Things to do in Grafton, NSW: Best attractions and experiences

The best things to do in Grafton, NSW, include admiring Christ Church Cathedral and ambling around the jacaranda trees in See Park.

3 best things to do in Grafton, NSW

The best things to do in Grafton are:

Getting a dose of olde worlde at Schaeffer House.
Ogling the Gothic revival Christ Church Cathedral.
Admire the jacaranda trees in See Park – particularly in October and November.

Where is Grafton, NSW?

Grafton, NSW, is a regional hub town at the southern end of the Northern Rivers region. On the Clarence River, it’s a possible stop on a road trip up the New South Wales coast, although in practice it tends to be a little too inland and off the Pacific Highway to attract all that many overseas visitors.

Things to do in Grafton, NSW: Schaeffer House and Christ Church Cathedral

Grafton is a handsome town, with more than its fair share of heritage buildings. These include Schaeffer House, built in 1900 by the man who became the town’s architect. It’s now a museum, although it’s one in the “ooh, look at the lovely old furniture” vein.

Grafton also has its own Anglican cathedral. The Christ Church Cathedral on Duke Street was built between 1874 and 1888. It’s a red brick, Gothic revival building, with the giant double archway at the west end the most notable feature.

When is the best time to see jacaranda trees in Grafton?

Other things to do in Grafton include mooching around See Park. This handsome park comes with picnic tables, public barbecues and a playground. But it is also one of the best places to see Grafton’s famous jacaranda trees. The town has a greedy collection of them, which bloom in a spectacular purple.

The best time see jacaranda trees in Grafton, NSW, is October and November, when the blossom turns the skyline purple.

Top Grafton accommodation options

The best places to stay in Grafton are:

For central location: Civic Motel.
For charm and personal touch: Andavine House Bed and Breakfast.
For a relatively cheap, good quality motel with a pool: Grafton Lodge Motel.

Heritage building in Grafton, NSW — Grafton, NSW, has more than its fair share of handsome old buildings. Photo courtesy of My Clarence Valley.

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