The Ultimate Taste Tour of the Richmond Valley
Last Updated: 03 June 2026
From legendary country steak trails and bustling weekend markets to historic riverfront pubs and artisan treats under the vines, pull up a chair and discover the authentic flavours of our coast and country.
1. Sink Your Teeth into the Casino Beef Trail
Welcome to the Beef Capital of NSW. If you love a premium, perfectly cooked steak, doing a self-guided tour of Casino’s historic pubs and local steakhouses is a must. Our local butchers and chefs source directly from the lush surrounding grazing country, delivering an authentic gate-to-plate experience that puts standard city restaurants to shame.
Insider Tip:
Keep an eye out for the annual Casino Beef Week celebrations, where the entire town transforms into a massive street festival celebrating our rich pastoral heritage with food stalls, parades, and live entertainment!
2. Sip Coffee Under the Vines at New Italy
Take a delicious detour down the highway to experience an authentic slice of Europe in the middle of the Australian bush. Relax under the shady grape vine trellises at the New Italy Cafe, savouring premium Italian coffees, traditional woodfired sweets, and homemade cakes proudly crafted by the community.
Insider Tip:
While you wait for your brew, pop next door to the artisan glass-blowing studio to watch incredible, glowing works of art being hand-shaped right in front of you.
3. Enjoy Riverfront Dining at Historic Small Town Hotels
There is nothing quite like a cold drink and a classic country counter meal right on the water. Drop into the historic Coraki Hotel or Woodburn’s welcoming riverside Rod ‘N’ Reel Hotel & Brewery, where you can grab a spacious table out on the deck, watch the boats cruise down the Richmond River, and enjoy hearty portions of local seafood, woodfire pizzas, and classic pub grub.
Insider Tip:
Time your visit for late afternoon—the reflection of the setting sun over the wide reaches of the river makes it the best beer garden view in the lower valley.
4. Hunt for Treasures at Our Local Weekend Markets
Meet our passionate local growers, bakers, and makers by browsing through the vibrant weekend markets scattered across the region. From freshly picked hinterland produce, raw honeys, and homemade jams to unique handmade arts and crafts, it’s the ultimate way to fill up your picnic basket with authentic local goodies.
Insider Tip:
The local markets are highly community-driven and rotate schedules across different towns. Chat with the volunteers at our Visitor Information Centres to see who is hosting this weekend!
5. Grab Fresh Coastal Catch at Evans Head
You can’t visit the coast without a classic seafood feast. Head to the Evans Head local fish co-op to pick up prawns caught fresh, or grab a bundle of classic crispy fish and chips from our local takeaway shops to unwrap right on the sandy banks of the estuary.
Insider Tip:
Skip the indoor tables. Take your paper-wrapped bundle straight to the tables at the river mouth right as the afternoon breeze kicks in—it’s pure coastal perfection.
