Wire Plain Hut
Photograph courtesy of Gary Duncan © 2003.
Known as Wire Plain Hut
Located at Wire Plain, on the northern side of the Great Alpine Road.
From Mount Hotham village drive about 4 km south-east towards Dinner Plain on the sealed road to the designated Wire Plain/Snowplay parking area. The historic hut is beside the road, a short walk from the parking area; cross only where safe and keep clear of traffic.
No 4WD approach is needed. Check seasonal parking and snow conditions, and distinguish the small historic hut from the newer visitor facilities.
History
Wire Plain is a popular XC ski area. This hut was built by Bill Howard in 1962 as a cattleman's hut. The main part of the hut was pre-fab and brought in by truck, but the rear was built on site for storage of saddles and kit.
A memorial to Bill Howard, who passed away in 1978, is located about 50m to the west of the hut.
Earlier accounts describe the hut as often locked and used by cattlemen. Check first.
Construction
Pre-fabricated corrugated iron and gabled. It includes a kitchen and living area. There is a small fireplace, two windows, couch and table in the (carpeted) living area.
References
Hueneke Pp 106, 114, 245
Magnussen Pp79.
Holth T. 1980
Mapping Guidance
GPS: approximately 36.99832°S, 147.17479°E.
UTM Zone 55H: 515552 m E, 5905300 m N. Approximate VHCHA mapped position; WGS84 assumed.