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Grafton , (population 17,110), is a small cathedral city on the northern east coast of New South Wales, Australia. Situated on the Clarence River, Grafton is located approximately 640 kilometres north of the state capital, Sydney.

In 1851, Governor Fitzroy officially named the town "Grafton", after his grandfather, the Duke of Grafton. Grafton was proclaimed a city in 1885. Local industy is chiefly agricultural in nature, with sugar and farming predominating.

Grafton is also known as the Jacaranda City, in reference to its tree-lined streets. The Jacaranda Festival is held here in October and November. The festival runs for about 2 weeks. Most of the local people get into the spirit of the festival with the main street being closed on the city's public holiday, falling on the first Thursday of October, aptly named - "Jacaranda Thursday" to make way for street entertainment. Each year, a Jacaranda Queen is announced. This tradition dates back to the beginning of the festival. The Queen is chosen from about 6 female contestants, and is judged by the jacaranda queen committee. The judging of the contest is based largely on community involvement. Also, the contestent who raises the most money for charity is crowned the "holiday princess". Each year, the central 'market square' is a buzz of activity for the crowning ceremony. Although some believe this tradition is dated, most locals still enjoy and look forward to the festival every year.

Christ Church Cathedral, designed by John Horbury Hunt was opened in 1884 and is the seat of the Anglican Bishop of Grafton.

Schaeffer House is a historic 1900 Federation house and contains the collection of the Clarence River Historical Society which was formed in 1931.

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Transportation

In the 1920s, Grafton had a train ferry to connect the railways north and south of the river, pending construction of a combined road and rail bridge.