Grafton, North Coast — New South Wales

Grafton is a city located in the North Coast region of New South Wales, situated on the banks of the Clarence River. The city was named after the Duke of Grafton, who once served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

The city is also known as Jacaranda City, because most of its streets are lined with this particular tree. In relation, the Jacaranda Festival is organized annually, usually in the months of October or November.

Grafton is replete with historic houses and buildings dotting its landscape. Along Prince Street is the Crown Hotel-Motel, built in 1841 and considered as one of the area’s oldest structures. On Victoria Street are several public buildings built in the late 19th century. The courthouse was built in 1180 and next to it is what used to be the police station that was constructed in 1881. Still located on the same street is the post office, completed in 1874, and the older Post Office Hotel, built in 1860.

There are also several old religious structures in the area. Christ Church Cathedral, on the corner of Victoria and Duke Streets, was constructed in 1884 and is a beautiful salmon-colored building. Along Oliver Street is the Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church which was constructed in 1886, while the Saint Matthew's Anglican Church was built in 1886 and is situated on the corner of Through Street and Summerland Way. There is also the St Patrick's Catholic Church, a structure constructed in 1881 on the corner of Skinner and Ryan Streets.

There are also several impressive residences in Grafton that withstood the passage of time. Along Alice Street are 'Abbotsford' and 'Bronte,' homes built during the early 20th century. Further down the street is the much older ‘Rosslyn' that was built in 1879.

Those interested in visiting the natural attractions of the city should start with Susan Island, located in the middle of the Clarence River. There is a walking trail through the island, while picnic facilities are provided.

Located south of the city is the Yuraygir National Park, accessed through the Minnie Water Road. The park is ideal for bushwalking, with spectacular views of the coast and forest.

Bushwalking is also done at the Gibraltar Range National Park, where facilities for parking and camping are also available.

Avid fishermen should drop by the visitors’ center, where information is available not only good fishing spots in and around the city, but also of the kind of catch in season.

Local information can also be obtained at the Schaeffer House Museum, housed in a heritage structure built in 1903 on Fitzroy Street. Nearby is another historic home, the Prentice House, which is built in 1880 and is where the Grafton Regional Art Gallery is presently located.

Another interesting place to visit is the Alumy Creek Reserve, on Southgate Road. The area houses a museum and is the setting for community markets held every last Saturday of the month. Locals and visitors get to shop for local products and crafts while strolling along its beautiful grounds, which is protected by the National Trust & Heritage Council.

Along Bent Street is the Grafton District Golf Club, where several golfing tournaments are held each year.

Grafton also holds another major sporting event every second Thursday of July, the Grafton Cup horserace.