Clermont Guesthouse

‘Clermont Guesthouse’ was built in 1929 at Reddall Parade, Lake South by Mr. RW Harradine who had grand views of turning the area into a major holiday destination.

‘Clermont’ included 40 accommodation rooms and a dance floor. The Lake Illawarra Progress Association which formed the same year as the guesthouse held many dances and social functions there, as well as church services.

Carlene Coulter, the great niece of Bob and Esther Harradine, owned tablecloths from the waterfront guesthouse. Carlene’s father was the pick up driver for the guests and would drive people from the station at Dunmore to the lake.

The centre of ‘Clermont’ contained a dining room which became a dance hall when needed. It had a small stage and a pianola. Off the dining room was the kitchen, with copper sinks and a commercial stove. The washing up area was referred to by the kids as the dungeon. The guesthouse also had a billiard room on one side and a fernery at the back. On the other side were the lounge room and the bedrooms.

The guesthouse had a large L-shaped verandah with views across the lake. Washing was done in the coppers and wrung out in huge mangles large enough to fit the sheets.

‘Clermont’ was demolished in 2002.

At the request of Tongarra Heritage Society, Shellharbour City Council conducted an archival recording of the building before it was pulled down.


Clermont Guesthouse, Lake Illawarra South 1929
Shellharbour Images, Shellharbour City Libraries.



Fishing boats moored at Lake Illawarra South c.1930
Shellharbour Images, Shellharbour City Libraries.

Lenore Hughes on a horse near Clermont. c.1930-1940
Shellharbour Images, Shellharbour City Libraries.

Leon Cicolini outside Clermont Guesthouse 1958
Shellharbour Images, Shellharbour City Libraries.