GRAFTON Grafton is in fact two distinct municipalities that only in relative recent times have become one. South Grafton came first. Early explorers reached the banks of the big Clarence River and set up shop so to speak. Over time with at first a ferry and then the Bridge, North Grafton was settled and in time grew, until it was the biggest and also the commercial hub. Both North and particularly South Grafton have maintained 'independence'. Amazing to observe. In 1851, Governor Fitzroy officially named the town "Grafton", after his grandfather, the Duke of Grafton. A former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The city of Grafton is now the commercial hub of the Clarence River Valley region that was established in 1851, Grafton features many historic buildings and tree-lined streets. Grafton, like many other settlements in the area, was first opened up to white settlement by the cedar-getters. An escaped convict, Richard Craig, 'discovered' the district in 1831. With the wealth of 'red gold' cedar just waiting for exploitation, he was given a pardon and one hundred pounds to bring a party of cedar-getters on the cutter 'Prince George' to the region. The towns are also known the double decker road/rail bridge that opened in 1932, completing the standard gauge rail connection between Sydney and Brisbane, and also forming a vital link for the Pacific Highway the Bridge is a one of a kind and is a major feature on the Clarence River in Grafton. Grafton is also known as the Jacaranda City, in reference to its tree-lined streets and annual Jacaranda Festival, held in October/November. Christ Church Cathedral, designed by John Horbury Hunt was opened in 1884. The many pubs in the south are all over 100 years old. The north mainly mid-century. The Catholic Church has strong presence in both towns. The Presbyterian likewise in both precincts. The Grafton Museum is on the northern fringe of the main cbd. Grafton has a number of War Memorial acknowledgements. Here are some. There is a lot to enjoy in Grafton a few days are recommended. Heritage diary