Pickerings Hut
Front photograph courtesy of Bill Statton, 1998.
Known as Pickerings Hut or Pickering’s Hut.
Located at Pickerings Flat beside Brocks Road in Howqua Hills Historic Area.
From Mansfield, take sealed Mount Buller Road through Merrijig and turn onto gravel Howqua Track about 3 km beyond the township. Descend to Sheepyard Flat, approximately 35 km from Mansfield, cross the bridge and follow Brocks Road to the signed Pickerings Flat camping area.
Sometimes this hut is confused with Kellys Howqua hut.
Parks Victoria lists these valley camping flats as 2WD accessible, subject to conditions. Park in the public camping area and make the short walk to view the hut. Respect hut locks and management signs: public camping does not guarantee internal hut access.
History
Joseph Pickering, a Ford car dealer in Mansfield, applied for a fishing-hut site in late 1952. Fred Fry built the hut in 1953 under permissive occupancy, using the slab-wall techniques also associated with his work at Frys, Gardners and Ritchies huts.
Construction
Approximately 30 by 27 feet, with slab walls, iron roof, timber floor, two rooms, verandah and a brick fireplace. Older accounts mention gas heating and cooking facilities; their present availability has not been confirmed. Mature exotic deciduous trees are a notable feature of the setting.
Caretakers
Mansfield families are caretakers; current management and entry arrangements need confirmation.
References
Parks Victoria, Howqua Hills camping information;
VHCHA mapped location;
Hueneke, pp. 68 and 242;
Butler, pp. 243–246.
Mapping Guidance:
GPS: 37.18627°S, 146.35524°E.
UTM Zone 55H: 442772 m E, 5884269 m N. Approximate VHCHA mapped position, treated as WGS84.