Welcome to Grafton Airport, your gateway to the captivating Clarence Valley in the beautiful Northern Rivers region. As soon as you touch down, you’llimmediately feel welcomed and calmed by the presence of the surrounding natural wonders. Whether it’s the lush belt of World heritage listed Gondwana rainforests, the sweeping verdant floodplains of the magnificent Clarence River or the pristine and untouched beaches of the North Coast; the Clarence Valley is a true hidden gem of New South Wales, and it’s yours to enjoy in your Hertz rental car.
Welcome To Historic Grafton
Hertz Grafton Airport is the ideal place to start your trip to Grafton and the Clarence Valley. If you’re arriving by plane, your rental car will be ready to collect right outside the terminal, and you’ll be ready to hit the road in no time. From the airport, you’re just 15 minutes from historic Grafton, 30 minutes from the white sandy beaches of Yuraygir National Park, and 50 minutes from the idyllic holiday towns of Yamba and Angourie.
First up, make your way into the small yet charming town of Grafton, on the banks of the Clarence. With its tree-lined streets and lovingly restored colonial buildings, Grafton is a city full of character and heritage. A drive into town will take you across the impressive and heritage listed Old Grafton Bridge - affectionately known as ‘Bendy Bridge’, Australia’s only bridge to carry both, road and rail. Upon arrival, take a relaxing stroll around town on the Grafton Heritage Trail, a great way to get a feel for the town and its heritage. Grafton is well known for its beautiful colonial architecture, and some of the most noteworthy buildings you’ll stroll by along this walk include the Christ Church Cathedral and the Clarence River Historical Society, both well worth a visit: the latter is located in Schaeffer House, a beautiful heritage home built around 1900 by the first City architect. Along your walk, fuel up with a nutritious breakfast and delicious coffee at the ever-popular Heart & Soul Wholefood Café.
Art lovers won’t want to miss the Grafton Regional Art Gallery, located in the heart of town. This small and intimate regional gallery features a rotating collection of contemporary paintings, as well as prints and sculptures from local and touring artists. A large, bright and open courtyard at the back connects the gallery spaces to the Clarence Valley Visitors centre, gift shop and cafe, making the complex somewhere you can easily spend hours perusing. Spend the rest of your day in town relaxing and enjoying the town’s lush parklands and gardens. There are certainly plenty to choose from, however See Park is one of the most beautiful - and during Jacaranda season, the park is particularly stunning.
If you’re staying in Grafton, treat yourself to a night out and enjoy dinner and a drink at The Clocktower Hotel Restaurant. Serving up hearty pub classics in an upscale, modern venue, the Clocktower is Grafton’s newest local favourite. Enjoy a round of ice-cold drinks in the bright and breezy outdoor beer garden, before heading into the restaurant for a delicious main. Of course if you are driving anywhere after your night out, make sure to nominate a designated driver.
Gateway To The Clarence Valley
Itching to get on the road? After spending some time exploring historic Grafton, it’s time to head beyond the town to discover the secrets of the Clarence Valley. This naturally beautiful region is home to some of the state’s best kept secrets, including lush national parks, white sandy beaches, crystal-blue waters, a world-class surfing reserve and local country villages full of character. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack up your Hertz rental car and hit the open road.
Stop in at the nearby village of Ulmarra - a small yet delightful spot which is bound to be a highlight of your trip. It’s been said that being here is 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.
Continuing north, make your way out to the popular seaside towns of Yamba and Angourie. Best known for the freshest seafood, excellent surfing spots and stunning white sandy beaches, these towns will immediately unwind and enchant you upon arrival. Explore the buzzing town centre of Yamba, take a refreshing dip in the ocean pool, or watch the surfers carve it up at Angourie Point. If you’re feeling adventurous, set off along the spectacular Yuraygir Coastal Trail, stretching from Angourie to Red Rock, through the Gumbaynggir and Yaegl nation's traditional homelands. This breathtaking multi-day trail will give you an authentic Australian bush experience and leave you with lasting memories of this beautiful stretch of coast. If you’re short on time, many of the trail's highlights are able to be visited by car, including the famous Red Cliffs, Brooms Head and Red Rock.
Grafton and the Clarence Valley are naturally beautiful destinations that are full of surprises and unique experiences. Wedged between spectacular highlands to the west and untouched coastal beauty to the east, the Clarence Valley is the sort of destination that beckons you to stay and explore just that little bit longer.
