Victorian High Country Huts Association in Mansfield, Victoria | Non-profit organisation

Victorian High Country Huts Association

Locality: Mansfield, Victoria

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• Non-profit organisation
• Landmark & historical place
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25.01.2022 Situated 124km north east of Melbourne, Keppels Hut is on lies within the Marysville State Forest. The original Keppels Hut was established after the 1939 fires... on a grazing lease held by John and Jerry Keppel. The grazing lease that the Keppels had was the closest one to Melbourne. They drove their cattle and sheep through the area from 1885, ceasing in 1963. The numbers varied year to year and at their peak reached around 400 cattle and 2000 sheep. The original hut accidentally burnt down in 1983 and was rebuilt with the help of Goulds Sawmills Pty Ltd, the Marysville Historical Society, several interest groups and staff from Department of Environment, DELWP's predecessor. The hut was again completely destroyed in the Black Saturday fires of 2009 and was rebuilt in the summer of 2009/2010. The Melbourne Jeep Owners Club have been the caretakers of Keppels hut for quite a few years and work together with the Victorian High Country Huts Association and DELWP to maintain and look after this mountain refuge hut. To see the complete album of photos follow this link https://www.facebook.com/media/set See more

24.01.2022 Young's Top Hut, Bogong High Plains Photo : Paul Cofield

24.01.2022 Some new photos of McNamaras Dinner Plain Hut. Thank you Jason, we will add these to the album.

23.01.2022 Guys Hut, Bryces Plain last weekend Photo : Barry Shanks

23.01.2022 Could any Bendoc locals or others who are involved with Wilsons Hut please contact us on Messenger or email [email protected]. Thank you

23.01.2022 An iconic walk to a beautiful drop slab hut in a picturesque clearing. Take the High Track from the 8 Mile Camping area for easiest walk in and best views.

22.01.2022 "It is a great trek into Ritchie's Hut. The stunning river below the track and the complete isolation in the spectacular surrounding bush make this a great walk/ride. I was so fortunate to share my experience trekking into Ritchie's hut with one of this region's legendary cattleman and a true gentlemen, Charlie Lovick. We had such a wonderful day." Thanks Shez Tedford #parksvictoria #victorianhighcountry #mansfield #highcountryvictoria #heritagebuilding #themanfromsnowyriver

21.01.2022 https://hutsvictoria.org.au/shop/

21.01.2022 Situated 124km north east of Melbourne, Keppels Hut is on land managed by Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning ( DELWP) and lies within the Marysville State Forest. The original Keppels Hut was established after the 1939 fires on a grazing lease held by John and Jerry Keppel. The grazing lease that the Keppels had was the closest one to Melbourne. They drove their cattle and sheep through the area from 1885, ceasing in 1963. The numbers varied year to year and ...at their peak reached around 400 cattle and 2000 sheep. The original hut accidentally burnt down in 1983 and was rebuilt with the help of Goulds Sawmills Pty Ltd, the Marysville Historical Society, several interest groups and the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s (DSE) predecessor. The hut was completely destroyed in the Black Saturday fires of 2009 and was rebuilt in the summer of 09/10. The Melbourne Jeep Owners Club have been the caretakers of Keppels hut for quite a few years and work together with the Victorian High Country Huts Association and DELWP to maintain and look after this mountain refuge hut. See more

20.01.2022 Pretty Valley Hut 27/09/2020 Photo : Louise Bartheyl Harris Repairs are planned for this hut. If you are travelling the high country please send in your photos, Huts, landscapes, camping spots.

20.01.2022 An early photo of Blair's Hut found in the book "Alps at the Crossroads." by Dick Johnson, 1974 Submitted by Gary Harding, thanks Gary. If you have have any recent or historic photos of high country huts please send them in. #parksvictoria #highcountry #huts #blairshut #victorianhighcountry

19.01.2022 An old message but a good un ! We have lots of people exploring the high country for the first time. If you see someone confused as to what to do, please help them out. Additional point : if the fireplace looks damaged or unsafe, please don't use it.

