Grandpa’s Guide to Driving in Clermont
It has been this cold for days! I’m having headaches because of the temperature. I’m wearing socks, pajamas, sweaters, quite not enough protective clothing. I think I want to sit inside a sauna right now. And the funny part is that it’s this cold but the sun is shinning brightly outside!
Let’s not think about the weird weather. Why don’t we just sit and relax, and I’ll share with you another of my adventures. And this time, it’s about my trip to Clermont.
Clermont, with a population of 1,854, is an agricultural town located in the Isaac Region of Queensland, Australia. It is about 274 kilometers southwest of Mackay, which is on the intersection of the Gregory and Peak Downs highways.
The town was established in 1861 due to the discovery of gold in the area. And the town reserve was proclaimed on the 25th of March 1864. Clermont was originally established on low lying ground next to a lagoon. But flooding became a problem that an incident in 1916 killed 65 people. The incident became one of Australia’s worst natural disasters in terms of life lost. After that disaster, many of the wooden buildings of the town were moved to higher grounds with the use of steam traction engines.
Aside from agriculture, Clermont is presently a major hub for the large coal mines in the region.
Clermont has many attractions. One is the Piano in the Tree which reminders the people of the height of the floodwaters. And some of the others are:
1. The Old Town Site
Clermont was originally known as “Hood’s Lagoon” because of its history of flooding. Presently, the lagoon near the old site of Clermont is a popular spot for swimming and picnics. The lagoon also provides the railway and the new town’s water supply.The site of the old town has been dormant for over half a century. It re-established its worth beginning with the placement of the Flood Memorial in 1980, followed by tree plantings, replace of the lagoon bridge, sporting ovals, and the general beautification of the area around the Lagoon.
At present, the Old Town site is a very cozy place to enjoy activities such as picnics, kite flying, barbecues, games of softball or cricket and, if you’re lucky, you might spot the newest resident in the area —a koala.
2. Clermont Museum and Heritage Park
Clermont Museum and Heritage Park was officially opened on October 22, 1988 by Mrs. Win McTrusty, one of Clermont’s most popular personalities.
The Museum and Heritage Park depicts the history of the district. It is the result of many years of hard work and lobbying by the Clermont and the District Historical Society who wanted to preserve Clermont’s history.
The two-hectare site showcases about 8000 artifacts and other items of historical significance to Clermont. Some of the items on display include a power shovel from Blair Athol, an old train, the old Masonic Lodge, and old steam engines —used to transfer the town after the flood.
The Old Town Site and the Clermont Museum and Heritage Park are truly astonishing places to visit, see, and relive the history of Clermont.
Oh! Before I forget, visit the site Car Rental Clermont book a car for your trip, pack your bags, and go go go! Clermont is waiting!
-Grandpop Benjamin
