Fire destroys King River Hut

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle: 03.09.08

Demise of 1950s landmark a mystery

KING River Hut’s burnt remains were discovered on Saturday, after being last seen intact by Parks Victoria staff on July 8.

The weatherboard and corrugated hut with verandah, located on King Basin Road, dated back to the 1950s.

It was situated in an area which is closed to the public until seasonal road closures are lifted for the Melbourne Cup weekend.

The hut’s demise was spotted during a routine aerial patrol by Parks Victoria rangers and Victoria Police in the King River areas of the Alpine National Park.

Parks Victoria Alpine district chief ranger, Peter Jacobs, said staff drove to the site the next day to confirm the loss, conduct an investigation and secure the site.

"Only the hut was burnt; no vegetation was significantly affected," Mr Jacobs said.

"It is difficult to determine exactly when the hut burnt down but it is likely to have occurred within the past two weeks."

The Victorian High Country Huts Association said it was disappointing the hut had been lost.

Planning for the future of the hut site will follow the same process used for huts destroyed by the 2003 and 2006-2007 bushfires.

Parks Victoria will consult with the VHCHA and other stakeholders and the process is expected to take several months.

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