Urquhart's Hut, Craigieburn Forest Park

Built for Depression-era gold miners, although little gold was found, it retains some of the lack of glamour of such times. Dirt floor. Bush cut local timber structure. Huge fireplace, although limited wood suppliers due to the lack of forest nearby. Canvas bunks. No insulation, and plenty of ventilation.

Some of the older graffiti is interesting, it dates back to the 30s, and includes a claim that the government shooter, Gerald Goodger who lived in the hut over the summer of 1957/58 managed to dispatch 1850 deer during his stay. Not so many deer around these days.

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category . . . basic hut

hut fee . . . free

elevation . . . 735 m

bunks . . . 6 canvas bunks

built . . . 1933

heating . . . open fire

water . . . from Wilberforce River 200 m to east. Has bucket

toilet . . . longdrop

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