19.01.2022 2021 HUTS CALENDAR, NOW AVAILABLE TO ORDER. PLEASE SHARE A little delayed due to COVID restrictions however we are now taking orders for our wonderful 2021 calendar. If you order now you will receive them in plenty of time for Christmas. As always, every order will help the upkeep and rebuild of our high country huts. ORDER all merchandise by clicking this link >>> https://hutsvictoria.org.au/shop/

19.01.2022 Hut, believed to be at Nott's Mill, Toolangi, about 1930. Pockett/Blackmore Collection.

19.01.2022 Murray Valley Ski Club Lodge ( private ) Mt. Hotham. Photo : Shez Tedford 2019

19.01.2022 Membership applications, merchandise purchases and donations can all be made in our easy to use online store www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop

19.01.2022 Great news that Melburnians will be able to travel to regional Victoria from tomorrow. We expect many new visitors to our lovely high country, maybe camping out and exploring some huts As it all may be new to some, we thought it timely to share our "Huts Code" again. Following these simple guidelines helps keep the huts and the bush open and available to everyone. Enjoy our well earned freedoms, have fun and above all, stay safe, and COVID safe.

18.01.2022 Horse riders visiting Flat Spur will soon be able to saddle up and enjoy new shared-use trails and improved camping facilities at Flat Spur Camping Ground near ...Bindaree in the Mansfield State Forest. The first stage of the four-year project included the construction of a shelter, horse yards and fire pits at the site so trail riders can camp more comfortably and enjoy the benefits of being out in nature Over the next three years, shared-use trails will be developed to improve access between iconic attractions in the State Forest near Mt Stirling and may link to some of Victoria’s historic huts. We are also working with local trail riding operators to determine the most suitable locations for trail routes. Expected to be completed by May 2023, this project is part of Victoria’s Great Outdoors program, a $105.6 million investment by the Victorian Government into better forests, parks, campgrounds, caravan parks, tracks and outdoor facilities: www.vic.gov.au/victoria-great-outdoors Mansfield Shire Council Mansfield Courier ABC Goulburn Murray WIN News Shepparton 9 News Border North East Hidden Trails By Horseback High Country Horses Mccormacks Mountain Valley Trail Rides Lovick's High Country Accommodation Victorian High Country Huts Association Victorian High Country

17.01.2022 Nearby the Mushroom Rocks in the Baw Baw National Park, but elusive to find, is the rather basic and unassuming NBW Hut. Built as a skiing hut sometime in 1940 when cross country skiing was growing in popularity.

17.01.2022 Young's Top Hut Bogong High Plain Photo by Ian Trevaskis

16.01.2022 Not in Vic, but one of the more striking huts out there.

15.01.2022 Sadly the hut at Mt McLeod Fire Lookout, NE of Buchan was also destroyed in the January 2020 bushfires. These photos were sent in by Louise Bartheyl Harris who visited on 26th September. If anyone has photos of this building intact please send them in.

15.01.2022 Tawonga Hut by firelight, 2013 Photo : Alexandra Vallata

14.01.2022 Cope Hut Photo : Ayu O'Donnell

13.01.2022 www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop

13.01.2022 Keppels Hut near Marysville, 2020 Photo : Matt Page

13.01.2022 Some photos from Amy Gee's recent horse ride to some of the Bogong High Plains huts. What a great experience, thanks Amy. ***** Our 2021 Calendars are now shipping. All proceeds go towards maintaining huts like these that provide free shelter and use to horse riders, walkers and skiers ********** www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop... #bogonghighplains #victorianhighcountry #huts #parksvictoria

12.01.2022 These Friends of Wonnangatta volunteers travel in to maintain the heritage and facilities there. An iconic trip, but please respect it.

12.01.2022 Dinner Plain CRB Hut in snow 26/09/2020 Photo : Sally Hammond

10.01.2022 JB Plain Hut, Victoria, Australia, 28th September 2020 Photo : Trevor Staats #jbplainhut #parksvictoria #victorianhighcountry #mthotham #huts

10.01.2022 Young's Top Hut Photo : Ian Trevaskis

09.01.2022 Rod Johns sent us this photo with the comment "A pic of a hut (don't know the name) out of Benambra, Visited whilst my son was working with PV. (2009)." So which hut is it ? Comment below. ( 2021 Huts Calendars now available to order, our major fundraiser for maintaining these huts www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop ) #vichighcountry #highcountryhuts #parksvictoria #bushcalendar #huts

