Bluff Hut is located in the Victorian High Country off The Bluff Track – accessibility is via 4WD or horse only. Being in the Alpine National Park seasonal access applies, please check the relevant website for dates.
Grazing commenced at The Bluff in the 1940’s by Jack Ware and Eadley Stoney from “Minto Park”. It wasn’t until 1955 that they and other mountain cattlemen, Ray Kelly and Archie Cameron, built the hut proper. Jack Ware retired in 1965 and when Eadley Stoney died in 1972 his son Graeme took over The Bluff run. Graeme had requested “permissive occupancy” of the hut for nordic skiers and summer trail riding and was initially declined however it was later granted in 1985. A new section was added to the old however there was only one fire place which caused some disputes between paying and non paying visitors. Stemming from these disputes is the story of a headless axeman who is said to haunt the hut. In 1992 Chris Stoney became the caretaker and the Stoney family continue to do so to this day.
In 2007 the original hut was lost in the bushfires but with assistance from VHCHA (Victorian High Country Huts Association) and the Stoney Family, it was rebuilt in 2008. If you look up you will see 2 sheets of corrugated iron which are relics resurrected from the original hut and act as a memorial to those who built it.
Facilities are minimal however there is a drop toilet which ironically survived the bushfires and yards for horses. The area is popular with 4WD enthusiasts however the cache has been hidden well away from prying eyes.
Using the huts
- Except for a few on private leasehold, all huts remain unlocked, and freely accessible by all.
- There is no booking system and no fee. All we ask is that you respect the huts and those people that spend many hours preserving and maintaining them.
- If you use a hut, please keep your fire small, and do not write messages on the walls. ( it will be removed anyway ).
- When you go, take all your rubbish with you, leave the hut clean and close the door.
Note : We do not condone use of huts for overnight accommodation, as in most cases they do not meet Building Code of Australia requirements.
Using the huts guidelines - from VHCHA website