What an incredible adventure we have just returned from. Kerrie, Liza, Linda, Karen, Tracy and Denise- all strong and capable Diamonds with Coach Michele had the privilege of spending 4 days with one of Australia’s most experienced mountain guides, Mike Edmondson- doing the Historic Huts Hike in Kosciuszko National Park.

We had a full pack hike (at least 18 kgs) into our base camp and had to be self-sufficient for the whole trip- own tents, sleeping gear, all-weather clothes, food and cooker.

There was some rather adverse weather thrown at us- with 70 mm of rain on one day, misty and windy on another and glorious sunshine for our hike out. We crossed fast-flowing creeks, went up and down countless hills, had a full day with no discernible track in sight- with all our faith in Mike’s navigation skills, came a little too close to a copperhead snake, delighted in the masses of spectacular alpine wildflowers, were experts in walking in wet socks and boots, found out some of our rain jackets really needed re-waterproofing, over pants were essential, dehydrated food is delicious (ok, I may have made that up!!) and that a journey shared with awesome hiking companions is priceless. This team was a force to be reckoned with- all thoroughly prepared and wonderfully cohesive.

We explored six notable huts in the park: White River Hut, Disappointment Spur Hut, Schlink Hut, Valentines Hut, Mawsons Hut, and Horse Camp Hut.

1. White River Hut- our base camp and ‘ home sweet home’ for 3 nights.

White River Hut lies near the crystal-clear waters of the White River, a tributary of the Snowy River. Built in the 1930s, it was originally used by cattlemen during the grazing era in the high country. The hut's timber and corrugated iron construction showcase the simplicity of alpine architecture. While small and rustic, White River Hut is a charming waypoint for adventurers trekking in this serene, lesser-travelled part of the park.

Every night we shared it with various other trekkers, some doing the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT), alone or in small groups. Another night the camping space was shared with 70 schoolboys and their teachers (great kids, but it made the toilet queue a little challenging!)

3. Disappointment Spur Hut- our Friday afternoon’s mini adventure

Disappointment Spur Hut, despite its name, is a hidden gem. Built in the mid-20th century as a base for hydro-electric scheme workers, it is now a favourite stop for skiers and trekkers exploring the park’s higher elevations. The hut is located in an open grassy area surrounded by snow gums, offering a peaceful spot to rest. Its modest size and simple design make it a quintessential alpine shelter, and the perfect spot for our afternoon snack stop.

One popular story of this hut tells of a group of trekkers who aimed to camp at Schlink Hut but misread their map and ended up here instead. Frustrated at first, they made the most of the smaller space by turning it into a cozy gathering spot, complete with makeshift instruments fashioned from cookware. Their impromptu “mountain concert” became a tradition, and later groups reported finding handwritten lyrics tucked into the hut's walls.

2. Schlink Hut- just up the road aways we stopped in here to escape the constant rain on Saturday on our way to Valentine’s

Schlink Hut, often referred to as "The Schlink Hilton," is one of the most substantial and luxurious huts in Kosciuszko National Park. Built in 1961 by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority, it served as a base for workers building infrastructure for the iconic hydro scheme. The hut is strategically located on the Schlink Pass, a vital crossing point between the Guthega and Geehi areas. It features multiple rooms, a kitchen, and even a fireplace, making it a cozy refuge for cross-country skiers in winter and hikers during summer. Its expansive design and robust construction are a testament to its intended purpose of housing hydro workers in challenging alpine conditions.

One humorous incident at this hut, involved a group of skiers who arrived exhausted, only to discover a fully cooked roast chicken left on the table by the previous occupants—a rare alpine feast. The group, wary of its origins but unwilling to waste such a prize, spent the evening inventing elaborate stories about the “mystical Schlink Chicken” that supposedly roams the mountains leaving food for weary travellers.

4. Valentines Hut- this was Saturday's destination hut, and our lunch stop on this 22 km round trip hike. It was a wet, wet, wet day with over 70 mm of rain!!

Valentines Hut sits in a quiet corner of the park near Valentine Creek. Originally built in the 1940s for cattle grazing, it was later restored and repurposed for hikers and skiers. Constructed from timber and corrugated iron, this hut exudes a rustic charm, despite being painted bright red! The surrounding area is rich in natural beauty, with gently flowing streams and expansive plains. Valentines Hut is a wonderful spot for solitude seekers, offering a tranquil base from which to explore nearby trails and take in the alpine flora and fauna.

3 Diamonds in the Rough and expert Guide Mike

Rumour has it that one summer, a group of hikers discovered a wombat had managed to sneak into the hut through a gap in the wall. The unexpected guest had thoroughly investigated their supplies, particularly enjoying an entire packet of trail mix. Rather than shoo it away, the hikers named the wombat "Valentine" and spent the evening documenting its antics, turning it into a sort of unofficial hut mascot.

5. Mawsons Hut- Sunday’s challenging hike, being off track for 23 km- navigating button grass, thigh deep shrubs, hoping we didn’t have to navigate out ourselves, because I think we’d still be there!!

Mawsons Hut is a remote haven for adventurers travelling the rugged terrain of the park's central regions. Constructed in the 1930s for cattle graziers, it is a single-room structure with a steeply pitched roof designed to withstand heavy snowfalls. Its location, near Pretty Plain and Strumbo Hill, makes it a critical stopover on multi-day treks through the park. Mawsons Hut offers a cozy interior with a fireplace, perfect for warming up after a day of traversing challenging trails. It is named after Douglas Mawson, an iconic figure in Australian exploration, though there’s no direct link to him.

One winter, a skier left a pair of old, battered skis outside the hut, intending to replace them later. Upon his return, he found the skis “decorated” with a note that read, “Official Hut Relics – Touch at Your Peril.” Subsequent visitors added humorous commentary, with messages like “First skis used by Douglas Mawson?” or “Guaranteed to go uphill only.” The “relics” became a quirky part of the hut’s decor until they were eventually removed for safety reasons.

6. Horse Camp Hut- this was Monday’s early lunch spot as we headed out with our only slightly less laden packs!

Horse Camp Hut, one of the oldest huts in the region, dates back to the early grazing days. It is located near the Perisher Range, a popular area for skiing and snowboarding. The hut has a rustic charm, with weathered timbers telling stories of countless travellers seeking shelter within its walls.

They are maintained through collaborative efforts by several groups and individuals.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS):
NPWS is the primary authority responsible for managing and preserving the huts. They oversee maintenance programs, allocate resources, and ensure the huts comply with heritage and environmental regulations.
Kosciuszko Huts Association (KHA):
The KHA is a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of the park's huts. Members work closely with NPWS to conduct repairs, maintain the structures, and keep alive the cultural heritage associated with these huts.
Volunteer Groups and Local Communities:
Other volunteer groups, local communities, and sometimes descendants of the original builders contribute to the upkeep of these huts, offering labour, historical knowledge, and support.

Significance and Conservation The huts of Kosciuszko National Park are more than just shelters; they are cultural artifacts that narrate the park's rich history. Each hut has a unique story tied to the people who built them and the landscapes they inhabit. Efforts to maintain these huts ensure they remain accessible to adventurers while preserving their historical value.

Whether you're an experienced trekker or a casual explorer, these huts offer not only a physical refuge but also a connection to the storied past of Kosciuszko National Park. They stand as enduring symbols of human resilience and harmony with nature in one of Australia's most striking alpine regions.