Grafton Airport

Grafton Airport, located in the picturesque Clarence Valley, is today a quiet air harbour focused primarily on general aviation tasks. Since regular commercial flights by Rex were suspended in 2022, this hub has repurposed itself as a key point for private pilots, charter flights, and vital emergency services. Surrounded by Australian nature, it remains an important infrastructure facility, providing air connection for the region on an individual basis.

Despite the absence of regular passenger routes, Grafton Airport retains its significance and offers a number of specific advantages for the aviation community and residents of the region:

• Base for Emergency Services: The airport plays a critically important role as a hub for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and aerial firefighting, especially during bushfire seasons.
• Freedom for Private Aviation: The lack of heavy commercial liner traffic and slot restrictions makes Grafton a convenient and accessible landing spot for private aircraft, business jets, and training flights.
• Charter Flight Support: The airport is fully equipped to handle chartered flights delivering tourist groups or business partners directly to the heart of the Clarence Valley.
• Quality Infrastructure: Recent upgrades to the runway and lighting system guarantee flight safety at any time of day, which is particularly important for air ambulance services.

To ensure your journey through Grafton Airport goes as smoothly as possible, save its current contact details. We have gathered the essential information for you, but we always recommend checking details on official resources, especially before departure.

• Official Website: The most accurate and up-to-date information on flights, services, and rules can be found on the airport's official page on the Clarence Valley Council website: `www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Community/Our-facilities/Clarence-Valley-Regional-Airport`.
• Inquiry Phone Number: For general questions and inquiries, you can call: `(02) 6643 0200`.
• Airport Address: Aerodrome Rd, South Grafton NSW 2460, Australia. The airport is located in the city of Grafton.
• Email: For official inquiries, you can use the general email of the Clarence Valley Council, which manages the airport: `council@clarence.nsw.gov.au`.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own social media pages. Important updates can be followed on the official resources of the Clarence Valley Council.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, please contact your airline's baggage tracing service first. For items left within the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to your stay at the airport, please contact the main inquiry number `(02) 6643 0200` or visit the information desk in the terminal.

Grafton Airport (YGFN) is located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of the city center of Grafton in Australia. A trip by car from the center to the terminal usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis and Private Transfers are the most reliable and convenient way to get to the airport. This is especially relevant if you have a lot of luggage or an early departure. It is recommended to book your trip in advance through local taxi services or online platforms. The estimated cost of a trip from the city center is 40-60 Australian Dollars. Private shuttles may also be available and should be booked ahead of time.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the region. Many rental companies have offices in the city of Grafton. You can easily drive to the airport in a rented car. There is parking available on the airport grounds, for both short-term and long-term stays, allowing you to leave your personal or rented vehicle without issues during your absence.

Regarding Public Transport, it is important to know that direct bus or train routes from the city center to Grafton Airport are generally unavailable. This is typical for many regional airports. Therefore, you should not rely on this option when planning your trip to catch a flight. It is always better to choose a taxi or private transport for guaranteed and timely arrival.

For travelers requiring more flight options, it is worth considering larger neighboring airports. For example, Coffs Harbour Airport is located approximately 63 km away, and the international Gold Coast Airport is 183 km away, though the journey to them will take significantly more time.

Grafton Airport (GFN), also known as Clarence Valley Regional Airport, is a small and compact aviation hub. Its main feature is the presence of just one terminal, which serves both domestic departures and arrivals. Such a simple structure makes the airport incredibly convenient for passengers, eliminating any possibility of getting confused or lost.

The terminal is a single-story building where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. Immediately at the entrance, there are check-in counters, followed by a small security screening area. The waiting lounge is shared for all flights and offers basic amenities for a comfortable wait before boarding. The arrival area is equally compact and includes a baggage claim belt. Thanks to the intuitive layout and clear signage, navigating the terminal is effortless.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Grafton Airport takes minimal time. Due to the low passenger flow, there are rarely long queues for check-in and security screening. Typically, the entire process from entering the terminal to reaching the waiting lounge takes no more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately one hour before departure to check in luggage and go through all procedures without rushing.

Since there is only one terminal at the airport, the issue of transfers between terminals is irrelevant. Everything you need is located in one building. The main advice for travelers flying out of Grafton: enjoy the simplicity and absence of the hustle characteristic of major airports. Everything here is simple, fast, and clear, making the start or end of your journey as calm as possible.

The history of Grafton Airport (GFN), also known as Clarence Valley Regional Airport, is closely linked to the development of regional aviation in Australia. For decades, it has served as an important transport hub for the valley of the same name in New South Wales, providing connections to other parts of the country. Although the exact founding date is not a widely known fact, its existence has been and remains critically important for the economic and social development of the region.