09.01.2022 Kellys Hut, Holmes Plain. Built c1934. Thank you Kelly Rand. This hut is one of our ongoing projects for 2021. Prior to the COVID lockdowns the hut was lifted and the main posts repaired, which straightened and stabilised the hut. In March/April this year work will recommence. All work is planned and carried out in a manner that preserves as much of the original fabric and character of the hut as possible, in line with Parks Victoria and Heritage Council guidelines. The chi...mney/fireplace will be rebuilt and the annex/saddle shed will be repaired. The original internal split slab walls and benches will be reinstated. This project is a partnership between VHCHA volunteers and Parks Victoria. Geelong 4WD Club also heavily participated in the initial phases. You can assist our efforts to preserve these precious buildings by becoming a VHCHA member, or purchasing merchandise online, such as our fabulous 2021 Calendar. Or simply make a donation via our online store. All proceeds go towards materials, tools and logistics for projects such as this. www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop #victorianhighcountry #huts #parksvictoria #highcountryhuts #heritagebuilding

09.01.2022 Some very interesting photos posted on the Gippsland History group, relating to Tawonga Huts and Bogong High Plains area in the 1920s #bogonghighplains #tawongahuts #vichighcountry #highcountryhuts #parksvictoria

09.01.2022 www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop #2021calendar #bushcalendar #highcountryvictoria #huts

09.01.2022 Tawonga Huts, Bogong High Plains Photo : Ian Trevaskis If you are fortunate enough to be visiting the High Country please send your photos in. Any spring scene, any hut. We would love to see it.

08.01.2022 Here is an interesting video featuring some iconic huts in the High Country, and some familiar faces including Graeme Stoney and Keith Leydon, who as well as being heavily involved with Friends of Wonanngatta Valley, is also our volunteer Hut Maintenance Officer for the Howqua area. Thanks for your work Keith and thanks to Andrew for the video #highcountryvictoria #victorianhighcountry #hutsvictoria

08.01.2022 Location : Bundara River, Mt Jim. Osborne Young built the original Young’s hut at the old yards, which are up the hill from this site c1883. During this time he held the BUNDARMUNGIE (County of Bogong) run. where he ran cattle and horses on the High Plains. He was known to have mustered 1500 whalers (horses) in one season { Carroll} Replacing the cattleman's hut, this Young's Hut was reputedly one of two built in 1928 for the SEC's early hydrological and meteorological ... survey of the Bogong High Plains{ Lawrence (1993): 13f}. The hut's components were thought to have been packed in from Mt.Hotham. However, the 1948 Department of Lands & Survey Feature Map of the area shows this hut south of Young's for the first time but the 1945 Kiewa Scheme Locality Plan and a 1933 tourist map do not show it. Rather than being built in the1920s, this hut appears to have been erected on this site c1945. Peter McNamara, son of Charlie McNamara, confirms that the hut was erected in the 1940s { Carroll}. In 1952 the SEC hut was sold to local cattlemen, the McNamaras and Les Watts from Cobungra Station, for 16 pounds{ Lawrence, pp.19,25,32; Holth (1980): 169f.}. Over the years it was used most by the McNamaras, Westons and stockmen from Cobungra. It was also used by walkers, prompting one angry entry in the log book from a stockman accusing someone of leaving the hut cupboard open, allowing rats to eat the food and sleeping bags{ ibid.}. By the 1980s it was on GB45 which was leased by Pooncarie P/L and Charlie McNamara and used mainly by cattlemen, particularly since Young's hut was in ruins{ Boadle (1983): 55}. The hut was regarded as unaltered as of 1990 and considered of historical importance { Lawrence: 32}. The VHCHA teams and the Border Bushwalking Club have been involved in repairing and maintaining the hut over the years. History Source : Victorian Alpine Huts Heritage Survey 2005, Graeme Butler and Associates. See more

08.01.2022 Tawonga Huts, Bogong High Plains Photo : Ian Trevaskis. Send in your photos spring in the High Country

08.01.2022 Having a good time at Crows Hut recently. Photo : Chris Guertler ******2021 Official VHCHA Calendars still available www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop All proceeds go towards maintaining and rebuilding the huts.

07.01.2022 High bushfire risk period is here. Every year poorly managed campfires cause extensive damage to our bush and huts, and endanger lives. Please be responsible if visiting our beautiful high country. - Be aware of restrictions on campfire size and fire ban days. - You must monitor your fires constantly both out in the open, and in huts. - Keep fires to a minimal size, only what you need for cooking or warmth. A well made fire does not need to be large to do this. - If using ...a hut, inspect the fireplace first. If it looks damaged or unsafe, do not light a fire. Report it to us. - If leaving the campsite unattended, you must extinguish the fire every time with plenty of WATER until cool to the touch. Usually this requires 10 litres or more. If you do not have sufficient water available, sorry, no fire. - Do not throw your bottles cans in the fireplace, this only means forestry staff or volunteers need to remove them. - Fines apply for breaches. See more

