As community excitement begins to grow as fast as the purple petals on the famous jacaranda trees which line the streets of Grafton start to blossom, thousands of visitors from across the country and overseas will journey to the Clarence Valley over the next two weeks to share in the history of the annual festivity while immersing themselves amongst local attractions and jollities throughout an exuberant 10 day program.
From the traditional Westlawn Royal Party Crowning Ceremony and the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) Jacaranda Thursday activities to the Whiddon Jacaranda Afternoon Tea, and the Clocktower Hotel Jacaranda Float Procession, the 2025 Grafton Jacaranda Festival has something for everyone.
President of the Grafton Jacaranda Festival Committee Amanda Brotherson said it is amazing to see the community come together beneath the blooming jacaranda trees each year, describing it as a special time for the whole region.
Since the inaugural Grafton Jacaranda Festival was held in 1935, it has gone on to become Australia’s foremost floral celebration and one of the biggest events in Northern NSW.
Year after year as the flowering jacaranda trees put on a breathtaking display, the event embraces the familiar feelings of pride and sentimentality, and its survival is testament to the many volunteers and supporters who have generously donated their time and energy towards its ongoing success.
Marie Fraser was crowned the first Jacaranda Queen in 1943, a symbolic gesture which signified the highest honour to be bestowed upon a woman from Grafton.
It was a role created not only as a tribute to the beauty of the jacaranda trees, but also as an ambassadorship.
Throughout the years many women, all proudly sponsored by local businesses, have nominated for the role, with several Jacaranda Queens and Jacaranda Queen candidates describing the experience as life-changing and inspirational.
In 2022, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival Committee opened the Jacaranda Queen candidacy to all gender identities, with candidates allowed to select their own title including King, Queen, or Ambassador, should they receive the honour of being crowned during the traditional Jacaranda Royal Party Crowning Ceremony.
Amidst the flowering jacaranda trees in 2025, people will come together once again to be part of the history of the time-honoured event in a show of strength, resilience, and community spirit.
For more information about the Grafton Jacaranda Festival and to view the full program of events, please visit jacafest.com
To read more about the 2025 Grafton Jacaranda Festival events, make sure you remember to purchase a copy of the Clarence Valley Independent next week.
This article appeared in Clarence Valley Independent, 22 October 2025.
