Grafton is a beautiful, quaint city on the banks of the Clarence River, 340km south of Brisbane. Nicknamed the Jacaranda City, Grafton is home to the Jacaranda Festival, which is the oldest flora festival in Australia. Over two thousand Jacaranda blossoms in Spring, painting the streetscapes a beautiful shade of mauve.
You could start your morning with a nutritious breakfast at the ever-popular Heart & Soul Wholefood Café, before taking a relaxing stroll around town. Grafton is known for its beautiful colonial architecture, and you’ll find many examples within the township: to learn more about what you’re seeing, check out the Grafton Heritage Trail. In particular, the Christ Church Cathedral and the Clarence River Historical Society are both well-worth a visit: the latter is located in Schaeffer House, a beautiful heritage home built around 1900 by the first City architect.
The Alumny Creek School Museum is also an interesting visit: the school was closed in 1969, and now operates as a museum to a school environment of bygone days.
The Grafton township also boasts the beautiful See Park. The park is particularly stunning when the city’s famous jacarandas are in bloom, but is lovely to visit any time of year.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Grafton Regional Art Gallery or the Bentleg Market and Gallery for gorgeous examples of local artworks. Bentleg also offers the largest supply of souvenirs in the city, as well as art supplies if you find that your visit has inspired your own creativity.
Grafton is a perfect base for exploring its surrounding area, the Clarence Valley. The Valley is known for its stunning national parks (including world heritage rainforest), white-sand beaches and crystal-blue waters, the excellent surfing at Angourie Beach, and the delicious prawns at Yamba.
The nearby village of Ulmarra is bound to be a highlight of your trip: described as “like stepping back in time”, the entire village is classified by the National Trust and is preserved as one of Australia’s best examples of an 1800s river port. The village streetscape is as beautiful as it is historical, and the community has a thriving arts, crafts and antiques scene. In particular, the Coldstream Gallery displays artworks by the many talented residents of the Clarence Valley, with a different exhibition to enjoy each month.
Grafton is a gorgeous, friendly city that is a perfect destination for a memorable road trip, surrounded by the beauty of the Clarence Valley and with many smaller towns and villages to enjoy. If you’re travelling between Brisbane and Sydney, or looking for a getaway destination, this city should be on your must-do list.
