Known as Mackerys Hut or Vickerys Hut

Photo of the new hut in 2023, courtesy of the NPWS

Location

Vickerys is in the west of KNP, on Jounama Creek, towards Talbingo, and is accessible from an unmarked fire trail off the Snowy Mountains Highway. After walking about 500 m, note a newer fire trail heading off to the left, down into a gully. This goes directly to the hut, over a hill.

The old walk along Jounama Creek is possible, but is becoming increasingly rough due to the blackberries. Grid reference: 271571.

Brief History

The site was previously occupied in the early 1900s and used for breeding horses and growing potatoes.

The huts were built in 1938 by Ross and Noel Vickery for sheep and cattle grazing. The shed (standing in good condition) was built in 1940.

The front door came from the Wynyard Hotel in Tumut, and visitors still need to crouch to get through it!

Construction

The hut is one of two in the park featuring interlocking log construction. The roof is of iron and the floor of wood. The chimney is also of iron.

The construction of the shed is interesting, as it is made largely from flattened kerosene tins.

References

1. KHA reference number: 0702.

2. KNP POM: L.3.

3. A history brief and conservation study are available for this site.