Jorgensens Flat Hut
Photo of the original hut, courtesy of Robin Rishworth © 2003. A new hut made from iron has replaced this one. The original hut was burnt down in 2013 but rebuilt in 2015. The new hut was upgraded in 2023.
Located at Jorgensens Flat at Donnelly Creek east of the Thomson Reservoir. Four wheel-drive accessible Jorgenson Hut sits beside Donnellys Creek north of Walhalla.
From Erica, follow Thomson Dam Access Road across the dam, then take Walhalla Road north towards Aberfeldy. Turn into Donnellys Creek Road and follow it down to the Aberfeldy River and onwards to the signed Jorgenson Hut camping area. The final approach follows a 4WD creek road with water crossings. Park at the camping area beside the hut; no substantial walk is required when vehicle access is open.
History
This hut was built on the site where cricket was once played between the Donnelly's Creek and Toombon town teams.
It was originally built in the 1950s by World War II veteran and prospector Don Scharlemann. Although it was destroyed in the 2013 bushfires, the hut was rebuilt in 2015 and upgraded in 2023.
Today, it offers accommodation for 6–8 people, with space for camper trailers and tents. A communal firepit, picnic tables, and a toilet make it a comfortable base for exploring the Aberfeldy Backroad 4WD Tour.
Or you can stay at nearby campsite Merringtons – a large, open grassy campground close to the Aberfeldy River.
Construction
Ramshackle, bricks, panel board and poles. The new hut is largely built from steel.
References
Robin Rishworth - pers comms.
Mapping Guidance:
GPS (WGS84): 37.748683°S, 146.412587°E.
UTM: Zone 55, southern hemisphere (grid zone 55H), 448251 mE, 5821906 mN. Mapped hut position (ExplorOz); nearby campground pins may differ slightly.
