Overview
The districts around the High Country have been a rugged home to legendary cattlemen, immortalised by poet AB 'Banjo' Paterson in The Man from Snowy River. On the Bogong High Plains and Mt Stirling, you'll still find the rustic historic huts built by the cattlemen for shelter when driving their cattle up to the plains in summer. Although these huts are not generally accessible by car, you can visit them on foot, horseback or bicycle.
Wallaces Hut
Wallaces Hut is situated near Falls Creek. The walking track commences 7.7 kilometres along the Bogong High Plains Road from the Rock Valley Dam Wall. Built in 1889 from snow gum slabs and woolly butt shingles, this time-worn cattlemen's hut is thought to be the oldest in the high plains. Park your car on the side of the road and walk down the well-graded 1.5-kilometre track.
Cope Hut
Cope Hut can be found a further 2 kilometres along Bogong High Plains Road, a 500-metre walk from the road. Built by the Ski Club of Victoria in 1929, Cope Hut was coined 'The Menzies of the high plains' by early visitors due to its size and comfort.
Fry's Hut
Fry's Hut was built by Fred Fry in the late 1930s and is located in the Howqua Hills Historic Area, roughly 34 kilometres from Mansfield. Enjoy the Howqua Hills Historic Walk, an easy 1.5 hours return, which follows the Howqua River from Sheepyard Flat to Fry's Flat.
Craig's Hut
Craig's Hut, a replica cattlemen's hut, is situated on Mt Stirling, approximately 51 kilometres from Mansfield. Originally constructed for The Man from Snowy River film in 1981–82, Craig's Hut was razed by bushfires in 2006. It was completely rebuilt and reopened to the public in January 2008. The last 1.2 kilometres is only accessible by 4WD or via the walking track from the Day Visitor Area.
