Bogong Jack’s Hut
Photo courtesy of G Duncan © 1994.
Also known as Bogong Jacks Hut or Bogong Jack Saddle Hut
Located at Fainter Fire Track at Bogong Jack Saddle.
From Mount Beauty drive about 15–16 km on the sealed Bogong High Plains Road to Bogong Village. Park legally near the village walking access, then follow Spring Saddle Track uphill to Spring Saddle and turn south onto Fainter Fire Track, continuing past Bald Hill to Bogong Jack Saddle.
The hut stands just north of the open saddle. This is a long, steep walking or mountain-bike approach; a reliable measured hut-only distance has not been established here.
History
Bill Hicks placed this hut here, to replace a previous one owned by notorious cattle duffer, Bogong Jack. The Fainter FT was built in 1965, following a cattle route from Maddisons Hut to Wallace's hut a distance of 24 miles.
The first hut here was built in 1900 and was replaced in 1919 by Stewart and Hoolonds after the first was burnt down in 1914. Syd Ryder helped build the second which was 15 feet by 13.
The 1919 hut was replaced by the current version (number 3) in 1958 which resembles an SEC hut of the period.
Construction
A timber floor hut clad in corrugated iron, with no lining. Later a masonite lining was added, but no ceiling. The hut originally had a pot belly stove installed.
Caretakers - Nil known.
References
Magnussen Pp92 - 93
Butler Pp36 - 38
Hueneke Pp 232
Mapping Guidance:
GPS: approximately 36.83420°S, 147.18577°E.
UTM Zone 55H: 516565 m E, 5923504 m N (WGS84). Approximate VHCHA mapped position.