Rappville

Heading 20 kilometres south of Casino on the Summerland Way, a turnoff will lead 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. According to Aboriginal history, the area around what is now known as Rappville is home to the Birihn people. For thousands of years, the Birihn area was thickly forested with large freshwater lakes, swamps and waterways. There were abundant fishing areas, as well as open plains for hunting. There were meeting places where tribal laws were practiced, and bora rings where traditional knowledge was passed down between generations. A major feature of the village is the historic, federation-style Commercial Hotel, known locally as the Rappville Pub, built by Henry Rapp in 1911, and after whom the village was named. The pub was immortalised on screen when popular British TV series Heartbeat chose the small town to film two episodes. The village also contains a post office, an Anglican Church, tennis courts, and a primary school. The Rappville Showground has been used for community involvement over many years, being the site for activities such as working dog trials, rodeo, camp draft, horse-drawn carriage training, overnight camping as part of a motorbike rally, Australia Day celebrations, and community markets. Make sure you check out the public artwork dedicated to the resilience of the town. The works by Byron Bay-based street artist Austin Nitsua were done in partnership with the community, including local school children. Rappville nests at the foot of the beautiful hinterland mountains, so if the outdoors is more your scene head out on a bushwalk to explore the area’s natural beauty.