The Historical High Plains Hut Walk and Picnic, starting at Wallace’s Hut, is a 3.5 km, medium level walk, which winds its way along the aqueduct, past the Historical Rover Chalet and on to a picnic lunch at Cope Hut. The sumptuous lunch, provided by Diana Lodge, showcased produce and wines from the North East region of Victoria. With the backdrop of the magnificent Alps, the stories of the earliest visitors, the cattlemen, the pioneers and more will be passed on by our local, experienced guide Ken Bell.
Walk down the path to Wallace’s Hut – about 750m. Wallace Hut is the oldest surviving cattlemen’s hut which fortunately survived the extensive 2003 Alpine bush fires. As you look around this area you can see how close the fires came to the Hut which was built in 1889 by the three Wallace brothers – Arthur, William and Stewart. The Hut has been extensively restored to ensure its long term preservation. It is set in a lovely shaded area which is a good spot for a picnic or a rest stop. There is a pit toilet in this area.
This track takes you past Rover’s Hut (operated by the Scouts). This hut has a wonderful and very large wood stove which was originally brought in on wooden rollers using considerable manpower! A few hundred metres past the hut on a bend turn right off the aqueduct onto a sign posted walking trail to Cope Hut. The route is gently uphill until you intersect with a track leading to Cope Hut. We were lucky to get a private tour through Rovers Hut.
Turn right and follow this track until you reach Cope Hut.
Cope Hut was funded by the State Tourist Commission and built by Bill Spargo in 1929 – the first of its type in alpine areas. Cope Hut also survived the 2003 bushfires. There is another pit toilet here and it’s another good spot for a rest break or lunch. Absolutely amazing lunch (Gourmet rolls, salad, wines, beer, coffee, desserts, picnic rugs supplied, apple ciders) and surprise visit by the Scottish Piper at Wallace’s hut.
Totally recommend booking another event through this organisation, incredible lunch, presentation and service.
- Leader – Dianne Ross
- Group – 6
- Location – Falls Creek
- Event Name – Historical High Plains Huts walk and Picnic
- Distance – 3.5km
- Start – 10am
- Finish – 1pm
- Grade 3