Campsite at Lake Balmoral

[johnrs]

Hi Folks
Is there any reasonable campsite at lake Balmoral near Lake MacKenzie?
Ideally a bit sheltered and up to 4 tents?
PM if its sensitive.
Thanks
John

[teak]

I have not seen an established campsite at Lake Balmoral much of the shore is rocky. These two photos were taken from the Northeast corner looking West and South. I think the Southeast corner would be best for camping but you might need to spread out to fit four tents.

[johnrs]

Thanks Teak.
Its amazing how much the lakes vary!
John

[north-north-west]

I've walked a fair bit of the Balmoral shore and I couldn't fathom the idea of camping there because I could not find anywhere to put a tent, yet I've heard people claim they've camped there. The only place I can think of is at the southern end, where the aerial images show open grassy ground. If it isn't all lumpy like the marshland at the northern end, it might be possible.

[johnrs]

Thanks NNW
Flying down from Sydney and for the first night will either stop at the Sandy Lake hut site or carry on over the hill to Balmoral.
A week waving the wand on the magic plateau.
John

[phATty]

Not sheltered but how about trying the large open moor on the north-western side? The aerial imagery looks okay and tasveg claims it is highland treeless vegetation which is promising. The south-eastern end also claims to be highland treeless vegetation surrounded by rain forest and related scrub which may give you the shelter you're looking for.

[north-north-west]

Not sheltered but how about trying the large open moor on the north-western side? The aerial imagery looks okay and tasveg claims it is highland treeless vegetation which is promising.

Trust me, that northern area is not campable. It's far too lumpy - all tussocks and sphagnum and cushion plants and bogs. Probably worse since the fires.

[Thornbill]

Trust me, that northern area is not campable. It's far too lumpy - all tussocks and sphagnum and cushion plants and bogs. Probably worse since the fires.

I fished Balmoral last summer and can confirm that the northern area is pretty unfriendly to camp. See pic. Good fishing along that shore though, and some quality fish in the lake. I do recall having lunch on some flat-ish areas adjacent to the small island on the western shore, but not sure if it was big enough for four tents. Lovely lake though and worth the walk.

[johnrs]

Thanks for all the comments Folks.
And yes only rough camping at the northern outlet. A few sites halfway along the west shore but difficult access accross boulder fields.. Some less rough sites at the south end but not ideal.. Certainly some good fish in there though!

Oh and has anyone walked south along the stream to the untamed lake below Mt Panorama? Is it easy going?

[north-north-west]

Oh and has anyone walked south along the stream to the untamed lake below Mt Panorama? Is it easy going?

Once, some years ago.
Mostly pretty open but a fair bit of dodge and weave closer to Balmoral. Biggest issue I had was finding a spot to cross the creek so I could go up the eastern side of Balmoral. No, I don't remember why I was on the wrong side of the creek because I'm pretty sure I passed the northern side of the other lake.