter the healing stones and pathway created by artists and volunteers as a tribute to reconciliation between cultures and environment.

Browse through Joanna Burgler’s Waterlines Gallery on the banks of the Richmond River and admire her own beautiful artwork as well as aspiring artists.

Enjoy a nice meal at any one of the excellent eateries while appreciating what once was the busiest inland port in NSW. The riverbank is a great, relaxing spot for a fish, swim and other recreational water activities.

Visit Mid Richmond Historical Society, housed in the historic Woodburn Shire Council Chambers and browse through the collection of local artifacts, memorabilia, family histories and photographs from the earliest white settlement.

Enjoy the afternoon and have a hit of golf at the Coraki Golf Club which provides a challenge to players of all levels. Afterwards, enjoy a nice cold drink with your mates!

Day Four – Woodburn and New Italy

Known as the ‘Travellers Rest’, Woodburn is a wonderful place to stop, stretch and relax.

The river has always been an important part of life in Woodburn. When the road was merely tracks, the river was the highway, alive with sailing ships, ocean steamers and river boats. Today, the river is an excellent focal point for recreational water sport activities.

Grab a bite for morning tea from the friendly cafés and eateries and enjoy the view from the newly-upgraded Riverside Park.

Ride along the footpaths which weave through the new precinct and watch the kids have fun on the playground.

Travel approximately 15kms south of Woodburn and you’ll reach acreage of what once was part of the original New Italy settlement.

Here, you’ll find Historic New Italy where dedicated volunteers are wanting to preserve the memory of the pioneering Italian families. The quiet stopover off the Pacific Highway has ample free parking and space for caravans, picnic areas and room to walk your leashed dog.

While you’re stopped, browse through the New Italy Museum, enjoy a bite to eat at the café, buy from the gift shop and admire the artwork in the Glass Art Workshop.

Day Five – Evans Head

One of the region’s best kept secrets, the laidback fishing village of Evans Head is an attractive holiday destination for all travellers. Evans Head boasts long un-spolit beaches, fantastic fishing, whale watching and a highly recommended surf break.

Start your day off with a fresh dip in the picturesque Evans River, where the crystal-clear turquoise water is inviting all year round!

Enjoy a coffee from the kiosk, set along the river before exploring what Evans Head has to offer.

Starting your adventure, walk or drive up to Razorback Lookout , part of the stunning Dirawong Reserve, and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views.

From here, explore the tracks from Dirawong Reserve to discover the hidden beaches along the headland that you will not want to miss out on! Take a pic and be sure to share on Instagram and tag @discoverrichmondvalley.

For lunch, order a nice fresh seafood meal to enjoy while taking in the views of the river.

Head to the CBD and browse all the shops ranging from eateries, retail outlets and supermarkets. Full of friendly locals, you are sure to be left with a smile on your face.

An essential part of any family holiday, ice-cream! Head to Muzzas Milk Bar on the main street and the friendly staff are sure to help you find the best flavour.

Check out Evans Head Bowling Club, where you have the choice of pizza or Chinese for dinner. Or keep it simple and grab a traditional pub feed from Woodburn Evans Head RSL – a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the Evans River.

Day Six – Evans Head surrounds

Put your walking boots on, grab a hat, slap on some sunscreen, pack a Quikshade and a kayak because today is an adventure day!

Take the Richmond Valley Cultural Heritage Self-Drive Tour which celebrates our culture and heritage while making the most of the Valley’s scenic villages and communities.

During this drive you will come across Bundjalung National Park which is home to Jerusalem Creek and Black Rocks Campground.

Get the quikshade and kayak out and set up for the day.

Enjoy an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of a busy lifestyle and stay at Black Rocks Campground. Located in Bundjalung National Park, Black rocks Campground is perfectly positioned right by Ten Mile Beach and Jerusalem Creek. Not far from Evans Head, it is a great place for a family camping trip.

Running almost parallel to Ten Mile Beach is Jerusalem Creek, a tea-tree lined creek which is a great place to rinse the beach salt off. Enjoy a walk along the Jerusalem Creek walking track and explore old war bunkers and the wildlife.

Are you not a walker and more of a mountain biker? Don’t worry, we have just the solution for you. Doubleduke State Forest covers an area of about 2600 hectares and is located 9km south of Woodburn. Situated in the middle of the forest is New Italy’s Mountain Bike Trails.

Day Seven – Broadwater / Rileys Hill

Pack a picnic and set off on the last two towns of the Richmond Valley.

Go back to the days when steamships and riverboats commanded the waterways at Rileys Hill Dry Dock. Six interpretive signs are stationed along the walk to the docks to give you an insight into the interesting history of the site.

Also set on the old Pacific Highway you’ll find the Broadwater Sugar Mill, which is the regional centre for the local sugar industry and has been in operation since 1880. The mill dominates Broadwater’s skyline and cannot be missed when passing through.

Experience the peacefulness of the Broadwater Koala Sanctuary walking tracks with the potential to spot koalas nesting in their natural habitat.

Head to Broadwater National Park and relax over a delicious picnic lunch at the Broadwater picnic ground. Then explore the park or take advantage of the nearby beach and go swimming, surfing or fishing.