Grafton Showground Camping | Jacaranda City & Clarence River Base
The Grafton Showground offers travellers a quintessential country town camping experience in the heart of the magnificent Clarence Valley. Located in the regional city of Grafton, famously known as the “Jacaranda City,” this historic showground provides a spacious, convenient, and affordable base for all types of campers. The grounds are expansive, featuring vast, level, grassy areas that are perfect for everything from the largest motorhomes and big rigs to caravans and tents. It’s a popular and practical choice for those exploring the Northern Rivers region, travelling the Pacific Highway, or visiting for the world-renowned Grafton Jacaranda Festival.
The showground’s prime location is its greatest asset. It provides a relaxed, open environment while being just a short drive from Grafton’s beautiful, tree-lined town centre, which is rich in colonial architecture and home to all major services. This makes it an incredibly easy base from which to explore. During late October and early November, the city transforms into a sea of purple, and the showground is the perfect place to stay to experience the Jacaranda Festival. It’s also an ideal launchpad for discovering the mighty Clarence River, which is a paradise for fishing, boating, and water sports. The stunning coastal towns of Yamba and Iluka are also an easy day trip away. With clean, reliable facilities including hot showers, powered sites, and a dump point, the Grafton Showground delivers a comfortable and value-for-money stay in one of Australia’s most beautiful regional cities.
Campground Details
- Name: Grafton Showground
- Address: 208 Prince Street, Grafton NSW 2460
- Website: Managed by the Grafton Show Society. It’s best to call the caretaker for bookings and information.
- GPS Coordinates: -29.68406, 152.94037
- Location: In the regional city of Grafton, close to the city centre and the Clarence River.
- Site Suitable For: All vehicle types, including large motorhomes, caravans, and tents.
- Road Access: Sealed road access directly to the showground entrance.
- Site Surface: Mostly level grass with some gravel/dirt areas.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, paid camping is available. Contact the on-site caretaker on arrival.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Flexible. Please check with the caretaker for specific policies, especially during events.
- Number of Powered Sites: Yes, a very large number of powered sites are available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Yes, extensive unpowered camping space is available.
Facilities
- Picnic Tables: Limited. Self-sufficiency is recommended.
- Potable Water: Yes, available on site.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent coverage for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Excellent digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, multiple amenity blocks with toilets and hot showers are available.
- Ullage: A dump point is available on site.
- Drive Through: Yes, many sites can be used as drive-through sites.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, bins are provided for campers.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Permitted during respectful hours, but check with the caretaker.
Activities & Important Information
- Essentials to Bring: Cash for payment, long power lead, water hose.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are generally welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Fishing: Excellent freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities in the vast Clarence River system.
- Short Walks: Easy walks around the showgrounds and through Grafton’s beautiful, historic, jacaranda-lined streets.
Local Amenities (in Grafton)
Pubs & Places to Eat
- The Jacaranda Hotel: An iconic local pub with a friendly atmosphere and bistro, approx. 1.5 km.
- The Crown Hotel: A popular pub with a great beer garden overlooking the Clarence River, approx. 2 km.
- Grafton Services Club: A large, modern club offering multiple dining options, approx. 2.5 km.
Local Attractions
- Grafton Jacaranda Festival: A world-famous festival held annually in late October/early November when the city’s trees are in full purple bloom.
- Grafton Regional Gallery: One of the premier regional galleries in NSW, housed in a beautiful heritage building.
- The Clarence River: A massive river system perfect for boating, fishing, kayaking, and water skiing.
- Historic Grafton Bridge: A unique ‘bendy’ double-decker bridge for cars and trains.
Camping & Services
- Nearest Caravan Parks: This is a major camping ground. Several other commercial caravan parks are located in and around Grafton.
- Next Free Camps: Some free camps are available in surrounding state forests and national parks (check conditions).
- Nearest Dump Points: A dump point is available on-site at the showground.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous 24/7 service stations are located throughout the city.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available on-site.
- Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Available on-site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Note: Grafton is in the Northern Rivers region and has a humid subtropical climate.
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and humid, with a high probability of afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
- Autumn (Mar-May): A very pleasant season with warm, sunny days and lower humidity.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild and mostly dry, with cool to cold nights. It is a very popular time for travellers to visit.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Weather warms up, with beautiful sunny days. The jacarandas bloom at the end of this season.