Clermont Qld 27 July 2019

Clermont Qld 27 July 2019

After our lunchtime start from Rubyvale, we took what we thought was the short-cut up to Clermont, avoiding the return trip back into Emerald. However, we came out on the highway at Capella still some 60km short of the target. We had thought we were going via Therese Creek Dam or thereabouts, but all we saw was the dry bed of said creek somewhere outside Clermont.

We took up our spot in the caravan park in this pleasant, quiet town and had some lunch. In the afternoon we went to find the Therese Creek Dam, which is about 20km out of town on the road that we obviously missed. On the way we stopped to look at a brick chimney at the sight of what was a productive copper mine in the 1880s. All that is left is the hole in the ground, the chimney and the tiny general store which was once a museum. As the whole place is surrounded by a tall chainlink fence to keep the idiots and vandals out, all I could do was take a few quick snaps and head off for the dam.

Remain of Coppermine. Copperfield Qld

We were expecting to see an earthen dam and a bit of water, what we found was a pretty huge 'free camp' (at $15 a night its hardly free), a boat ramp and a picnic area. And a large body of water, but no sign of a dam anywhere.

Picnic area, Therese Dam, Clermont Qld

Lake Therese. Clermont Qld

Back in town we looked for life, there was none, it was Saturday afternoon and the local races were on, leaving the town mostly deserted. We did find an open bottleshop and so we entertained ourselves with our very own happy hour.