Mountaineers and hill walkers have traditionally used huts in high, exposed mountain terrain to provide shelter from harsh climates and hostile weather conditions.
The pioneering ascents of the Mount Barney region by explorer Allan Cunningham and fellow botanist Charles Fraser back in 1828 would have taken much longer than they do today. Even up to the early 1950’s the tracks were not well defined and climbing the mountain usually involved an overnight camp. It was only the discovery of the “easier” South (Peasants) ridge in the mid 1950’s that made it possible to make a return trip to the summit safely in a day.
Early in 1951 local climber Jon Stephenson, then president of the University of QLD Bushwalking Club, broached the idea of a hut to be constructed in the saddle between the two peaks to the Forestry Dept. At 1000m altitude, it would provide shelter for hikers and climbers from the often changeable weather conditions on the mountain.
After much political wrangling between government departments, walking clubs and other interested parties, work on the hut began in May 1954. Arduous ascents of Midget Ridge via the Lower Portals carrying heavy construction materials, tools and aluminium roof sheets were undertaken over several years. It took until the end of 1959 for it to be completed.
Over the years of its existence the hut was the focus of many a heated debate concerning the environmental impact of the hut providing access to larger numbers of people and the rubbish problems that inevitably came with it. The hut was often damaged by severe weather and, during its life, underwent 3 complete rebuilds.
Finally, bowing to environmental and political pressures, the National Parks and Wildlife Service set a date for the hut’s destruction in 1979. The hut had outlived its usefulness. However before an official dismantling party could be mustered, the hut was destroyed by unknown parties. The stones and roofing sheets scattered.
The Hut will be remembered therefore, with mixed feelings by those who were around during its life. Fondly by those who found shelter during one of Barney’s many thunderstorms. Less so by those who considered it an environmental disaster for the area.
To locate GZ (which is outside the National Park) you will need to find the old Hut site and stand on the door stone which is on the downhill side of the clearing and take a waypoint (see picture).
Then go to the Arrow waypoint where you will find an orange directional arrow on a rock next to the path. Answer these questions:
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Number of holes in the arrow = A
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If the arrow were a clock face, the number it is pointing to = B
Calculate and apply the following offset to your coordinates at the Hut Clearing:
S = Deduct (0.01445 x B) from south coordinate.
E = Add (0.670 x A) to east coordinate.
You can check your coordinates for this cache on GeoChecker.com.
There are many routes up Mt. Barney, none of them are easy, but the South (Peasants) Ridge is the least difficult. You will need to be physically fit and an experienced bushwalker to tackle this one and return unscathed. Take appropriate precautions, plenty of food/water and proper footwear. Do not underestimate this mountain.