Monday

High Country Huts


In the Australian Alps there are around 200 historic huts, some dating back to the early 1860’s. They were built by cattlemen and gold miners to offer shelter from the wild mountain weather, and more recently by foresters, skiers and bushwalkers. They are still used today as places of refuge by those hiking, riding, skiing or four-wheel driving through the mountain.

We visited 4 of the huts over the weekend.

Bluff’s Hut

Built in 1956 by local cattlemen to use as shelter when driving their cattle up to the plains in summer, it burnt down during bushfires in 2007 & was rebuilt in 2008. The evidence of the fires is still so obvious with the skeletons of the Snow Gums protruding from the new growth surrounding the hut.

Lovick’s Hut

Built originally in 1925, it too was destroyed by bushfires in 2003 & rebuilt in 2008.

Most of the huts are single room with fireplace, earthen or stone floor, constructed with timber found onsite and corrugated iron.

Bindaree Hut

Originally built by cattleman Jim Ware in 1914, this little hut was rebuilt in 1937 paid for by Mansfield Tourist Association to encourage bushwalkers to the area. Bindaree Hut sits alongside the Howqua River and is a popular camping spot.

Craig’s Hut

Craigs’s hut is probably the most famous of all the Alpine huts… but it is not historic. It is a replica cattleman’s hut constructed in 1981 for the movie The Man from Snowy River. It too burnt down in the bushfires of 2006, but was completely rebuilt in 2007.

It sits on top of a mountain, not far from Mount Sterling . The view across the mountains from the hut are stunning and it has become a popular spot to visit. 

8 comments:

  1. My late step father loved them and had a large framed photo which is still on my mother's lounge room wall. I think it might be the really famous one, but I can't remember the name now. They are so useful in times of bad weather. What a great weekend jaunt for you.

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  2. Wow, what a lovely tour you had. I was intrigued with this post Thanku, having slept at 3 of the huts they hold very fond, carefree memories ��

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  3. Good to be reminded about the history. Have a good week, Diane

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  4. I am so glad they were rebuilt. Picturesque life savers.

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  5. I have never before heard of huts like that. What a novel idea! They must be a welcome sight to someone travelling through.

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  6. Huts are interesting. Main thing is when it rains, snows or just bad weather in general they keep the elements out.

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  7. Love these huts, but it is the intensity of the blue sky that catches my eye. We've not seen a fully clear sky since our arrival. I'd love to send you some of this rain!

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  8. WONDERFUL. I don't think you ever read my New Zealand blog so you won't know of my love of old huts and barns etc. So this post has been a visual feast for me.

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