‘Jacaranda City’

Famous for its Jacaranda Trees this stately town of nearly 20,000 people is located on the banks of the mighty Clarence River, the largest river system on the NSW North Coast. Other rivers draining into the Clarence include the Nymboida, Coldstream, Mann, and the Orara. NSW Governor Gipps named the river the Clarence in 1839.

A settlement was established in the same year in what is now known as South Grafton. A shipyard and other buildings was established. By 1849 10 years after the initial settlement a town plan was drafted and the settlement named Grafton after the then Duke of Grafton. By 1856 the population had grown to over 1000 people with schools, police and other facilities already well established.

The town flourished with the discovery of gold in the upper Clarence catchment and the establishment of dairying and sugar cane growing. Its location on the river made it an ideal place for the transport of goods via boat. Railways arrived which affected the amount of shipping in and out the river port.

Today the town is a vibrant community host to the annual Jacaranda Festival which commences the last Saturday of each October. Also the Grafton Jazz and Blues Festival held each Easter long weekend.

For additional accommodation, attraction, tours and other information visit the local tourist centre.