With thousands of visitors roaming the region through Jacaranda season, we get asked ALOT of questions. We’ve made a quick list of frequently asked questions that we hope will help.
When is Jacaranda Season?
Mother Nature likes to keep us guessing, but we’re calling 18 October – 8 November 2024 as the official dates for maximum purple power. Expect a few early bloomers and some cheeky petals hanging around late—they play by their own rules.
How many trees are there?
We may have missed one or two, but our official count in Grafton is over 1700. Some appear sporadically in front yards while the majority line the streets, creating rows and rows of purple. We ask visitors to be respectful and safe. Common sense is needed when trying to get that perfect shot, and private property remains private. Class dismissed!
Where should we start our tree walk?
Well, we’re glad you asked. We recommend parking the car at See Park where there are ample car parking spaces away from residential houses. Gorgeous by day and spectacular by night, this is also where you will find our Illuminated trees after dark. Bring a picnic to relax here all day and well into the evening.
What’s Illuminate?
Great question! From Friday 18 October to Friday 8 November, See Park will glow with spot-lit jacarandas every evening from dusk until about 10:30 pm. Bring your camera, your friends, and a sense of wonder and extend your stay to enjoy the full Jacaranda experience.
Is the ice cream actually made from Jacarandas?
No! And please don’t eat the Jacaranda petals! They are not for human consumption.
Jacaranda ice cream is made in a variety of berry flavours, depending on where you go.
I want to take something home, where can I buy Jacaranda merch?
Probably one of our favourite questions, because if we aren’t shopping ourselves, we love watching others shop!
You can find all sorts of jacaranda-themed gifts throughout town, including Jacaranda Festival’s official store, Jaca HQ. The Gallery Store at Grafton Regional Gallery also offers an array of boutique gifts. The Clocktower Gallery, Grafton Handicraft Minimart and lots of other shops on both sides of the bridge will have you covered!
How do I get there?
According to Google Maps, it will take approx 6 days to walk nonstop from Sydney to Grafton or 2 days to walk from the Gold Coast. While some of you may be up for this challenge, we can think of much better ways to arrive!
You can fly from Sydney into Coffs Harbour (1 hour south of Grafton) or Ballina Byron (1 hour 30 north of Grafton). Catch the Sydney to Brisbane XPT service to Grafton Train Station, or if you’re driving, ETA is 7 hours from Sydney, 3 from Brisbane, 3 from Armidale and 2 from the Gold Coast.
However you get here, just get here if you can!
