FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5 October 2023

Get Ready to Explore the Enchanting Jacaranda Season in Grafton with My Clarence Valley

The Jacaranda Season is fast approaching in Grafton, and the My Clarence Valley tourism team is thrilled to welcome travel journalists to experience this awe-inspiring event. Prepare to be captivated as the streets of Grafton transform into a vibrant purple paradise, attracting thousands of visitors to this magnificent region. The season officially kicks off on 20th October with the opening of Illuminate in See Park, a mesmerizing light display that illuminates the famous purple trees after dark. This unforgettable experience creates the perfect opportunity for a romantic overnight getaway, where you can enjoy the beauty of the blooming jacarandas even after sunset. Bring a picnic, relax in the enchanting setting, and let your imagination run wild, while the kids have a blast in the play area and open space. 

Indulge in the Magnificence of Grafton's Jacaranda Trees

Grafton is home to over 1700 spectacular Jacaranda trees, forming breathtaking purple archways along both sides of the river. Immerse yourself in this purple wonderland by embarking on an unforgettable tree walk through the magnificent streets. Pick up a Jacaranda Map from the Visitor Information Centre and let it guide you through this enchanting journey. We recommend parking your car at See Park, which offers ample parking spaces away from residential areas. Take the time to relax, unwind, and soak in the magical ambience that surrounds you.

Experience the Iconic Grafton Jacaranda Festival est. 1934

Immerse yourself in the 89th Jacaranda Festival, the longest floral festival in Australia, taking place from 27th October to 5th November. Be a part of the iconic Festival events such as Carnival Capers, the Venetian Carnival, and the Jacaranda Float procession. This year's Festival also features exclusive events like the headlining concert from Troy Cassar-Daley and Don Walker. With a calendar full of family-friendly activities and shows, you'll create memories to last a lifetime while exploring the historic city engulfed in its purple haze. For the full festival program, visit https://www.jacarandafestival.com/2023-program

Getting to Grafton

For your convenience, we recommend flying into either Coffs Harbour (1 hour south of Grafton) or Ballina Byron (1 hour 30 minutes north of Grafton). Alternatively, you can take the Grafton, Casino, or Brisbane XPT trains, which run daily from Sydney and stop at Grafton. If you prefer to drive, Grafton is conveniently located right off the Pacific Highway, 300km south of Brisbane and 600km north of Sydney. 

Discover the Surrounding Towns

If accommodations in Grafton are unavailable, don't worry! The region offers a plethora of options in towns such as Yamba, Maclean, Ulmarra, Wooli, and Iluka. With all towns within an hour's reach, you will surely find the perfect place to suit your needs. 

Stay Connected with Us

Celebrate the beauty of Jacaranda Season by tagging @myclarencevalley in your Instagram and Facebook posts. The My Clarence Valley tourism team loves seeing your stunning Jacaranda photos and may even share them on their social media platforms. Be sure to check out the Jacaranda Map for the best locations for extraordinary photo opportunities. 

For more information and updates, visit the My Clarence Valley website. If you have any questions or need assistance during your visit, the friendly staff at the Visitor Information Centre located at 158 Fitzroy Street are ready to help. Look out for the tourism team amidst the vibrant purple blooms, who may surprise you with some delightful gifts and keepsakes to take home.

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Note to editors: High-resolution images are available upon request.

Photos and Videos are available at https://content.destinationnsw.com.au/ search **Grafton**