Commercial Hotel

Affectionately known by locals as "The Commie", the Commercial Hotel is a quintessential example of a historic Australian pub. This legendary establishment is located in the heart of Clermont, Queensland, and dates back to 1877. Today, it is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a true cultural hub that blends the spirit of old Australia with modern-day comfort.

Commercial Hotel. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The venue stands out for its welcoming atmosphere: spacious halls with high ceilings transition into a cozy covered beer garden with umbrellas and green lawns. The hotel has been honored with the Travelers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor, confirming its high level of service and popularity among tourists. Here, you are just as likely to meet fellow travelers as you are local miners, creating the unique character of a true "country pub."

Inside, guests will find a modern restaurant serving excellent Australian cuisine, a stylish bar, and relaxation areas. The Commercial Hotel is famous for its generous portions and the use of fresh local produce. Whether it's a family dinner or a desire for a cold beer after a long journey, this place offers exactly what you need for quality rest along the way.

For information regarding table reservations or room bookings, you can use the contact details provided below. The staff are always ready to help guests with the menu or accommodation details.

A visit to the Commercial Hotel is first and foremost a gastronomic pleasure in the best Queensland traditions. You should definitely order their famous steak, cooked exactly to your liking, or try the Surf 'n' Turf, where meat and seafood are perfectly paired. The menu also offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, and aromatic curries, with traditionally generous portions that hungry travelers will particularly appreciate.

For those who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, the beer garden is the perfect choice. It’s a great spot to sit under the umbrellas with an ice-cold beer and enjoy the fresh air. If you prefer a more lively evening, head to the sports bar, where major matches are broadcast on big screens, or try your luck in the gaming area (pokies).

If your journey involves an overnight stay, the hotel offers newly renovated, air-conditioned rooms with high-quality linens. It’s a wonderful opportunity to combine a hearty dinner with a comfortable night’s sleep in a historic building. The friendly staff and owner Marie are always happy to share interesting facts about the town or help you choose the dish of the day.

The Commercial Hotel occupies a central position in town at 80 Capella St. Clermont is situated at the junction of key transport arteries—the Gregory and Peak Downs Highways—making it a convenient stopover for travelers crossing Queensland.

If you are coming from Mackay, the drive will take about three hours. From Brisbane, the trip is longer, approximately 9–10 hours. For those who prefer air travel, Clermont Airport (CMQ) is a ten-minute drive from the town center, from which the hotel can be quickly reached by taxi or rental car.

The easiest way to get around the town itself is on foot or by car. The hotel provides parking spaces suitable for both standard passenger cars and campers. Thanks to its prime location, the establishment is easy to find by following the signs to the main shopping street.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the gold rush era. The Commercial Hotel first opened its doors in 1877, with the license granted to Bernard "Barney" Mullin. At that time, Clermont was the first major European settlement in the Queensland hinterlands, and the hotel quickly became its "beating heart."

In the late 19th century, the "Commercial" was considered one of the most comfortable establishments in the region. It featured not only cozy rooms and a well-stocked bar but also a coffee room with fresh newspapers, a billiard room, and even a 12-stall stable. The hotel served as a venue for political debates, balls, and local sports club meetings. Interestingly, in the 1890s, the election results followed by the entire town were updated on a special scoreboard right here.

Over the course of a century and a half, the building has weathered many events: it was moved in 1917, rebuilt in 1938, and suffered from a serious fire in 1946. Nevertheless, the hotel was restored every time, maintaining its status as the town's primary social hub. Today, it is not just a bar, but a living monument to the pioneering past of northern Australia.

A stop at the Commercial Hotel for lunch or dinner will typically take about 1–2 hours. This is enough time to enjoy the cuisine and admire the historical photographs in the interior.

However, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an authentic Australian pub, it's worth staying for 3 hours to spend the evening in the beer garden. For travelers looking for a place to stay, an overnight stay in the renovated hotel rooms is an excellent option—allowing you to appreciate both the hospitality and the famous local breakfasts.

The establishment is open daily, offering service from morning until late evening. From Monday to Thursday and on Sundays, the doors are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, when the town becomes more active, the pub extends its hours until midnight.

Please note that kitchen hours may differ from the bar's operating hours. It is recommended to check the official website or call ahead to confirm the current schedule before your visit, especially during public holidays.

Clermont is a town with a rich past, and a stroll through its surroundings will allow you to get a better feel for the atmosphere of old Australia. Most points of interest are within walking distance of the hotel, making it an ideal base for exploring the town.

You can visit the historic railway station or walk to the picturesque lagoon, where unique monuments tell the story of the challenging history of settling these lands.