Fast facts
- Gracious, historic city in the Clarence Valley farming district
- Situated on the broad Clarence River and surrounded by river flats
- 620 km north of Sydney, population 18,000
Why go there
The oldest part of the city, on the northern side of the river, has an outstanding historic precinct with a number of particularly fine houses and public buildings. Many of these houses use wrought iron and timber to decorative effect, and combined with the subtropical vegetation, they bring a languid, gracious character to the streetscapes.
Grafton is famous for its jacaranda trees, which were originally planted in the 1870s by a local seed merchant by the name of Volkers, and the town is at its very best when the trees erupt in mauve blossoms in spring. There are 24 parks in Grafton with more than 6,500 trees.
Just east of Grafton, Yuraygir National Park is a sensational strip of coast teeming with wildlife. It also boasts pristine beaches, high dunes, paperbark lagoons, freshwater creeks that spill into the sea and some of the best coastal walking tracks in the State.
History
The largest river system on the State’s North Coast, the Clarence was an important artery for timber and agricultural produce from the mid-1900s. Grafton’s position on the river made it prominent in the region.
The city developed as the service centre for a prosperous agricultural district, and as a hub for rail, river and road transport.
Things to do
- Explore the Grafton Regional Gallery, which has inspiring works from the many talented local artists. The courtyard of the gallery is home to an excellent local café/restaurant.
- Browse through the Federation-style Schaeffer House, the headquarters of the Clarence River Historical Society, which has a notable collection of furniture, china and glassware.
- Experience the unspoilt coastline and exotic birdlife of Yuraygir National Park.
Events
- The Jacaranda Festival, in October, is a feast of music, gardens, boat races, performances and parades that coincides with the flowering of these feathery Brazilian trees.
- Old Schoolhouse Market, last Saturday of the month.
Don’t miss
- Photographs from the Lindt collection in the Grafton Regional Gallery.
- The rainforest and rugged glories of Washpool National Park.
- The heritage walk through the historic city streets.
- Fruit bats rising from Susan Island at sunset.
- Craft galleries in the historic river village of Ulmarra.
