Chasing gold and stories out west
Out in Clermont, gold isn’t just something you read about in history books. It’s part of the landscape, the stories, and the reason this outback town exists in the first place. People came here chasing opportunity, stayed for the promise, and built a community shaped by curiosity and grit.
Today, that same sense of possibility still lingers. Whether you arrive with a pan in hand or just a healthy dose of “why not?”, Clermont invites you to slow down, get your hands dirty and see what might be waiting beneath the surface.
So go on, head west and give it a go. The Free Spirit makes their own luck.
Clermont – built on gold
Clermont’s story took a sharp turn in the 1860s when gold was discovered in the surrounding fields. Almost overnight, the quiet pastoral area became a bustling hub of miners, merchants and hopeful newcomers, all drawn by the chance to strike it rich. What followed was a classic Queensland gold rush, complete with boom times, tough lessons and a town that learned how to endure.
Gold didn’t just bring people here, it helped shape the wider region. Mining camps, tracks and settlements popped up across the Clermont district, many leaving behind traces that can still be found today. It’s a history written into the red dirt and open plains, and one that locals are proud to share.
To dig deeper into the story, a visit to the Clermont Historical Centre offers insight into the lives of early miners and the challenges they faced. Wander the town and you’ll also spot reminders of its gold rush past woven into everyday streetscapes, quietly connecting the present to a time when fortune seekers followed creeks and instincts into the unknown.
And the best part? Gold is still being found here today. Not in the frantic rushes of the past, but in quieter, more personal moments. A glint in a pan. A shout of excitement. Proof that sometimes, the old stories aren’t finished yet.
Gold prospecting today in Clermont
The Clermont region remains one of Queensland’s most accessible places to try your luck. And while gold prospecting in Clermont today looks a little different to the wild rushes of the past, the sense of anticipation is still very real.
Gold is still being found here, often by everyday travellers giving fossicking a go for the first time. You don’t need to be an expert or strike it rich to enjoy it. For many, the real reward is the experience itself. Time outdoors, hands in the water, and that moment of pause when something glints back at you.
DIY prospecting
If you’re the kind of traveller who loves to explore at your own pace, Clermont is one of the most iconic places in Queensland to try DIY gold prospecting. Before you head out, you’ll need a Queensland fossicking licence - it’s a legal requirement for all fossickers in the state, and pretty easy to sort before you arrive.
Here are some of the best places around Clermont where you can roll up your sleeves and join in the hunt:
Blair Athol State Forest
Just outside town, Blair Athol is a large fossicking area with multiple General Permission Areas (GPAs) that are perfect for first-timers and curious explorers. Locations like McMasters, Birimgan East and West, and Four Mile East and West spread over thousands of hectares of classic gold-bearing country.
Brigalow GPA
A newly opened 507-hectare section of Blair Athol State Forest near Clermont, the Brigalow GPA expands your options for surface gold panning and metal detecting.
Bathampton & McDonald Flat GPAs
Closer to the Clermont township you’ll find other accessible gold fossicking areas like Bathampton and McDonald Flat, both known for alluvial gold potential. These spots are perfect for families or small groups trying their luck.
Creek and causeway panning
Sometimes the simplest moments yield the best memories. Local creek beds like those around the causeway at Theresa Creek Dam are popular with panners looking to take a seat by the water and give it a go. You don’t always need complex gear. A basic pan and a sense of curiosity will do.
Gold prospecting tours – let the locals lead the way
If you like the idea of finding gold but don’t want to figure it all out yourself, Golden Prospecting Tours Clermont is the perfect place to start. Run by locals who know the land, the history and the tricks of the trade, these tours take the guesswork out of prospecting and replace it with hands-on learning and genuine excitement.
Tours operate on private property and a working gold mine, giving you access you simply can’t get on your own. You can bring your own gear or hire it from them. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve tried fossicking before, there’s something incredibly satisfying about learning where to look and how to spot the real thing.
What really sets these tours apart is how accessible they are. Families, couples and solo travellers are all welcome, and no prior experience is needed. Kids love the thrill of finding colour in their pan, while adults appreciate the stories, tips and deeper understanding of how gold shaped the Clermont region.
You might walk away with a fleck of gold. You might not. But you’ll leave with muddy boots, new skills and a real appreciation for why people have been drawn to this country for generations. Sometimes, that’s worth more than what ends up in your pocket.
