There's no place quite like Grafton. Situated on the banks of the Clarence River, with its charming, tree-lined streets and colonial buildings, you'll fall head-over-heels for this enchanting small town in the North Coast of New South Wales.
Home to more than 6,500 trees, Grafton hosts the Jacaranda Festival every year, the oldest flora festival in all of Australia. There are many local cafes and restaurants that serve local produce and fresh seafood.
Grab a map and explore the preserved colonial buildings around town on the Grafton Heritage Trail. Make a stop at the Clarence River Historical Society in Schaeffer House, and discover more about the history of the town at this beautiful museum.
Visit the Grafton Regional Gallery and enjoy a day surrounded by the North Coast of New South Wales' largest collection of artwork that hosts over 40 exhibitions and over 70 events every year.
Take some time to get back into nature in the surrounding ancient rainforests of Washpool National Park and the Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia.
Explore the wild Clarence Gorge, only one and a half hours drive from Grafton. Take in the soothing scenery of Australian bush as you unearth many thundering waterfalls and rapids. If you enjoy dappling in fishing, come prepared.
Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Grafton is in spring when the town is painted in violet and the smell of the jacaranda and fig trees in full bloom. With trees aplenty and lovingly restored heritage buildings, it's a paradise for the senses. When visiting Grafton, be sure to check the local festivals and events calendar to see what’s on offer.