Sambar Lodge
Photograph courtesy of Gary Duncan © Nov 2003.
Known as Sambar Chalet or Lodge
Located on Tamboritha Road near Bennison Plains, about 35 km north of Licola and 2 km beyond Tamboritha Saddle.
From Licola, follow Tamboritha Road north through the Wellington River valley and climb to the saddle, then continue to the chalet entrance. Ben Cruachan Walking Club’s 2010 directions describe the final 13 km as gravel suitable for carefully driven 2WD vehicles; check current conditions. This is a booked accommodation property, not an unrestricted public shelter. Arrange access, parking and any gate instructions with the operator before entering; booked guests normally drive to the complex.
History
This hut is located in the Mt Tamboritha area of Bennison Plains in Victoria. It was built by students of St Joseph’s College, East Brunswick under the tutelage of Phil Sambain.
In August 2024, Ambulance Victoria reported that the Sambain Chalet Committee of Management had relinquished its lease after 42 years. The announcement said the chalet would continue operating under new owners; current booking arrangements should be checked directly.
References:
Ben Cruachan Walking Club Newsletter, October 2010 (access directions); Ambulance Victoria, “Heyfield Ambulance Auxiliary receive generous donation”, 16 August 2024 (management history);
OpenStreetMap/Mapcarta (mapped location).
Mapping Guidance
GPS (WGS84): 37.46721°S, 146.72084°E.
UTM: Zone 55 southern hemisphere (grid zone 55H), 475314 mE, 5853260 mN. Approximate mapped chalet position (OpenStreetMap/Mapcarta).