The 3 best things to do in Clermont, Queensland

The best things to do in Clermont, Queensland, include the Hoods Lagoon walk, visiting the Clermont Historical Centre and seeing the Piano Up A Tree.

Clermont, Queensland, is a fairly anonymous town in the fairly anonymous Isaac region of Queensland. It’s just to the north of the Tropic of Capricorn, and you’ll pass through if driving up the Gregory Highway from Emerald to Charters Towers.

However, this is a town that has more than its fair share of heritage. It was the first inland settlement in tropical Australia, starting with shepherds setting up huts by a lagoon in 1861.

Clermont gold rush and flood

It very quickly became apparent that gold prospecting would pay more handsomely than herding sheep, and the first wave of miners arrived a year later.

The town of Clermont built up on the banks of Hoods Lagoon, which was a terrible decision, given the risk of flooding. Indeed, floods occurred regularly, and in 1916, the biggest flood took the lives of 65 people.

Things to do in Clermont, Queensland: Hoods Lagoon Walk

Walking around Hoods Lagoon is one of the best things to do in Clermont, QLD, however. It’s an easy walk, about 1.3km long, but there are plenty of signs along the way. These explore the history of the town and region, with tales of the flood in the mix.

For more detailed information on Clermont’s history, visit the Clermont Historical Centre. Unlike many local history museums in Australia, which are just depositories for rusty farm equipment, this one has some good stories to tell.

Things to do in Clermont, Queensland: Piano Up A Tree

The other, rather more unusual, Clermont attraction is the Piano Up A Tree. At the corner of Capricorn Street and Drummond Street, this makes for a quirky photo stop. But it’s actually a flood memorial as, in 1916, a piano was found up a tree near Sandy Creek when the floodwaters subsided.

Top Clermont accommodation options

The best places to stay in Clermont are:

For a cheap, decent motel for a one night stay: Clermont Hotel Motel.
For a bit of character, plus a pool, restaurant and gardens: Clermont Country Motor Inn.
For overall quality: Smart Stayzzz Inns.

The Piano Up A Tree in Clermont, Queensland.

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