Grafton

Over and down the hills and we have arrived in the Northern Rivers region of “oh so green and lush!” New South Wales. Grafton sitting on the banks of the Clarence River is famous for its Jacaranda Festival, where thousands of purple blossoms transform the city each spring.

A defining landmark of the city is the Grafton Bridge, a heritage-listed double-deck structure that carries both road and rail traffic across the river. The bridge, opened in 1932, played a crucial role in connecting Grafton with South Grafton and completing the railway from Sydney to Brisbane.

Walking over the new and old bridges in on a sunny day is a great way enjoy the Clarence River environment.

The old bridge provides the rail link from Sydney to Brisbane.

Tragedy Strikes

On December 11, 1943, tragedy struck the Clarence River not far from the Crown Hotel Grafton when a group of Boy Scouts and Wolf Cubs were returning from a picnic on Susan Island. As they crossed the river in a flat-bottom punt, a sudden storm caused panic among the boys, leading to the vessel capsizing. Despite desperate rescue efforts from nearby residents, 13 boys, most of them around eight years old, drowned in the disaster. The community rallied to fund the construction of the Grafton Olympic Memorial Pool, providing a safe environment for children to learn to swim.

Levy banks to the height of 8.2 metres extend across Grafton and South Grafton, providing protection against major floods, including the record-breaking 2013 flood. Buildings such as St Mary’s Church back onto the river.

The Anglican Cathedral only one block from the river too.

As is the Post Office.

Despite a population of over twenty thousand, Grafton is a very relaxed and layback town to navigate. Lot of parks and gardens, a very pretty main street and a very well laid out shopping precinct.