The town grew from a fettler's camp established on Gravesend station with the coming of the railway around 1900.

In the 1930s, Gravesend was the site of a research station breeding cactoblastis moths later released to eradicate a devastating prickly pear infestation.

[3] The surrounding area is given to agriculture production with sheep and cattle breeding, and the local wheat crops being taken a large silo complex being based in the village.

Today, Gravesend is serviced by a public school with approximately 30 students, post office, hotel, recreation and rodeo ground, community centre, District Nurse, a park with play equipment and a general store.

[3] The Gwydir River provides excellent fishing, camping, picnic, swimming and recreation areas.