The Main Event: Grafton Racing Corrival 2025on Racing Corrival 2025
Dust off your best headwear and mark your calendar for five fabulous race days just up the road from Yamba:
Sun 6 July – Kensei Club Community Race Day
Sun 13 July – South Grafton Cup Day
Wed 16 July – Ramornie Handicap Day
Thu 17 July – Grafton Cup Day (the big one)
Sun 20 July – Maclean Cup Day
With over $1 million in prize money, fashion comps, live music and a whole lot of country hospitality, the Grafton carnival is a regional highlight. And it’s just a 45-minute scenic drive from Yamba—close enough to enjoy, far enough to escape the crush afterwards.
Every July, the Clarence Valley bursts to life with the Grafton Racing Carnival—a brilliant blend of thundering hooves, high fashion, country charm and Champagne-in-the-sun energy. But here’s the trick savvy travellers know: the races are just the beginning. The real win? Making a weekend of it in Yamba or Angourie, where winter feels like a soft exhale and Oceanstays properties turn race recovery into a full-blown coastal holiday.
Why Oceanstays?
Because after a day in heels or boots, you want a home that pampers you. That’s where we come in.
Oceanstays properties are beautifully styled, immaculately clean and stocked with the kind of touches that elevate a stay—from luxury bathroom products and crisp hotel-grade linen to lovingly prepared local welcome bowls. Whether you’re after a romantic escape in Angourie, a pet-friendly beach house, or a multi-bedroom monster for your race-day crew, we have you covered.
Our team is based locally and on-hand 7 days a week. That means easy check-ins, fast answers and insider tips on where to eat, play and sip.
Make a Long Weekend of It
Pair a race day with a few coastal pleasures and you’ve got the perfect winter reset:
Friday
Check in to your Oceanstays property, take a long walk on Main Beach, then settle into dinner at Karrikin or El Ocaso. If the weather’s clear (and it often is), catch moonrise from the headland.
Saturday
Fuel up with brunch at The Kiosk, beachcomb around the Angourie Blue & Green Pools, explore Yuraygir National Park or get spoilt at Ngara Day Spa. Finish with sunset at Pippi Beach and a round of cocktails at Paradiso XO.
Sunday
Time to frock up. Head to Grafton for Maclean Cup Day (or whichever race suits your style). After the last race, cruise back to Yamba for takeaway from Sassafrass and a nightcap on the balcony.
Or reverse it—arrive post-race and give yourself the week to soak up the sunshine and seafood.
The Best Bits?
- Our properties are not just a place to sleep—they’re the kind of homes you want to live in
- And winter? It’s magic here. Still warm enough to swim. Still cool enough to rug up at night. And a whole lot quieter than summer
Race. Rest. Repeat.
The Grafton Racing Carnival is your excuse. The coast is your reward. And Oceanstays is your home base.
Visit oceanstays.com.au and The Clarence River Jockey Club for more information and to start planning a winter escape worth backing.
