During the Black Summer bushfires, 11 huts in Kosciuszko National Park were lost to the flames, and two years later plans are in place to begin rebuilding them.

 

NSW National Parks, along with the help of Kosciuszko Huts Association (KHA) and the descendants of the hut builders, is beginning the task of rebuilding and reconstructing almost all of the huts lost and damaged in the 2019/2020 bushfires.

There’s been an extensive assessment process to determine the significance of each of the huts and whether they should be rebuilt. Of the 11 huts on the cards for reconstruction, 10 are historic huts that were burnt despite a considerable effort by firefighters to protect them. 

 

Brayshaws & Bradleys Hut | @rubywood

 

‘The huts are an integral part of the cultural landscape of Kosciuszko National Park demonstrating different construction materials and techniques, past land uses, travel, communication practices, past times and continue to be visited today by people enjoying the park including walkers, riders and skiers,’ said NPWS Area Manager Steve Cathcart.

The huts that’ll be rebuilt include; 

  • Delaneys Hut
  • Four Mile Hut
  • Resthouse Hut at Sawyers Hill
  • Round Mountain Hut
  • Bradley & O’Briens Hut
  • Brooks Hut
  • Happys Hut
  • Vickerys Hut
  • Tantangara Hut
  • Linesman Huts – there were two huts here and it’s still to be decided whether both will be reconstructed or just one. 

The first hut to be rebuilt will be Sawyers Rest House on the Snowy Mountains Highway.

Some interested members of the general public will be able to help with the reconstruction, however priority will be given to descendants of the hut builders first, followed by KHA members. Of course, any construction skills and qualifications will be very handy! 

If you’re interested in helping out, get in touch with NSW National Parks.

 

Happys Hut | @mattiejgould