Clermont - Old Town Site 

Following the discovery of gold at Nelson's Gully in 1861, January 1862 saw the first rigging of camps alongside the prospectors on the gentle sloping banks of Hood's Lagoon. Within the year the settlement boasted a general store and around 30 diggings.

With essential needs met, the rush was on and by the end of 1863 over 1,000 miners were operating in local fields. The town reserve was proclaimed on 25 March 1864. During this year the town prospered, with the establishment of a Doctor, Newspaper, Banks, Churches and a Hospital.

It's believed that Clermont was originally known as 'Hood's Lagoon'. A quiet place to have a picnic, talk to a stranger, watch a game of cricket or softball, fly a kite, go for a leisurely walk, snap off a photo or two, have a barbecue, you might even be lucky enough to spot the koala, the latest resident to the area.