As the thriving commercial hub of the Clarence Valley, Grafton has a range of great shopping, award-winning restaurants, elegant architecture and a smorgasbord of entertainment from the many pubs and clubs in town.
Located approximately 340 kilometres south of Brisbane and 630 kilometres north of Sydney, Grafton and the Clarence Valley can easily be reached by road, rail or air.
Richard Craig, an escaped convict, ‘discovered’ the ‘red gold’ district in 1831. Because red cedar was a desirable commodity, he was given a pardon and one hundred pounds to bring a party of cedar-getters to the region. However word of such wealth did not take long to spread and soon the town was flourishing. In 1851, Governor Fitzroy officially named the town ‘Grafton’, after his grandfather, the Duke of Grafton, a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Today, Grafton is considered one of Australia’s most beautiful provincial cities; renowned for its wide Jacaranda tree lined streets and home to more than 6,500 trees. Located on the banks of the mighty Clarence River, Grafton has graceful historical buildings, as well as sporting and cultural facilities.
Grafton Showground is the ideal base location to explore this scenic region. With plenty of facilities available, including a dump point, potable water, power, toilets, showers, the list continues. Another dump point is located nearby at the Greyhound Club Park.
Just east of Grafton, Yuraygir National Park is a sensational strip of coast teeming with wildlife. It also boasts pristine beaches, high dunes, paperbark lagoons, freshwater creeks that spill into the sea and some of the best coastal walking tracks in the state.
To the north-west of Grafton is Clarence Gorge where thundering waterfalls and savage rapids intermingle with deep pools and sections of calm water. The scenery is breathtaking and the fishing is excellent.
Tourist/Visitor Information Centre
Clarence Valley Council Chambers (Mon-Fri)
2 Prince St, Grafton
Ph: 02 6643 0800
visit@myclarencevalley.com.au
www.myclarencevalley.com
Casual Parking (near retail centre)
Clarence River VIC
Bigger rigs can park in Grafton Shopping
World outdoor car park - Fitzroy St, Grafton South and adjacent to Pound Street, east side - no fees; Duke Street, Grafton - North and adjacent to Pound Street, east side - no fees
Short & Long Term Parking
Grafton Showgrounds, cnr Prince and Dobbie Sts, (72hr), $30pvpn, toilets, showers, water & other facilities available, pets on lead welcome.
Dump Point
Grafton Showgrounds (free if staying at park) and Grafton Greyhound Club Park, Cranworth St
Potable Water
Grafton Showground, cnr Prince & Dobbie Sts
Hospital
Arthur St, Grafton, Ph: 02 6640 2222
Doctors Surgery
Duke St Medical Centre, Ph: 02 6642 1977
Dentist
Happy Smiles Grafton & Yamba, 22/25 King St, Grafton, Ph: 02 6646 1159
Pharmacy
Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse, 63 Prince St, Ph: 02 6642 1167
Supermarket
Grafton Shopping World, Fitzroy St, Grafton, Ph: 02 6642 7770
