Kitchen Hut
Photo by N Carruthers 2004. Intro one by Olaf Moon.
Located below the steep climb to the summit of Cradle Mountain, in the world famous Cradle Mountain National Park and generally the first hut that walkers reach when heading south. This hut is on the main overland track and is designed for shelter. Walkers are not to stay in the hut overnight, unless in an emergency. It is also a very exposed place to camp, and not recommended.
Brief History
Kitchen hut was built after Gustav Weindorfer, the first settler at Cradle Mountain, began bringing guests to his home in the forest, "Waldheim" about 3Km north of Dove Lake, under Cradle Mountain.
The hut is two-stories high, allowing an upper access point, when the snow is deep. It is famous as a shelter for bushwalkers, heading south on their first day in "The Park". The area often abounds with strong winds, rain and snow, even in mid summer - although when the weather is good - it's spectacular. It is also very good protection for those coming off The Cirque from the sourht, or from a Cradle Mountain climb.
Construction
About 3m square, two story, with rubble stone for a base and split shingles and weatherboards for the walls. Wooden shingle roof and wooden floor.
There is now a composting toilet nearby, beside a small tarn.
Caretakers - NPWS
References
Many, including most local guides.