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Imago Forest is a beautiful bush block and biodynamic orchard near Mt Royal National Park. There are spectacular views over the valley and lake. Just 3hrs from Sydney.
Some things to do on the property:
* Sit back and take in the incredible views
* Roast marshmallows around a campfire
* Walk in gorgeous tall forests with some century old trees
* Swim in the dam
* Climb in the tree next to the cottage
* Tour of the permaculture mandala garden (when I'm around)
About camping here:
* 4WD and AWD access - all year around.
* 2WD access - Oct-May in dry weather. (The Big Shed site is 2WD accessible all year)
* Families are welcome
* Well-behaved dogs are welcome
* There is mobile phone reception at some of the sites. Sometimes it isn't fantastic, at other times you can stream Netflix.
Some of the things you can do nearby:
* Do the majestic Mt Royal walk
* Fish or boat on nearby Lake St Clair
* Stop in at some of the Hunter Valley wineries on your way
* Search online for "Carrowbrook forecast" to get the closest weather forecast
Imago Forest is a campsite that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake St Clair, making it a peaceful and attractive destination for campers. The host, Julian, is consistently praised for his friendliness and helpfulness, ensuring guests feel welcome and informed. However, the access road can be challenging, especially after rain, and the presence of leeches can be a nuisance. Overall, it's a place of natural beauty and tranquility, ideal for those prepared for a rustic camping experience.
Unfortunately we could not stay for the full booking due to a family emergency. However the host is very friendly and was very quick with responding to our messages and great with the organisation of getting us to the property.
Feel like we missed out on a great camping trip.
This camp is in a beautiful location with views over the mountains and Lake St Clair.
We towed a small camper trailer with a 4wd. The track into the camping area was over grown in places and slippery after a storm the night before. It is also very tight to manoeuvre in spots.
In my opinion, and at the time of our visit, the track in is not suitable for 2wd vehicles or larger camper trailers or hybrid vans.
There is limited level sites.
As this is a rainforest area, be sure to bring insect repellant as there are leaches.
Overall we enjoyed our stay but come fully prepared and get the most up to date weather for the area as the adventure starts immediately from the front gate.
The view over the valley is lovely.
It was quiet.
For those without pets it is great access to Mt Royal NP.
Really good toilet. Clean and not smelly.
Grass was well maintained and cut nicely over a wide area.
The access road needs work. My 4WD is already scratched but I’d have been really annoyed if I’d taken our “nice” AWD wagon.
The potable water isn’t really potable. I was full of sediment (brown).
The area needs a good cleanup. There was lots of half done projects and general junk piles
Lights in the toilet didn’t work. No water getting to the sink.
Campsite could be have more flat sections with shade.
The owners description could be refreshed as it’s a bit “optimistic “.
We camped at Imago Forest, Hammock site with a nice view of mountains and valleys. The drive to the camp-site from the main road was like going through bushy forest (ensure you have bushwraps done). Very peaceful place and we had the site not that far from the toilet. Julian was prompt in his response to our queries. There were some sticks (were good for fire kindling) piled up at our spot so we couldn't park two cars hence we camped few steps away from the fire ring and it also kept the smoke away from our tents. Beware of leeches as we did encounter with a few while setting up the camp but not after spraying repellents.
Our stay at Julian's worked out perfectly!
The property offered beauty, tranquillity and all the basics we needed. We booked our pitch in the tepee area which gave us a great space to set up camp with total privacy. The lovely and knowledgeable hosts were never too far away though it we had any questions.
We ventured into the site in a 2WD which was probably more of a strain on my inexperienced nerves rather than the capability of the car.
Loved camping at the cherry blossom site. The pond was beaming with froggies making a delightful nature song at night. The site is also near the forest where we heard owls at night and birds chattering in the day. The loo is neat and the owners are friendly and helpful.
The privacy of the area is nice and it is a very simple bit of cleared land that could do with a bit more clearing in the middle where the cars drive round. So long as you bring everything with you, it's enough as a little base of operations. Zip all your tents up and be mindful of the leeches around the place too.
Site described well, Julian rang to make sure i knew what i was getting into, and did offer alternatives as the site is pretty raw, I declined as was happy to take the wipper snipper to clean up before we set up camp.
