The beating heart of the Clarence Valley.
Proudly Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Country.
Famous for its jacaranda-lined streets and Bendy Bridge, the heritage-filled veins of Grafton pump ‘old country town” into life. Blessed with broad avenues and pretty architecture, walk or cycle down the streets and pathways along the banks of the mighty Clarence River, and absorb and ‘feel’ Grafton for the heritage hub it is.
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 the 1800s and marvel at rich Victorian and Edwardian architecture through the CBD and over the bridge to South Grafton.
South Grafton’s main street has been described as “little-bit vintage and authentically retro,” which is exactly what it is. Its quirky vibe, eclectic cafes, recycled clothing stores, and colourful murals reflecting local Gumbayngirr history and culture dot the streets with colour…
… including the famous Jacaranda Purple! Grafton is famous for its Jacaranda trees, so it’s no surprise that experiencing the glorious, dreamlike ambience of Grafton’s Jacaranda-lined avenues and parks during the Jacaranda Season in late October is one of the must-see events of the year. Check out the events calendar to see what else is going on around the region while you’re here.
Trust us, this garden city has more than one tree up its sleeve. Fig Tree Avenue is a place where fairy tales really do exist, as you wander through a 30m arch of giants. Blessed with broad avenues and pretty architecture, walking along the streets and pathways lets you absorb and feel Grafton’s retro country town charm.
Take a walk over the famous “Bendy Bridge” and enjoy the views of the Mighty Clarence and Susan Island from the best vantage point.
Or if you’d rather be on the water than over it, throw a paddle or kayak in the river at Memorial Park and paddle around the 23-hectare Susan Island, a subtropical rainforest Nature Reserve with, no surprises, massive Moreton Bay Fig trees.
Looking for a place for quiet reflection? Check out the Grafton Regional Gallery, a hub of fine art. Occupying Prentice House, a heritage-listed building and a piece of art itself, the gallery is proud to exhibit works such as the Archibald Prize and host the biennial Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award (JADA).
A thriving hub for artists and art enthusiasts, visual storytelling bursts through the Gallery walls and onto the Grafton streets, where you can follow the trail of award-winning street art. Exploring the Grafton CBD will uncover a plethora of captivating artworks by both local talents and visiting artists.
With its rich history and its flourishing art scene, Grafton celebrates the beauty of its past while embracing the excitement of its future. Grafton is a city that respects its heritage, welcomes you into its beating heart, and does it all while quietly enjoying life on the banks of the Clarence River.
Whatever you’re looking for, we think you’ll find it here in Gorgeous Grafton.
