CLERMONT Clermont is a small town on the Gregory Highway that is also the Melbourne to Cairns inland route. Clermont though is a long way from Carters Towers. Be sure your tanks are full when leaving to the north. Clermont is a town that clearly has a high degree of community pride. Ludwig Leichhardt was the first European to pass through the Clermont area in 1845, but it was the discovery of gold in 1861 that was responsible for the establishment of the town.In the 1880s up to 4000 Chinese people were resident in Clermont, mining for gold and copper. This led to racial riots and the Chinese were removed from the region in 1888. The town was originally established on low lying ground next to a lagoon or billabong, but flooding was always a problem. The greatest flood, in 1916, killed 65 people out of a town population of 1,500 and remains one of Australia's worst natural disasters in terms of life lost. Today, Clermont is a major hub for the large coal mines in the region as well as serving agricultural holdings. The Clermont War Memorial is shared over two sites. Clermont has four hotels of which the Commercial is the traditional pub. The Leo has a great profile. The Clermont War Memorial is on the approaches from the north. The Museum is open every day but has irregular hours. The Anglican Church is a magnificent traditional design and structure. Allow a day and a bit to enjoy Clermont and what is on offer. Heritage diary