Clermont Gold & Coal Festival
Clermont Gold & Coal Festival is one of Emerald’s signature events, drawing visitors from across the Central Highlands and beyond. Heritage festival at Clermont celebrating gold and coal mining history.
About Clermont Gold & Coal Festival
Clermont Gold & Coal Festival is part of the vibrant community life that makes Emerald more than just a mining and agricultural town. The event brings together locals and visitors in the spirit of Central Highlands community — genuine, welcoming, and unpretentious.
Heritage festival at Clermont celebrating gold and coal mining history. These events are well-organised and supported by the community, reflecting the strong social fabric that defines regional Queensland towns.
The event typically attracts Varies — check event organisers for details visitors.
When & Where
When: Check locally for current dates and program Where: Various venues in Emerald and the Central Highlands Expected attendance: Varies — check event organisers for details
Why Attend
For visitors, community events offer the most authentic insight into how Emerald actually works as a town. Beyond the attractions and accommodation, it’s these gatherings — whether sporting, cultural, or community — that reveal the character of the Central Highlands. If your visit coincides with an event, attending is one of the best ways to connect with the region.
Getting There
Emerald is accessible via the Capricorn Highway from both Brisbane (9 hours) and Rockhampton (3 hours). Emerald Airport has daily flights from Brisbane via QantasLink and Alliance Airlines.
Emerald Inn — Ninety Minutes South of Clermont
Clermont is about an hour and a half north of us, and beds in town there are thin on the ground during the festival. Basing yourself in Emerald at 28–30 Esmond Street means a comfortable drive up for the day and a proper night’s sleep at the end of it.
Fill up and shop before you go — our position near the CBD makes that easy — and use the full kitchen when you get back rather than hunting for something open late.
Emerald Inn: 28–30 Esmond Street, Emerald QLD 4720. Check availability or call (07) 4980 0600. Compare the three apartment types.
The Rest of the Northern Run
Clermont is gold and coal country, and the drive north from Emerald passes through most of the story:
- Emerald’s mining economy — context on the Bowen Basin and what drives the town
- Blackdown Tableland — waterfalls, lookouts and Ghungalu cultural sites up on the tableland
- The Central Highlands cattle industry — the industry behind most of the district
- About Emerald — the Big Easel, Morton Park and how the town actually works
Plan Your Visit
- Accommodation: Emerald Inn — Deluxe, Executive, and Two Bedroom apartments
- Dining: Emerald dining guide — cafes, pubs, and local beef
- Services: Emerald services guide — supermarkets, fuel, medical
- FAQs: Emerald QLD FAQ — climate, distances, what to expect
- Contact: Emerald Inn — (07) 4980 0600 or bookings@emeraldinn.com.au