Leaving Glen Innes we took the Gwydir Hwy as planned through the Gibraltar Range NP. At its highest point the road is about 1100 metres above sea level. It was rather twisty and narrow in places, with a fair bit of roadwork going on to slow things down. There was also a thick layer of low level cloud on the ranges reducing visibility in some sections. We couldn’t actually get into the NP as it was closed, later finding out that the closure was for urgent pest control work. Will just have to go back again, maybe spring time when the wildflowers are all out.

Jackadgery is about 60 km from Glen Innes and is at the bottom of the Ranges beside the Camm River, a major tributary of the Clarence River. Descending the Ranges there were some great views of the river making its way to the Clarence.

We had managed to get a cabin in the Camm River Caravan Park for a couple of nights. It is the only establishment at Jackadgery. Very quiet, but a good spot for those wanting to stay outside the NP.

We were quite happy though to move on to the next stop at Grafton, about 45 km to the east. Despite passing through South Grafton, on the other side of the Clarence River, numerous times on trips up and down the Pacific Hwy we have never lingered in Grafton itself.

Grafton was proclaimed a city in 1885 and acted as a port on the Clarence River from the mid 1800s up until its gradual replacement by the railways and road transport in the 1900s. It was mostly used for the transport of timber, sugar and wool out of the Clarence River Valley and the New England tablelands.

The City is famous for its Jacaranda Festival, held in October/November since 1935. The trees are very prominent in the streetscape, along with massive fig trees that are over 100 years old. Maybe a festival to come to in the future?

Had a stroll and drive around looking at the historic sites and buildings.

We stayed for a couple of nights in the old Crown Hotel overlooking the River.

Nice outlook, the motel room we were in though has become a little ragged. The current building has been here since 1929 (since renovated as well), replacing the 1871 version that was burnt down in a fire. A common problem with old hotels it seems!

Meals were excellent, particularly out on the big verandah overlooking the river.

We had intended to move on from Grafton and spend a few days on the coast at Broom’s Head and later Yamba on the way home. But the coastal weather is turning to several days of forecast rain and windy conditions. Not good for fun beside the seaside! So we turned for home and have been back for a couple of days.

We will return to the New England Hwy to go further south, hopefully sometime soon when the Iranian troubles are resolved and diesel fuel supplies are secure.