Clermont: Discover Nature and History

Clermont combines nature with visible traces of its local history. At Hoods Lagoon, the focus is on the water and wildlife; other places tell stories of the 1916 flood, mining and agriculture. This lets you get to know Clermont through the themes that interest you most on your trip.

Nature at Hoods Lagoon

Hoods Lagoon is a natural body of water in Clermont where birds and wildlife can be found. Centenary Park is located at Hoods Lagoon. It offers a peaceful setting for picnics and barbecues, providing a different focus from the destination’s historic sites.

Remembering the 1916 flood

The 1916 flood marker is at the corner of Capricorn Street and Drummond Street. It shows the flood level and lists the names of those who lost their lives. Rose Harris Park commemorates Rose Harris and her contributions during the same flood. Together, these two places point to different aspects of remembrance: the marker records the height of the event and the names of the victims, while the park is dedicated to Rose Harris.

Museum, mining and local history

The Clermont Museum explores Clermont’s settlement, mining and agricultural history. Exhibits include the Aveling and Porter No 6803 steam traction engine. It was used to relocate the town after the 1916 flood. The Clermont Visitor Information Centre is also located in the museum.

Another landmark of local history is Clermont Cemetery. Established in 1866, it is one of the early public burial grounds in Central Queensland. The cemetery contains a mass grave and a memorial stone for the victims of the 1916 flood. Clermont Cemetery is also listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

Clermont’s built heritage also includes the Copperfield Store and Copperfield Chimney. The Copperfield Store is a locally heritage-listed building; its interior is currently not open to the public. Copperfield Chimney is the last surviving chimney of the Peak Downs Smelter. Traces of the roasting ovens can be seen at the foot of the chimney. The two sites therefore point to different aspects of local heritage: a heritage-listed building and surviving traces of smelting operations.

Gold prospecting and the Clermont Show

Visitors can search for gold in one of Clermont’s 11 General Permission Areas. Another option for those interested in gold prospecting is Golden Prospecting Tours: the company offers remote gold tours on an active gold mine and on exclusive private properties. It also offers hands-on training in metal detecting, gold panning and sluicing. These techniques give the training a practical focus on prospecting.

The Clermont Show may also be worth considering when planning your trip. Its competitions and exhibitions return every year; the specific dates and program items vary. If you’re planning to visit Clermont for the show, check the dates and program in advance.

A nearby destination: Theresa Creek Dam

Theresa Creek Dam is 22 kilometres southwest of Clermont. Fishing opportunities are available there for barramundi, golden perch, eels, sleepy cod, silver perch and bony bream. The dam offers a destination outside Clermont, while the town’s attractions are shaped by flood history, mining, nature and local heritage.

Discover more destinations: Childers, Warwick, Slacks Creek, Bundaberg North, Lake Eacham, Horn, Tarong, Severnlea

For the main travel overview: Queensland.