Historic Huts of the High Country
The Buller Huts Trail conveniently connects a series of historic high country huts.
These include Bluff Hut, Lovicks Hut, Vallejo Ganther Hut, King Hut, Craigs Hut (a film set for The Man From Snowy River), Bluff Spur Hut, Geelong Grammar School Hut, Howqua Gap Hut, and Ritchies Hut as an optional side trip.
Code of Conduct
Mountain huts are only for emergencies and should not be used as accommodation.
- Huts are not reserved for anyone, so be prepared to share with others seeking temporary shelter.
Commercial tour operators cannot use huts for overnight accommodation or exclusively. This violates their license code of conduct and should be reported to Parks Victoria if you see them doing so.
Ritchies Hut
Built in 1947
Discover more
Ritchies Hut
The 14km return hike to Ritchies Hut is a side-trip that can be undertaken on day 2 of your trek.
Ritchies Hut is a remote mountain hut located in the Victorian High Country, Australia. It is nestled amongst the mountains on the banks of the Howqua River, approximately 180 kilometers (110 mi) northeast of Melbourne.
The hut was built in 1947 by Robert Ritchie, the son of Geoffrey Ritchie, with the aid of Fred Fry. It was originally built as a fishing hut for the Ritchie family, but has since become a popular destination for hikers, campers, and bushwalkers.
The hut is located in a beautiful and remote setting, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the bush.
Bluff Hut
Built in the 1950s
Discover more
Bluff Hut
Bluff Hut is a mountain hut located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria, Australia. It is situated at the foot of Bluff Spur, approximately 170 kilometers (106 mi) northeast of Melbourne. Bluff Hut is the third-highest hut in Australia, at an elevation of 1,760 meters (5,774 ft).
The hut was originally built in the 1950s, but was burnt down in the 2007 bushfires. It was rebuilt in 2009 and is now a popular destination for hikers, campers, and bushwalkers.
The hut is located in a beautiful and remote setting, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the bush.
Lovicks Hut
Built in 1960
Discover more
Lovicks Hut
The hut was originally built in 1960 by Jack Lovick, a cattleman who used the hut as a base for his horse trail rides. The hut was rebuilt in 2014-2015 and is now a popular destination for hikers, campers, and bushwalkers.
The hut is located in a beautiful and remote setting, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the bush.
Vallejo Ganther Hut
Built in 1970-1971
Discover more
Vallejo Ganther Hut
Vallejo Ganther Hut is a mountain hut located in the Victorian High Country, Australia. It is situated near Mount Howitt and the Crosscut Saw, approximately 180 kilometers (110 mi) northeast of Melbourne. Vallejo Ganther Hut is located at an elevation of 1,500 meters (4,921 ft).
The hut was built in 1970-1971 in memory of Vallejo Gantner, the grandson of Sidney Myer, the founder of the Myer department store chain. Vallejo Gantner was a keen bushwalker and mountaineer who loved the Victorian High Country. Vallejo Gantner attended Melbourne Grammar School and was involved in outdoor activities throughout his student life. He was killed at the age of 19 when his shotgun accidentally discharged while hunting rabbits.
His mother asked the Victoria State Government permission to construct the hut as a memorial to her son. The hut was built with considerable difficulty due to poor access and adverse weather conditions over a two-year period from 1970 to 1971 with the help of friends from student days at Melbourne Grammar School and from other schools.
Vallejo Ganther Hut is a unique and architecturally designed hut that was designed by architect David McGlashen. Its unusual triangular design like a hiking tent readily sheds snow in winter.
It is made of timber and stone and has a distinctive triangular shape. The hut has a uniquely designed ‘loo with a view’ (drop toilet) with the most magnificent views!
The Vallejo Gantner Hut is located at Macalister Springs near Mount Howitt and the Crosscut Saw. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the bush.
Victorian High Country Huts Association was successful in winning a grant from Parks Victoria’s Volunteer Innovation Fund to facilitate the 3D scanning of huts in the Victorian High Country. You can see explore the 3D scan of this hut here.
King Hut
Built in 1930
Discover more
King Hut
The hut was built in 1930 by the Victorian Mountainers Club. It was originally used as a base for horse trail rides and bushwalking trips. The hut has been rebuilt and renovated a number of times over the years, and is now a popular destination for hikers, campers, and bushwalkers.
King Hut is a great place to experience the best of the Victorian High Country. It is a perfect destination for those who are looking for a relaxing getaway in a beautiful and remote setting.
Craigs Hut
Built in 1982
Discover more
Craigs Hut
The hut was built in 1982 as a set for the Australian film The Man from Snowy River. It was originally intended to be a temporary structure, but was so popular with visitors that it was decided to keep it in place. Craig’s Hut was rebuilt in 2008 after being destroyed by a bushfire in 2006.
Bluff Spur Hut
Built in the 1950s
Discover more
Bluff Spur Hut
The hut was originally built in the 1950s, but was burnt down in the 2007 bushfires. It was rebuilt in 2009 and is now a popular destination for hikers, campers, and bushwalkers.
Bluff Spur Hut is a popular destination for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter months. The Bogong High Plains Track is a groomed cross-country ski trail, and the hut provides a convenient base for skiers to explore the area.
Geelong Grammar
School Hut
Built in 1965
Discover more
Geelong Grammar School Hut
The hut was built in 1965 by Geelong Grammar School, a private school in Geelong, Victoria. The hut was originally used as a base for the school’s Timbertop Campus, a unique outdoor education program that takes students away from the classroom for a full year of learning in the bush.
Geelong Grammar School Hut is a popular destination for school groups and other organized groups. The hut can be booked for exclusive use by groups of up to 20 people.
Howqua Gap Hut
Built in the 1960s
Discover more
Howqua Gap Hut
Howqua Gap Hut is a mountain hut located in the Alpine National Park, Victoria, Australia. It is situated in the Howqua Gap, a saddle between Mount Stirling and Mount Howitt, approximately 170 kilometers (106 mi) northeast of Melbourne. Howqua Gap Hut is located at an elevation of 1,500 meters (4,921 ft).
The hut was built in the 1960s by the Victorian Forests Commission. It was originally used as a base for logging operations in the Howqua Gap area. The hut has been restored and renovated a number of times over the years, and is now a popular destination for hikers, campers, and bushwalkers.
