McNamaras Hut - Dinner Plain
Photograph courtesy of Bill Statton © 2004.
Known as McNamaras Dinner Plain Hut, TJ McNamaras Hut, not to be confused with McNamaras at Buckety.
Located on Youngs Track, Dinner Plain. Showing on the Bogong High Plains Map at GR278062, "7 Miles" from Youngs hut. The Hema map is actually incorrect, showing Youngs Fire Track as an extension of Callaghans Road, Anglers Rest. It is in fact a private mustering track. Callaghans Road ends at the gate to the private land now owned by the Maguires.
The Parks Vic Ranger recommends access via McCoys Track, which leads off to the left about 5 kilometres down Callaghans Road. This connects to Grays Hill Track, then to Youngs Track which leads to the hut.
History
This hut was built in 1917 by Charlie McNamara on lease GB48 and remained leased right through into the 1990s.
Stan Johns was the architect. Jack and TJ McNamara assisted in the construction. It was built from logs with a wooden floor and being at 4900 feet altitude was often used in bad weather.
Construction
Built of snow gum logs with a gable tin roof and wooden floor. The chimney was built of logs with chocks and lined with stones. Originally it had a bark roof, held down with logs and wire. An extension has been added, which is made of iron.
Caretakers - Kelly, Maguire and Connley Families.
References
Hueneke Pp133, 141, 240.
Butler p197 -99
Tor Holth - extensive coverage.
Magnussen Pp42 - 43.
Pers comm - Louise and Phil Maquire.