Townsends Lodge
Known as Townsend’s Hut, Townsend or Townsend Lodge.
Location
The hut can be found four kilometres east of Tantangara Dam. Follow the firetrail towards Pedens Hut, but turn up hill to the left, after crossing the river at the obvious intersection of two fire trails.
There is also an illegal 4WD access trail approaching from the rear, accessible from the hill above Tantangara Dam. Grid Reference is 523385.
Brief History
This hut was built in the 1940s by Charlie Townsend for grazing, but was more commonly used by a Newcastle Bookmaker and his family for fishing.
Until the late 1990's it was commonly vandalised, but in 1999 it was superbly restored by Clive Richardson and team, including Stewart, Jack, Jim, and Jerry, who removed the dangerous fireplace and much of the fibro-board. They also restored the veranda, making it an excellent hut to visit.
Peter Cochrane, past MP for Eden-Monaro, is a regular visitor, on horseback.
Construction
The hut is 6m by 3.5m approximately and includes 3 rooms in an irregular shape. The walls are of wood and fibro and the roof of iron. There is a shed at the rear.
References
The KHA Reference number is 1310 and
KNP POM schedule is L.121.
GPS: S 35.784443 E 148.684964