Turntable Huts
Photograph by Ron Dickson © 2003
Known as Baldhead Logging Huts or Turntable Forestry Huts. Note that these were all burnt down in the 2019–2020 bushfires.
Destruction and subsequent history
Volunteers had begun restoring the Turntable Forestry Huts before the 2019–2020 bushfires. Despite protective works undertaken by Forest Fire Management, all the huts were destroyed. No subsequent rebuilding has been confirmed. The construction details and photographs on this page describe the camp before the fires.
Located on Engineers Road, near the junction of Baldhead Bruthen Road and Turntable Track. Shown on map Brookville-Ensay 1:25,000 8423-S (GR 556591) AMG Zone 55: 555597, 5858952.
History
Originally they were built by the Forests Commission of Victoria in 1949 to house the team of men building Engineers Road. The group was headed by chief engineer, Ian Noble. Originally, there were five huts arranged from north to south plus a dining hut and shower hut with a skillion roof.
Few people visit, so they are well protected. They have local heritage significance.
Construction
Sawn weatherboard over hardwood studs with iron gable roofs. Some cement sheeting was used.
One main hut and five others. An unusual for the time, was the extensive plumbing in the main hut. The size is 2.52 m × 3.85 m.
Caretakers - none.
References
G. Butler Report II, pp. 33–37.
Ron Dickson – personal communication.
Alan Bills from Bairnsdale to Butler.
G Vines - Conservation Plan for the Kuth Kiln and huts.