Grafton

Our next stop Grafton, 185 kms from Mullumbimby via the Pacific Highway is the longest drive for the bus so far. The editor usually just drives it for 40-75kms to go the next camp site but we did not know where to go next and it was getting late so we decided to stay in Grafton. The city of Grafton is the commercial hub of the Clarence River Valley. It was established in 1851 so you can see many historic buildings and tree-lined streets. Located approximately 630 kilometres north of Sydney and 340 km south of Brisbane. Grafton and the Clarence Valley can be reached by road, rail or air. The town is known as the Jacaranda City, in reference to its tree-lined streets.

We planned to stay at the town's greyhound racetrack but it was jam-packed so we headed to the showgrounds and amazingly it was packed too but good thing they still got room for us. Driving around to find the town's showgrounds, I wanted to stop and start taking pictures right away. The streets are all purple (I used to hate purple). Now I love purple!

I can't stop admiring the trees.

Its a purple day everyday!

They are everywhere even on the main streets.

We saw this tree with white blossoms but we are not sure if this is a Jacaranda too.

Jacaranda trees near the river bank.

Grafton's historic bascule bridge.

The Grafton Bridge was opened in 1932.

Apparently, Grafton is celebrating the Jacaranda festival. Luckily we arrived in town just in time to see some of the festivities. But we only stayed for 3 nights since the showgrounds will be closed for campers for a week because of the country music festival. Talking about timing. Yah? We saw colourful floats as they parade down Prince Street. Pipe bands marching, schools, community groups and businesses performed on their floats. There were vintage cars, motorcycle groups, skaters and much more. Have a look at the photos from the float procession.