Ok. so you’re in Grafton, what next? We’re glad you asked! It gives us a chance to share with you the top 10 things to see and do while you’re in the Purple City.
Grab a cuppa and get inspired.
01 JACARANDAS: SPECTACULAR BY DAY, SENSATIONAL BY NIGHT!
Presumably, you’re here for Jacaranda Season, so number one on this list HAS to be experiencing the glorious, dreamlike ambience of Grafton’s Jacaranda-lined avenues and parks. Too much purpleness is never enough! The map above gives you a good indication of the streets to see. And while the sun does a splendid job showing off the trees in the daytime, our night-time ILLUMINATE project lights these ethereal blooms in the most magical way imaginable – make sure you stay the night! The trees are lit nightly – 7:30(ish)PM to 10:30PM in See Park, for the entire season.
02 GALLERY VISIT!
Once your senses have been invigorated by the Jacarandas, a visit to the Clarence Valley’s hub of fine art – The Grafton Regional Gallery – is a must! Prentice House (the heritage building that is home to part Gallery, part Visitor Information Centre) is an art piece in itself. Immerse yourself in the most recent collection of engaging artworks, and find your place amongst local and national masterpieces. Grafton Regional Gallery is home to one of Australia’s richest drawing awards, the Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award (JADA), and the 2024 collection will be showcased during jacaranda season. Enjoy the quietude of the courtyard, take the perfect selfie on the famous “big purple chair” and browse the gift shop for your Grafton Jacaranda merch.
03 HANG OUT AT THE COOL SIDE OF TOWN
Speaking of creativity … South Grafton’s authentically retro main street has a quirky boho vibe. Eclectic cafes, recycled clothing stores mix with rural supply providers. Murals and arty street blisters reflect local Gumbaynggirr history and culture. The boulevard by the marina provides shade, BBQ and picnic facilities. You might even catch a play or local musician at the new Grumpys Rock Cafe on Skinner Street.
04 GET ON THAT BIG BEAUTIFUL RIVER!
OK, enough creativity for the moment! Do you have some sort of floating craft in your possession? Perhaps a small tin boat or kayak? If so, make sure to get on our big, beautiful river! It’s an easy(ish) paddle from town around Susan Island (depending on the tide!) Susan Island is a registered significant site to the Aboriginal women of the Clarence Valley. Or paddle downriver and discover a shipwreck! Keen eyes will spot the remains of the Induna, which served as a rail-ferry before the bridge was completed in 1932.
Pontoons located Prince St Grafton or Skinner St South Grafton.
05 MIGHTY VIEWS OVER THE MIGHTY CLARENCE
If you’re looking for great photo opportunities, may we suggest getting above street level and taking in a birds eye view. Loop the loop over both Grafton bridges for the best views over the water while getting your steps up. If you have tired legs from all the exploring, why not chill out at Grafton’s Waterfront Precinct. Find the perfect spot for a picnic while the kids scooter the accessible path that takes you from Memorial Park along the riverbank.
06 TIME TRAVEL! (SORT OF)
Until we iron out some bugs with our backyard time machine, Grafton’s Walking and Cycling Heritage Trail is still the best way to visit another era. Set your coordinates to 1884 and marvel at the Christ Church Cathedral – (revolutionary at the time for breaking away from established religious design), or 1893 (The imposing Grafton Gaol). Time machine on the blink? Dont panic. Step back in time, figuratively and literally, with a visit to the Schaeffer House Museum or the Remember When Cottage instead.
07 STROLL FIG TREE AVENUE
The Jacarandas may get all the glory but trust us, this garden city has got more than one tree up its sleeve! This magnificent avenue of giant fig trees is a National Trust listed site. They form an arch about 30 metres above the asphalt, making it a lovely cool spot to wander and wonder.
Breimba Street Grafton, access ‘Fig Tree Ave’ from Bacon Street. Green space is at corner of Breimba and Pound Street.
08 TAKE A PIECE OF JACA HOME WITH YOU
Yes, the Jacaranda season may only last a few weeks, and we know this just isn’t long enough to enjoy the purple haze. Thankfully there are some great places, selling some great Jacaranda-inspired things that you can take home with you. While you stop by at the Visitor Information Centre, have a browse through the Grafton Regional Gallery store, where you will find an array of locally sourced products and Jaca-inspired gifts. Jacaranda HQ Store is also a one-stop shop for all your jaca merchandise and you’ll find lots of Grafton- themed gifts dotted in stores on both sides of the bridge so keep your eyes peeled.
09 EAT AND DRINK!
We should have put this at number two after the Jacarandas! Here in G-Town there are myriad epic places to eat, drink and relax. There’s top class coffee, great seafood (the coast is only a hop, skip and jump away), and all your dietary requirements will be catered for. Look out for purple treats including purple icecream, cakes, cocktails and even purple bread at most local cafes and restaurants during Jacaranda Season, but you might have to fight us for them!
10 EXPLORE MORE!
And why not extend your stay and experience the delights of the Clarence Valley. Grafton’s not far from the coast, including the gorgeous coastal towns of Yamba, Wooli and Iluka (only 40 minutes away) and the well-kept secret of the Clarence Valley hinterland is just a short (and very picturesque) drive away.
Make your visit to see Grafton’s Jacarandas a truly memorable experience!
