Christie O'Rourke's Paddock Hut
Known as Christie O’Rourke’s Hut or Paddock Hut.
Located beside the Ingeegoodbee River Track at GR 183194 on the new Suggan Buggan map (marked but not named) or GR 182192 on the old map. From Suggan Buggan, approach the Ingeegoodbee Track from the Snowy River Road/Barry Way route. Beyond the main road, this is remote, unsealed 4WD country, suitable for a capable high-clearance 4WD or experienced off-road motorcycle rider when open. The hut stands on a private enclave: arrange permission before entering, even if a door or gate is open.
This is a replacement for the original hut destroyed in the 2003 fires and stands on a private enclave inside the Alpine National Park.
History
Originally built to support grazing and brumby running in the local area, it is still in active use.
Construction
The floor is part concrete slab and part dirt. Over this is a timber frame covered in corrugated iron. The hut is very large, more than 7 m square, and open-plan except for a small bathroom.
There is a partially enclosed veranda at the front which is used for feed and harness storage by horse riders.
Water is supplied from a water tank via pipes and a 200-litre drum in the fireplace has a hot water service.
There are also light fittings and power points in the hut, to be connected to a generator brought in for major stays. Heating is provided by either an open fireplace or slow-combustion stove.
Earlier field notes describe the hut as unlocked, with logbook entries from horse riders, brumby runners, bushwalkers, mountain bike riders and cattlemen. This does not establish current public access.
References
Butler
Craig Doubleday - pers comm 2006.
Mapping Guide
GPS location: -36.86422, 148.32641 (approximate; OpenStreetMap/Mapcarta Victorian hut pin).