Only enough room for 1 camper and car, and recommend 4WD, especially if taking a trailer or camper. (2wd can get in, but if it rains your not getting out) oh and watch out for the leaches!
Lovely people and great location. You can see glimpse of lake St.Clair from the property. Imago Forest is quite impressive with huge eucalyptus trees and ferns. Saw red tail black cockatoos at the campsite in the morning that came to say hi (well actually just to eat some berries off the trees).
A beautiful spot. With a nice valley view. A lil pricey for what it is. Only down sides no trails or clear paths at the site but the national park has some great peaks that are well worth 20 min drive. Many leeches when wet and a rather large wasp nest by the toilet. There is also a gorgeous red belly to be aware of.
Fantastic weekend. Feels like an adventure yet very cosy and friendly environment. Julian was very accommodating. The campsites neat with wood all chopped and ready for you! Plenty to spare foraging in bush lands surrounding also. Shady spots and dam to swim in. My family of 6 loved every minute. Thankyou
We loved our weekend at Julian’s farm. Being so close to Lake St Clair during the day but being able to drive to the secluded camp site was amazing. The drive in and out was fun too. Definitely recommend and will be back.
Site was peaceful with beautiful views. A comfy place to sit round the fire pit and toilet was good. There was no one else on the property so it felt quite isolated. Many wallabies. We got in with a 2wd but wouldn’t recommend it, we would have been stuck if it rained. Great spot to access Mt Royal bush walks, loved it!
Beautiful spot would definitely recommend if you're looking for a secluded spot. Road has been fixed we were able to pull a small compact 4x4 trailer. If you go when it's wet, bring some repealant as quite a few leaches around.
Sadly our booking was just after the recent torrential rains and on arrival we discovered the driveway had been washed away and we were unable to get through to the campsite. Really felt for poor Julian as the damage won’t be fun to fix - the site looked idyllic and we were disappointed not to be there in better conditions.
DEFINITELY recommend only coming in a 4WD as the driveway is rather rugged.
Julian was lovely and helpful and we were lucky to find a camp spot on Lake St Clair - not as private but an absolutely stunning spot.
Unfortunately due to the weather our stay had to end three nights early. The site was beautiful, however, we felt that there was a lack of action on Julians behalf in ensuring that our stay was safe and enjoyable. The road to the campsite was not adequately described and after rain isn’t even 4WD accessible. As such, we had to leave three nights early in order to avoid getting stuck and only received a refund for one of those nights. This road and the site seemed to be poorly maintained and while Julian seemed lovely and was enthusiastic about the area he was not at all involved in effective maintenance of the site. A beautiful view and I’m sure with the right weather conditions it would have been a beautiful stay.
Beautiful spot, had the benefit of total isolation to enjoy the postcard view from the top paddock. The trail in would be a challenge unless you’ve got at least an AWD, especially if there’s been some rain. Julian was first class, on the phone checking with us making sure we were prepared and informed. If you’ve got the rig it’s a dream spot!
Quick weekend getaway with some friends. Fantastic view! Helpful and informative host. Secluded spot and very green after the wet week before hand. Lots of birds, frogs and even some fireflies. The route there was picuresque but make sure you have plenty of tread on the tyres or a 4wd if it has been raining.
The property and the views did not disappoint. We floating in the clouds. Even after all the rain we have had the drive up to our camping spots was a little and slippery. It was worth it. Thankyou to Julian we will be back again. Noelene family and friends
After travelling down the long drive which we were thankfull we had 4wds for we arrived at the location. It was dark which made it hard to understand what was what campsite. A bonus is mobile phone coverage. Nice to have a loo on site too. We woke up to find the view hidden in the clouds, it cleared up beautifully to show the great view.
The view was amazing and awesome tracks to explore nearby. We were blessed with great weather. I was fortunate to meet the host Julian who was more than accommodating. The only negative was there is limited level sites available which Julian indicated he has arranged for some excavation work to improve the entry and level some sites. Apart from that, highly recommended.
Nice little secluded spot, the stars at night were amazing.
The driveway was not very well suited to our small 2WD, we managed to drive all the way down and back out again as it was dry. It would take a while if you had to park at the top and carry your stuff down :)
Rachel S.
6 years on Hipcamp
Location
Carrowbrook, New South Wales, AustraliaTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Imago Forest - Float in Clouds - Hipcamp in Carrowbrook, New South Wales