ISBN: 0958704988 (Hardcover)
Author: Hueneke, Klaus
This is the life story of 120 of the best known and most accessible huts in the Victorian Alps. Written in a friendly, easy to read style, it is based on personal impressions, interviews, journal articles, books and historic photos. It is designed to engage and entertain whilst at the same time retaining historical accuracy.
There are over 200 huts and hut sites in the Victorian Alps. Many huts were lost in the 2003 fires, but a surprising number, especially those in high elevation snow country, survived. This augurs well for people in need of shelter, warmth and rescue.
Cattlemen, skiers, bushwalkers, scouts, miners, loggers, surveyors, hydro-workers, filmmakers and dingo trappers built the huts. Some are simple slab or log huts with an iron roof and a rustic fireplace, whilst others are sophisticated chalets. Most of them are free and open to all.
Many of the huts were built from local materials using tools now mainly seen in museums. They represent the last vestiges of Australia's pioneer architecture. With the formation of the Victorian High Country Huts Association the old tools and skills are being given a new life. The Association is embarking on an ambitious hut restoration and rebuilding program.
The book is illustrated with 170 black and white photos, some 20 drawings and seven maps. It can be used as a guidebook, a work of history, an encyclopedia or as a photographic essay. Above all it is a good read.
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