07.01.2022 Summer is coming and we have a lot of catching up to do with hut rebuilds and repairs. Show your support by buying or proudly wearing some of our quality items with the distinctive VHCHA logo. **Caps in green with brown suede peak or black with red peak $22 **Stubby holders, green or blue, neoprene, side stitched, glued base $13 **Iron on or sew on embroidered cloth badges SALE $6.30 **Vinyl bumper stickers $3... **Maps and books, various prices, see store. **Make great gifts, we can post to your preferred address. All proceeds go towards restoring and rebuilding the huts. www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop All prices include postage in Australia. Message us to enquire about overseas postage. See more

06.01.2022 Another great group of volunteers. If visiting the area say hello to them and please respect their passion and their work

06.01.2022 CHRISTMAS SHIPPING DEADLINES : CALENDARS AND MERCHANDISE Australia Post advises that the last day for posting of parcels to arrive by Christmas is this Saturday 12th December. So please get any orders over to us by then. Smaller items ( up to 2 calendars, single badges, stickers ) go as letters, so 15th December is the cutoff for those. Go to out shop to order >>>>>> www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop SEND DIRECTLY TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY Remember you can have items sent directly t...o relatives or friends as a gift. We include a gift note on behalf of you. This option is proving very popular. Just nominate the recipient and address in the "ship to" section when ordering and we will do the rest. :-) OVERSEAS POSTAGE, SPECIAL REQUESTS ETC. Email our friendly merchandising officer Sue at [email protected] THANK YOU to all those who help keep our precious huts maintained, free and open to all. See more

06.01.2022 To those who have been waiting for their 2021 Calenders, thanks for your patience. They have now arrived from the printer and our elves are frantically packing and posting. All pre ordered ones should be posted by tommorrow. Not ordered yours yet ? You can do so in our online store www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop

04.01.2022 RITCHIES HUT Ritchies Hut as well as having historic value also serves as an important refuge hut for walkers and riders. On 1 December 2006, over 70 fires wer...e caused by lightning strikes in the Victorian Alps, many of which eventually merged to become the Great Divide Fire Complex, which burned from December 2006 to February 2007 (69 days) across approximately 1 million hectares, During this fire, the iconic and historic Ritchies Hut was burnt to the ground with many other huts including the well known Craigs Hut. Ritchies Hut was rebuilt in 2008/2009 with co-operation from Parks Victoria, the Vic High Country Huts Association, local Mansfield area community groups and schools and over 2300 volunteer hours. Its remote location made the rebuild one of the most challenging the Huts Association and Parks Victoria has partaken in. The hut was largely pre-fabricated at Blackbird Hut, near Sheepyard Flat, then broken down and packed for transport to the site by heavy lift helicopter, pack horse and by foot. Volunteers walked in the 6km from 8 Mile Flat every day to work then returned at night. You can support this ongoing work to preserve our precious huts and perhaps get involved yourself by becoming a member of the Huts Association. Go here to join us online www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop HISTORY Geoffrey Ritchie and his wife Antoinette (nee Aitken) moved from the Pt Fairy area to the Delatite Station near Mansfield in 1902, as one of five partners{ Stoney: 55; Carroll}. Ritchie and Arthur Phillips purchased the Wonnangatta property in 1914, employing James Barclay as the manager and still holding a share of the Delatite property{ ibid.}. They fattened cattle at Wonnangatta and drove them to market via the Howqua Valley. The Barclay murder of 1918 and a fall in cattle prices in the 1920s, forced them to sell{ ibid. ; Cabena: 169 notes Geoffrey Ritchie as holding Grazing Run F2 1914-1919 see Fig.3.5}. Geoffrey's son Robert, aided by Fred Fry, built this hut as a `fishing hut' at the Fourteen Mile Creek's junction with the Howqua River{ ibid.}. RG Ritchie wrote to the Forests Commission in August 1947 seeking permission to build a hut at the 14 Mile Creek junction with the Howqua, half way between the 8 Mile and Bindaree huts{ DCNR File 67/4511 9/2201}. Ritchie undertook to lock the hut and leave the key with the local forest officers for use in carrying out their duties. The hut was to be built of slabs and the chimney and fireplace of stone and or iron and the roof clad with corrugated iron. `My reason for building the hut is for the purpose of fishing'. Local forester, JC Wescott, recommended granting the permit given that Ritchie was a shire councillor, and a `very responsible and respected person in the district'. He and his friends in Mansfield desired a hut to live in during their fishing trips and as the hut was half way between existing huts on the patrol track along the Howqua it would also be useful to the Commission. The site was `fairly open' meaning that few trees would be felled in the process. Ritchie had provided a rough plan of the hut, showing a room 22 by 14 feet with a 2'6" by 6 feet fireplace recess at one end a table in the centre (5'x2'6") and 4 bunks at the other end, each 6'6" by 2'9". The two window openings shown would be shuttered. Approval was granted in October, allowing a quarter acre site beside the patrol track but noting that the occupancy could be revoked at any time, that all fire precautions were to be observed and that the key was to be left with the officer. Another fishing hut was built nearby some ten years later for D&J or Roy Bostock on the opposite side of the river at the Six Mile Creek junction, c1958{ HO2609}. Others followed. The hut was pictured in 1985, much as it is now but for the verandah which has been replaced since in a similar form{ Siseman (1985): 104}. There was also a 44 gallon drum positioned over the west end of the verandah, presumably holding water pumped from the river. The hut was refurbished in 1988 by Ian Stapleton and ex staff and students form Mittagundi Outdoor Education centre. { Secondhand and Solid, How we Built Wollangarra, Stapleton ( 1990) : 25-30}. Stapleton was keen to formalise his group's involvement with the ongoing maintenance of the hut, suggesting two work parties per year to take out rubbish{ DCNR file 09/93/78 no reply on file to Stapleton's letter}. DCNR ranger, David Hurley commented that Stapleton's work on the hut had been very good but that although the North East Trail Riding Club and Chris Stoney's riding groups had removed rubbish, it was still a problem. Mansfield DCNR Shane O'Brien noted in 1994 that the hut was regularly used by walkers, horsemen, fishermen and Timbertop students. It was in excellent condition. In the same year, the hut's owner, Robert Ritchie annotated his payment of rent arrears as follows: `..always wished to maintain link with the hut which is part of my past. I helped my father and Fred Fry build it in happier times..'. Ritchies Hut was also used in (c1996) working dog television documentary and shot on film for the a travel series 'A River Somewhere" History source : Victorian Alpine Huts Heritage Survey 2005, Grame Butler and Associates. Photos by Chris Clarke, Parks Victoria Ranger, except where otherwise acknowledged. See more

