The purple patch you need right now
Visit Grafton’s colourful JACARANDA SEASON to chase away the lockdown blues with a sea of DREAMY purple blooms.
JAPAN HAS ITS FAMOUS Sakura cherry blossom festival, but on the NSW north coast we have something even better. While the Japanese go crazy for blossoms that last less than a week, Grafton’s jacarandas paint the town purple for the best part of a month.
The first blossoms start to show in early to mid-October and are in full bloom in the second half of the month. By November, Grafton’s streets are carpeted in fallen purple flowers. The brand new Illuminate event in See Park runs after dark on various evenings between Thursday 21 October and Monday 8 November, lighting up the trees from 7.30pm.
You’ll find jacarandas on almost every corner in Grafton – there are more than 1700 of the trees in town. Things really get colourful during the 10 days of the Jacaranda Festival from Friday 29 October until Sunday 7 November. Highlights include the Grand Parade on Saturday 30 November, culminating in the crowning of the Jacaranda Queen. There are also markets, concerts, musicals, comedy shows, long lunches, afternoon teas, special dinners, cocktail parties, art exhibitions, garden tours, a thrill ride and carnival, hot air balloon flights, and cultural events.
If Claude Monet had a bucket list you can bet Grafton would have been on it. Walking through the tunnels of purple trees is the closest you’ll get to stepping inside one of his beautiful paintings, and just crying out to be captured with a camera. If you’re lucky enough to be under one when there’s a breeze blowing it’s like being showered with purple rain. Whatever time of day, you’re guaranteed to get some pretty awesome shots.
Should you be looking to expand your coloured horizons, check out the Grafton Regional Gallery, paddle a kayak to Susan Island in the middle of the Clarence River for lush rainforest views, or hit the surf in Yamba then tuck into some of the world’s best prawns. Back in Grafton, take a trip down memory lane walking (or cycling) the heritage trail, and stroll down South Grafton’s charmingly retro main street. Historic hotels, all iron lace and shady verandahs, offer the perfect vantage point for people watching. If you’re looking for a sure-fire way to banish the lockdown blues, go purple in Grafton this year.