GRAFTON TOURISM
|
AIRLINE SERVICE: Big Sky Express
CLARENCE RIVER TOURIST CENTRE, Pacific Highway, South Grafton. Ph. (02) 6642 4677
CLARENCE RIVER TOURIST CENTRE, Pacific Highway, South Grafton is one of the best in New South Wales. A spectacular film gives a brilliant overview of area and the theatrette caters for individuals or large groups. There are many special displays including Aboriginal art, National Parks and local products. Excellent brochures and computer information arae available. Maps, souveniers and snacks are sold. Ph. (02) 6642 4677. JACARANDA FESTIVAL: First held in 1935, it is Australia's longest running floral festival. A queen crowning ceremony is held on the last Saturday in October each year heralding the start of the major festival week. The final weekend features a spectacular street parade which always falls on the first Saturday in November. Crowds flock to Grafton for weeks either side of these dates to view the trees and enjoy the many exhibitions and events. GRAFTON REGIONAL ART GALLERY: 158 Fitzroy Street (brochure avaialble) occupies the beautifully restored "Prentice House" (1880) and presents a variety of exhibitions featuring many notable artists and crafts people throughout each year. The Grafton Regional Gallery must rate as one of the most outstanding provincial galleries in Australia. Usual opening hours are 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday. "Prentice House" is just one of the many delightful old buildings proudly maintained by the local community. They place their unique stamp on a quality of life that is envied by many visitors. The delightful Courtyard Cafe, specialising in homemade cakes and gourmet sandwiches, operates when the gallery is open. ARTS & CRAFTS & ANTIQUES: a large variety of craft galleries, art studios and antique shops are to be found around Grafton. Ulmarra, just 12Km north of Grafton, is a village classified by the National Trust with a number of craft, bric-a-brac and antique shops. SCHAEFFER HOUSE MUSEUM: 192 Fitzroy Street, occupies another fine old homestead and carries a very comprehensive range of exhibits tracing the history of Grafton and the Clarence Valley. Open 1-4pm Tues, Wed and Thurs & 2-4pm Sunday. Clarence River Historical Society Inc. ALUMY CREEK SCHOOL: is just north of Grafton along the Lawrence Road. It has been set up as a museum of early education and the old class room brings back memories of school days early this century. Groups can make arrangements to visit by telephoning (02) 6642 2598. A sports ground and picnic area is available for hire. Community markets are held in these grounds on the last Saturday of each month. CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL: (1884) Designed by John Horbury Hunt along Gothic lines with towering arches and spacious interior. The cathedral is open 7am to 5.30pm, 7 days a week and visitors are most welcome with special guides available for groups and coaches. The Diocese also makes available a variety of conference rooms to cater for all needs from wedding receptions to business lunches and seminars. This is one of Grafton's many buildings classified by the National Trust. SARATON THEATRE: A beautifully restored traditional picture theatre which also hosts live shows, conventions and community functions. The best of films are usually shown every evening with additional showings and matinees on weekends and during school holidays. SUSAN ISLAND: lies adjacent to Grafton's main street and memorial park. The northern end is covered by rainforest, housing the largest fruit bat colony in the southern hemisphere. The colony provides a sensational sight each summer on dusk, as it departs in search of food. A walking track with interpretive signs is provided in the rainforest. The southern section has barbecues, picnic and toilet facilities. Access is by boat. There is a wharf on the eastern side of the island for houseboats and larger craft. If you know of a local tourist site that is located in this community but is not listed here, please Email us (using the button at the bottom of this page) and let us know the details, including the community to which you are referring.
|
|
This site is maintained by a group of volunteers. We strive to do our best but sometimes things are overlooked. If you find things that you deem incorrect or if you know of things and links that could enhance this site, which is primarily a dedicated link site containing only basic information, then please EMAIL us (using the button to the right) so that we can include it. All assistance is greatly welcomed.
|
| |