Howfield Hut
Known as Howfield Shelter or Howfield Refuge Hut.
Located on the opposite side of the Howqua River from Pikes Flat.
From Mansfield, follow sealed Mount Buller Road through Merrijig, then gravel Howqua Track to Sheepyard Flat, about 35 km from Mansfield. The Pikes Flat approach continues via Brocks Road, Bluff Link Road and Sixteen Mile Jeep Track, with steep sections requiring a capable high-clearance, low-range 4WD.
Reaching Pikes Flat does not provide a confirmed short or safe route to Howfield. A 2021 VHCHA report described a boggy approach on one side and a steep closed track on the other, with blackberries obstructing access. Obtain current access advice before attempting the final approach. Do not ford the Howqua simply to follow a map pin. Seasonal gates may extend the approach.
History and construction
A small, open-sided refuge shelter with a roof on timber posts and a couple of bunks. The 2021 report described neglect and blackberry growth. Its builder, construction date, original purpose and subsequent repairs are not yet documented here.
References
VHCHA, Howfield Refuge and mapped location;
Trackwatch, December 2021,
Howfield Refuge Shelter Hut report.
Mapping Guidance
GPS: approximately 37.17998°S, 146.50990°E.
UTM Zone 55H: 456496 m E, 5885049 m N. Approximate VHCHA mapped position, treated as WGS84; not field-verified and not a confirmation of a safe access route.