Sounds a lot like our time in Central QLD. It was the toughest place I have ever lived. I still live in a rural area but now I'm in Central Vic and it's lovely here. The biggest issue is a severe lack of services but the peace and quiet is hard to beat.
I actually moved from the beach at Lakes Entrance to be here so I get missing the ocean. But I don't miss the crowds that came along with it. And I am just minutes away from dozens of lovely dams to satisfy my water lust.
I did several Christmas's in QLD on my own whilst hubby worked just so everyone else could go home for Christmas. Story of my life... I have to sacrifice so others can be happy. Just how it goes I'm afraid.
Do you have any other water source close by? When we were in Clermont I used to drive out to Teressa Creek Dam sometimes just to see the water.