4WD Touring Australia – June 2018

(Ben Green) #1

3. ZEKA SPUR TRACK


HOWITT HUT


The Track: This one links Howitt Rd all the way to a dunking in the deep
Wonnangatta Valley. It’s a well-known yet relatively cruisey blast in decent
weather, and it lights up with snazzy inclines and expansive views.
The Hut: Over 100 years old, you’re in close vicinity of the Zeka Spur Track
when you pull up to the adjacent campground on the Caledonia River.
Your campsite neighbours have either just tackled the Spur or are just
about to, and the one-time drovers’ quarters now acts as a meeting place
for intrepid mountain folk.

4. BILLY GOATS BLUFF


HORSEYARD HUT


The Track: The famed 120km vert slinghot slog from Dargo to Licola trav-
erses Mt. Buller and some serious Australian Alpine scarps. One of the
most revered tracks in the Garden State for a reason, the turn off from
Wonnangatta Road will lead you on a path that’s steep and deep, and that
brings out the best in man and machine.
The Hut: Well technically, you’ll nd this one on a slight detour down the
Pinnacles Road, and to be honest the hut aint anywhere near as interesting
as the view from the Fire Tower further up the road, where you can catch
your breath and catch a view of the shoulder-season wildower bloom.

5. MT. WELLINGTON TRACK


MILLERS HUT


The Track: Says Shannon Peters: “Mt. Wellington Track is rocky and has
a few steep sections. It is closed during the winter months but can be
accessed from November through till June. It is the only way in to Millers
Hut and upon reaching Mt. Wellington’s summit it will have you staring in
absolute awe at the breathtaking scenery.”
The Hut: This 102-year-old cabin can be found among the dizzying peaks
of the Moroka Ranges. “The Hut is famous for being the rst in the High
Country to have its door near the chimney to keep the place warm. It orig-
inally had a bark roof but was covered with corrugated iron from the early
1930s.”

HUTS CODE OF ETIQUETTE


HUTS ARE FOR TEMPORARY SHELTER ONLY not
for accommodation. Enjoy visiting the huts,
but do not use them for overnight accommo-
dation as their cultural values can easily be
destroyed. In Victoria some huts are not avail-
able for public use.

NEVER RELY ON REACHING A HUT
When mountain weather closes in huts can be
difficult to find. Ensure you are equipped to
camp out as blizzards can occur at any time of
the year. In severe weather, take shelter before
you get wet and tired.

LEAVE THE HUT CLEAN AND SECURE
Leave the hut as you would like to find it.
Check that the fire is out, restock dry firewood
and close the door and windows securely. Don’t
leave emergency food stores in the huts, they
clutter up the hut and encourage rats.

KEEP FIRES SMALL
Please keep fires small and within existing
fireplaces. Never leave the fire unattended and
ensure it is out before leaving. If you need to
light a fire to keep warm, make sure you keep
it small.

LOG BOOKS MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE
If you fill in the book in the hut, stating the de-
tails of your journey, number in the party and
intentions it may assist in search and rescue
operations.

RESPECT HERITAGE
Huts contain evidence of their past and the peo-
ple who built and used them. Many times, huts
were built in areas previously used as campsites
by local Aborigines, so please do not do anything
to disturb the environs around huts.

GOT TO ‘GO’?
Use a toilet or take a walk – at least 100 paces
from hut and campsites. Dig 15cm deep and
cover well.

PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT
Take your rubbish with you and leave your
campsite clean and tidy.

TRAVEL


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