Grafton Between Jacaranda Blossoms and Culture

Grafton combines a striking jacaranda bloom with art and cultural experiences that can be explored in different ways. These include a festival with a long history, stories told by four Aunties, trails through Grafton’s heritage and a bridge over the Clarence River. What interests you most can shape the character of your stay – from seasonal sights to art and history.

Jacaranda Blossoms and Festival

The jacaranda trees in Grafton bloom in mid-October and early November. During this time, they transform the city’s streets and parks. The annual Jacaranda Festival was established in 1935 and takes place every year in October or November.

Art in Different Places

The Grafton Regional Gallery is housed in historic Prentice House and offers art and cultural experiences through exhibitions and events. The Grafton Art Trail offers another way to experience the art collection: large-scale reproductions of key works from the Gallery’s public art collection are displayed at various locations along Prince Street in the Central Business District. The display spreads the works across multiple locations instead of presenting them solely as a collection in one building.

Stories and Grafton’s Heritage

On the First Nations Story Trail, the four Aunties Jo Randall, Geraldine Lewis, Maxine Hegedus and Gloria Strachan share stories and poems about growing up in Grafton.

The Grafton Heritage Trail introduces visitors to Grafton’s heritage and history. You can experience it on foot or by bicycle along the streets. The route is described as following the streets; no specific length or duration is given. Together with the First Nations Story Trail, the Heritage Trail offers another way to engage with Grafton’s history and stories.

Schaeffer House and Bendy Bridge

The museum and Research Room are located at Schaeffer House, 190 Fitzroy Street, Grafton. The house displays porcelain, glassware and furniture donated to the Clarence River Historical Society over the years, as well as a painting of Dalmorton. These named objects give the museum visit a specific focus: collection items from several categories are displayed alongside the painting.

Grafton’s “Bendy” Bridge spans the Clarence River, connects Grafton with South Grafton and has been in place since 1932. Pedestrians can access its walkway via Kent Street in Grafton or Bridge Lane near Grafton Railway Station in South Grafton.

When choosing a holiday rental, you can consider which of these aspects of Grafton interests you most during your stay: jacarandas and the festival, art, stories, history or the Clarence River with Bendy Bridge. Find more destinations in Cangai, Wooli, Yamba, Mountain View, Iluka and Marengo.

For the broader travel overview: Clarence Valley Council.