Blackbird Hut
Known as Blackbird Hut or Kelly’s Howqua Hut.
Located in Howqua Hills Historic Area.
From Mansfield, take sealed Mount Buller Road through Merrijig, then turn onto gravel Howqua Track about 3 km beyond the township and descend to Sheepyard Flat, approximately 35 km from Mansfield.
Continue only on the signed public roads towards the hut locality. Parks Victoria lists the valley camping flats as 2WD accessible, but the exact Blackbird Hut entrance, total driving distance and final walk need confirmation. Some online listings headed Blackbird Hut actually describe Pickerings Flat; do not assume their pin identifies this hut.
History
Constable Kirby and R. G. Kelly both applied for permissive occupancy in 1959 to build a fishing hut.
Earlier accounts describe its later transfer to engineer Thomas Loaring, who died in 1975, with his family retaining it until 1980. The department subsequently used it for workers controlling weeds, including blackberries. An earlier report of burning and rebuilding is undated and remains unconfirmed.
VHCHA records Blackbird as the staging site for prefabricating Ritchies Hut during its 2008–09 reconstruction.
Construction
Gabled iron roof with a skillion verandah.
Caretakers:
Current management and condition need confirmation.
References
Butler, pp. 16–17;
Parks Victoria, Howqua Hills Historic Area;
Mapping Guidance:
GPS 37.18669°S, 146.35451°E. This is an estimate.
The earlier Buller South grid reference GR426841 is also recorded for Pickerings Hut and cannot reliably identify Blackbird Hut. Some campsite directories likewise conflate the two. A verified hut position is required.