04.01.2022 When can I light a campfire? You can light a fire at any time except on a day of total fire ban so check conditions daily when camping. For campfire safety rules and regulations, go to www.ffm.vic.gov.au

04.01.2022 Thanks for that update Aid, great photos too.

03.01.2022 Interesting history of bush walking including some relics of early treks to Wallace's Hut.

03.01.2022 JB Plain Hut, 28th September 2020 Photo : Trevor Staats #jbplainhut #parksvictoria #victorianhighcountry #mthotham

03.01.2022 GGS Hut, Mt. Stirling, Sunday 27th September 2020. Note the "escape ladder" so people can enter and exit from the loft door in heavy snowfalls. Photo by Amy Gee. Thank you Amy. Please send your high country photos in and we will share them with our 46,800 followers

03.01.2022 Click below to order www.hutsvictoria.org.au/shop

03.01.2022 Email advice has been sent out to all VHCHA financial members regarding the AGM to be held on 13th February. The AGM was postponed from last year because of COVID. If you are a VHCHA member and did not receive this information, and wish to do so please message us here or contact [email protected] Because of COVID restrictions on capacity at the venue, RSVPs are requested and there is an online process for this.

03.01.2022 Cope Hut, 26th September 2020 Photography by Ayu O'Donnell If you are from regional Victoria and out and about in the High Country please send your photos in so we can share them with those not so fortunate right now.

02.01.2022 McNAMARAS DINNER PLAIN HUT The hut was reputedly built c1917 by members of the McNamara family. Roy Weston described the hut in the early 1930s as having a timber floor and sides, iron roof and double bunks at one end with the chimney at the other. ' The hut was located 7 miles from Young's Hut and was at 4900'{ Stephenson (1982): 288}. Cleve Cole also recorded this hut in the 1930s as measuring 15'x12' with double shelf bunks at one end and fireplace at the other. Tor Hol...Continue reading

02.01.2022 Young's Hut , August 2007 Phot : Jim Harker

01.01.2022 https://www.facebook.com/138426989564761/posts/4620956451311770/?substory_index=0