Lovicks Hut
Photo courtesy of G. Duncan © 1988, showing the earlier hut complex.
Known as Lovicks Hut or Lovick’s Hut.
Located on Bluff Track at Barclays Flat, between Mount Lovick and King Billy One.
From Mansfield, follow Mount Buller Road to the Howqua Track turn-off beyond Merrijig, descend to Sheepyard Flat and continue along Brocks Road. The published access options are via Cairn Creek Track or via Bluff Link Road and Bluff Track.
Allow around 75 km from Mansfield by the shorter approach and up to 2½ hours; visiting Bluff Hut first adds distance. The highway is sealed, followed by gravel roads and steep, rough 4WD tracks. A capable high-clearance 4WD with low range is required beyond the valley roads. When open, park at the hut clearing for a short walk. Seasonal gates generally close high-country vehicle access from June to around November; check current closures and conditions.
History
Jack Lovick built the original hut at this site in 1960.
The family had earlier built a hut near Mount Buller in 1925, later known as the Burnt Hut. Jack Lovick junior, son of George and grandson of the elder Jack, took over the Buller lease in 1939. Resort development reduced that lease in 1959, with other grazing country provided around King Billy and Mount Clear. The family later used Lovicks as a base for horse trail rides.
The old hut was removed for safety reasons in 2003, according to VHCHA; other records give 2004. Regional tourism records the present reconstruction as completed in 2014–15. The earlier statement that an intervening new hut burnt down has not been substantiated.
Jack Lovick’s search-and-rescue work and involvement with The Man from Snowy River films are part of the family history. The earlier claim of a State Living Treasure award in 1980 needs verification.
Construction
The earlier complex grew in stages, with a large pole frame, iron walls and roof, concrete floor and verandah. It included bunks, stoves and other trail-riding facilities. Earlier accounts record additional huts moved here in 1985 and removed in 1993. These details and the 1988 photograph refer to the former complex, not necessarily the present reconstruction.
Caretakers
Victorian Parks
References
VHCHA, Lovicks Hut;
Victoria’s High Country, Lovick’s Hut;
Port Phillip 4WD Club trip notes;
Hueneke, pp. 79 and 239;
Butler, pp. 182–185.
Mapping Guidance:
GPS: 37.20687°S, 146.57695°E.
UTM Zone 55H: 462461 m E, 5882095 m N. Approximate VHCHA mapped position, treated as WGS84.