Ritchies Hut
Photograph above courtesy of Gary Duncan February 2005.
This hut was burnt down in January 2007 during the bushfires.
Known as Ritchies Hut or Ritchies Rover Chalet
Located at: Past Eight Mile Flat on the Howqua River near to the Howqua Hills. Directions are:
Travel east from Mansfieldalong theMount Buller Tourist Roadto the small township of Merrijig.
Approximately 3km past Merrijig, turn onto Howqua Track. This is a gravel road that leads into the Howqua Hills Historic Area.
Continue past Sheepyard Flat a popular central camping and staging area. Follow Brocks Road toward Eight Mile Flat. You can park here, or continue with reasonable 4WD to the hut.
History:
Ritchie's Hut is a historic mountain refuge located on the banks of the Howqua River in the Victorian High Country. Originally built as a private fishing retreat, it has become one of the most beloved landmarks for hikers and anglers in the Alpine National Park.
The hut was built by Robert (Bob) Ritchie, with significant help from legendary local craftsman Fred Fry in 1947. Robert was the son of Geoffrey Ritchie, a prominent Mansfield local whose family had deep ties to the region, including owning the Wonnangatta Station.
It was officially permitted as a fishing hut for the Ritchie family and their friends. Because of its location halfway along a patrol track, it was also used by Forest Commission officers during their rounds.
Destruction and Rebirth
In the 2006 Bushfires it was burnt: The original heritage-listed slab hut was completely destroyed during the Great Divide Fire Complex in late 2006 (often incorrectly noted as during 2009).
Due to its cultural significance, a massive community effort led by the Victorian High Country Huts Association (VHCHA) and Parks Victoria saw the hut rebuilt on its original site in 2008 to 2009.
Volunteers spent over 2,300 hours prefabricating the new structure using traditional tools like adzes and broad axes to maintain its historic character. Because of its remote location, materials had to be carried in by hand, pack horse, and helicopter.
The Movie: The hut and the legendary trout fishing of the Howqua River were famously featured in the popular Australian fly-fishing series A River Somewhere.
Construction:
The original design was a classic slab construction with a stone and iron fireplace. It was considered "modern" for its time, featuring a bush oven and a hot water system connected to an outdoor shower.
GPS Location: -37.2105 146.5355