Festivals and Events

July Racing Carnival – the Clarence River Jockey Club hosts over 20 race meetings each year, including country racing’s premier events, the famous Grafton Cup and the Ramornie Handicap each July.

Jacaranda Festival – Australia’s oldest floral festival, held each year from the last weekend in October to the first weekend in November.

Grafton Regional Art Gallery – holds the largest collection of artworks on the North Coast of New South Wales and is home to the biennial Jacaranda Acquisitive Drawing Award.

September Food Month – a celebration of regional cuisine, including the Gate to Plate Long Lunch. 

Bridge to Bridge Ski Classic – the October long weekend sees the Clarence River come alive with over 150 of the world fastest water ski racing boats racing over 108 kms.

Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic – also held in October and now in its 51st year.

Plus, Grafton is a great base from which to enjoy all of what the Clarence Valley has to offer: with magnificent beaches and world-class surfing, marine parks, rainforests, national parks and mountain tablelands all within an easy drive.

Visit the local Tourism Office site: http://www.clarencetourism.com/