Federation Hut
Photograph courtesy of Graham Scully, KHA.
Known as the FVWC Hut or Federation Hut.
Located at Bungalow Spur below Mount Feathertop.
From Harrietville, drive through the village streets to the signed Bungalow Spur trailhead in Feathertop Track and park there. Walk steadily uphill on Bungalow Spur for approximately 10–10.5 km each way to Federation Hut, with over 1,000 m of ascent.
This is a strenuous mountain walk, normally suited to an overnight trip; there is no public vehicle access to the hut. Alternatively start at Diamantina Hut on the sealed Great Alpine Road and follow the exposed Razorback, taking the signed Federation side track; check the current map for that route’s distance. Carry suitable clothing, a tent and check alpine weather, as it can change rapidly at this altitude.
History
The hut was named after the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs (FVWC) who were formed in 1934. They built the hut using a Tourist Development Association grant in 1968 and 1969.
The hut was upgraded in 1989. A double-seater toilet built by the Parks service, survived the hut.
The original hut was destroyed in the 2003 fires. The replacement was designed by Tonique Bolt and prefabricated, then flown in sections from Mount Loch car park.
This profile records assembly in December 2004; VHCHA lists the rebuilding under 2005. These may refer to assembly and completion respectively.
Construction
It was built as a gabled hut with aluminium siding and a corrugated iron roof. The original hut was re-clad in timber in May 1988 by Ian Stapleton and friends.
The former hut’s recorded plywood lining, ten-person bunk capacity and 3.6 m by 5.5 m dimensions should not be assumed to describe the current refuge.
References
Hueneke Pp 102, 236.Butler Pp101 - 103
Magnussen Pp44 - 46
Secondhand and Solid P28 by Ian Stapleton.
Mapping Guidance
GPS: approximately 36.90143°S, 147.12251°E.
UTM Zone 55H: 510915 m E, 5916055 m N. Approximate VHCHA Federation Refuge position, treated as WGS84.
