Grafton’s Jacaranda Season is a Spectacular Sight
Proudly Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr Country.
We like to think of Grafton’s Jacaranda Season as an opportunity to connect with a sense of wonder – seeing the trees do their purple freeze-frame fireworks display; a tree-lined avenue looking like something out of an impressionist painting; or just glancing up and seeing the sky through a curtain of purple blooms – there’s nothing like these moments to plug us into a sense of gratitude for the here and now.
After early consultation with the trees, it’s looking like the official 2024 season will be from 18 October through to 10 November. A few sneaky blooms always arrive early, and some stay a little longer, but for the best Jacaranda experience, we suggest heading to Grafton during these dates.
When is Grafton’s Jacaranda Season?
Jacaranda season is surprisingly brief, which only makes the experience more rare and memorable. Generally speaking, the purple blossoms start to show themselves in early-to-mid October.
*While we would love to know exactly when the first bloom will appear, nature does its own thing, so for now we will just say we will be celebrating from 18th October. Keep an eye on our socials for live bloom updates!
The second half of October sees the streets and parks of Grafton look like something out of a dream, with the trees in full bloom. (And that dream becomes even dreamier at night in See Park when “Illuminate” lights up the Jacarandas!) By mid-November, the roads and footpaths are carpeted in fallen purple blossoms as the Jacarandas prepare to don their lighter, green summer outfits.
How about the Grafton Jacaranda Festival?
The official Grafton Jacaranda Festival dates for 2024 are… drum roll please… Friday 25 October – Sunday 3 November.
This year, the Jacaranda Festival celebrates its 90th birthday, after first being established in 1934. With 90 years of bloom to celebrate, this year’s festival promises to be jam-packed and you’re invited to the party! Whether you’re seeking a little piece of yesteryear, where locals still line the main street of Grafton to watch the annual float parade, or you love the thrill and roar of the Carnival Capers – Grafton’s Jacaranda Festival has something for everyone.
One of the most popular days is “Jacaranda Thursday”, where main streets close, local businesses dress up and people meander throughout the CBD, soaking up the atmosphere. Jacaranda Thursday 2024 falls on 31 October and offers everything from live music, to food trucks, market stalls and a free community breakfast, all enjoyed in Market Square.
Download the full program of festival events and a digital copy of the Jacaranda map to make planning your trip easier!
Where are the Jacaranda trees around Grafton?
Where and when is Illuminate?
The enchanting blossoming of the Jacaranda trees, usually only visible by day, is now a spectacular at night!
The incredible evening experience, Illuminate, allows you to admire the trees in See Park while they’re spot-lit to stunning effect daily from dusk to 10:30pm (ish). The magnificent reflections over the pond bring additional sparkle that kids – and the young at heart – love.
