The Australian Alps are not only blessed with great natural beauty, but the area's 200 historic huts represent the rich cultural heritage from every era of European presence in the area. These buildings, some dating to the late 1800's, were originally built for shelter and storage during stock mustering. Over the years the huts have remained in use by graziers, gold miners, foresters, government workers, skiers and bushwalkers.
Visitors to Alpine National Park are able to visit many of the huts, as their doors are always unlocked. The huts provide a glimpse into history, and provide shelter. Should the unfortunate visitors need emergency refuge they will find matches, and dry firewood, and kindling. However, some huts that have been rebuilt after being destroyed by fires containing everything from beds to kitchen sinks.
The Wallace Hut
The Wallace Hut is one of the more famous huts, and is thought to be the oldest in the high plains. It was built in 1889 from Snow Gum Slabs and Alpine Ash shingles.
The Cope Hut
In 1929 the Cope Hut was built by the Ski Club of Victoria. Early skiers and walkers referred to it as "The Menzies of the High Plains" because of its size and comfort.
Mt. Wills Hut
Mt. Wills Hut was one of the more modern huts that we visited.
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Hi Maya, I really enjoyed learning about the history of these huts in the Australian Alps. Very interesting. I also enjoyed looking at your photos. How cool that the huts have names and are quite different from each other.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing. Have a great day today!
Very interesting; I did not realise there were so many huts in the Australian Alps.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathy, we had fun seeing the huts. I didn't really know that they existed before we got to the area. Each hut was very different and had it's own personality.
ReplyDeleteGordon, I was a bit surprised by the number. We only saw the ones in the First Falls area, but I guess they are all over the place.