John Jarratt to face trial on rape charge

Actor John Jarratt has been committed to stand trial in NSW's District Court after pleading not guilty to a rape charge dating back to the 1970s.

The 66-year-old is accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a house in Randwick, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, in September 1976.

He was 24 at the time of the alleged offence.

Jarratt was committed to stand trial in the higher court when he appeared before deputy chief magistrate Michael Allen at Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday.

The actor is best known for his lead role in the movie Wolf Creek and its sequel, having also appeared on Australian television shows McLeod's Daughters and Play School.

His alleged victim came forward in December 2017 and he was charged with one count of rape in August.

Jarratt is listed for arraignment on December 7.

His lawyer, Bryan Wrench, previously indicated he wanted the "express lane" to trial and that delays were affecting his client.