The main stages in the airport's history were periods when it served regular passenger flights, connecting Grafton with major cities. Like many regional airports, it experienced ups and downs in commercial traffic volumes, adapting to changing market needs. In addition to passenger flights, the airport has always played a key role in supporting general aviation, business travel, and serving as a base for vital services such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.

One of the most significant events in the airport's recent history was its large-scale modernization, completed in 2020. The project included upgrading the runway and installing a new lighting system, which improved flight safety and met modern aviation standards. These improvements ensured the airport's ability to continue operations and accept aircraft at any time of day and under various weather conditions.

An interesting fact from the airport's history lies in its indispensable role during emergencies. During periods of severe floods or bushfires that occur in the region, Grafton Airport becomes a key center for emergency services. It is used for refueling firefighting aircraft and as a base for rescue operations, which has repeatedly proven its strategic importance for the safety and well-being of the entire Clarence Valley community.

Grafton Airport (GFN) is a small regional airport serving domestic flights within Australia. Its infrastructure is compact but offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait before departure. Here you will find basic services to help pass the time before boarding your plane.

There is a small cafe operating in the terminal where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase cold beverages and light refreshments. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or get some work done while waiting for your flight. For passenger convenience, the waiting lounge has power outlets for charging mobile phones and other gadgets.

The general waiting hall is the main area for resting before departure. Specialized VIP lounges or business lounges are absent here, which is typical for airports of this size. For the convenience of travelers with small children, baby changing tables are equipped in the restrooms. The airport is also adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility: ramps and accessible toilets are provided, and staff are always ready to assist with boarding and disembarking from the aircraft.

It is important to note that there are no bank branches, currency exchange points, or ATMs at the airport. It is recommended to handle all financial transactions in the city beforehand. Conference rooms or business centers are also absent. If you need to stay overnight, the nearest hotels and guesthouses are located in the city of Grafton, which can be easily reached by taxi or rental car.

When planning a departure or arrival at Grafton Airport (GFN), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments corresponds to its size. Unlike major international hubs, there is no large variety of restaurants here, but grabbing a snack before your flight is still possible.

Usually, a small cafe or kiosk operates in the single terminal of the airport. This is the main and only place where passengers can purchase food and drinks. The establishment is located in the general area (landside), accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off, before passing through security control.

What you can find on the menu:

• For a quick snack: The assortment usually includes sandwiches, pastries, chips, chocolate, and other snacks. This is an ideal option if you need to satisfy your hunger quickly.
• Beverages: Hot coffee, tea, bottled water, juices, and soft drinks.
• Full lunch: Options for a full lunch are extremely limited. You should not count on hot meals or restaurant service. sometimes the menu may feature Australian meat pies — a simple and filling local fast food.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those requiring gluten-free or Halal meals) are strongly advised to bring food with them. The selection in the cafe will likely be very limited and unable to meet such requests. Prices at the airport are generally slightly higher than in the city. The cafe's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule — it opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last plane leaves. If you have time, it is best to eat at one of the numerous cafes or restaurants in the city of Grafton itself before traveling to the airport.

Traveling through a regional airport like Grafton Airport is usually calmer than through major international hubs. Nevertheless, good preparation will help make your trip as comfortable as possible. Here are a few tips that will be useful for you at the airport of Grafton.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within Australia, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 90 minutes before departure. This time is sufficient to check in and pass security control without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website if this option is available.

Passing Security. Procedures in regional airports usually go faster. However, security rules are standard: be ready to present your boarding pass and ID. Liquids in carry-on luggage must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Laptops and other large electronics must be removed from your bag for separate scanning.

Seat Selection. Want to admire the views from above? Choose a window seat. If being able to stretch your legs or exit the plane quickly upon arrival is more important to you, an aisle seat is better suited. On short regional flights, the views can be particularly scenic.

Carry-on Luggage. Carefully study your airline's carry-on luggage rules, especially weight and size restrictions. Besides liquids, it is forbidden to carry sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous goods. Please note that Australia has strict biosecurity rules, so declare or dispose of any food products (fruits, vegetables, meat) to avoid fines.

Transfer Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify when booking whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate airport. Leave a sufficient time margin between flights, especially if you are flying with different airlines.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book flight tickets and transfers to/from the airport in advance. In small airports, the choice of cafes may be limited, so bring light snacks (non-liquid) and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay. Periodically check your flight status online. If the flight is delayed, contact an airline representative for information on further actions. In a small airport, waiting options may be limited, so it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, or pre-downloaded movies with you.