Discover Victoria's historic state forest huts

There are 20 historic huts scattered across our state forest alpine plains and forested valleys to explore.

Once havens for timber workers, miners and graziers deep in Victoria’s forests, today, they are popular attractions and shelters for visitors.

Craig’s Hut

Taungurung Country

Although Craig’s Hut was never a refuge for stockmen (real life ones that is) or timber workers, it is one of our most iconic huts. Built in 1982 for the set of the film The Man from Snowy River, it captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. Sadly, the hut was destroyed in 2006 by the Great Divide Fire, but it was rebuilt and reopened to the public 2 years later.

It’s easy to see why this spot was chosen, with these epic views over Mount Cobbler and the Upper King River Valley.

You can access the hut 1 hour and 15 minutes from Merrijig, by 2WD and a 3 km return walking track.

Moscow Villa, Nunniong State Forest

Gunaikurnai Country

Log and stone hut Moscow Villa is nestled in the heart of Bentley Plain, just east of Swifts Creek, one hour from Omeo. Built by legendary bushman and fire tower man Bill Ah Chow, the hut was completed on 7 January 1942—the same day the Battle of Moscow was won in World War II – giving the hut its name.

Pitch a tent or roll out a swag in the small campsite at the rear of Moscow Villa which includes a firepit and picnic facilities. Or, if the campsite is full, head to Bentley Plain, a short 3-minute walk away.

Moscow Villa is a highlight of the 67 km Nunniong Forest Drive, a scenic route that winds through Bentley Plain and Nunniong State Forest, showcasing huts, relics, and panoramic views.

Wilson’s Hut, Bendoc State Forest

Travel further east to the old gold mining town of Bendoc near the NSW border, where you’ll find Wilson’s Hut; a heritage gem built in 1916 from local forest materials.

Alfred and Irene Wilson originally constructed this rare slab hut while supplying fresh produce and timber to the Victoria Star Mine and Bendoc locals.

Explore the hut and enjoy picnic and wood-fired BBQ facilities. It’s a popular overnight stop for four-wheel-drive adventurers following the Bendoc Historic Loop Drive, part of the Far East Gippsland Backroad Tour.

Jorgenson Hut, Aberfeldy/Nambruc State Forests

Gunaikurnai Country

Four wheel-drive accessible Jorgenson Hut sits beside Donnellys Creek north of Walhalla. It was originally built in the 1950s by World War II veteran and prospector Don Scharlemann. Although it was destroyed in the 2013 bushfires, the hut was rebuilt in 2015.

Today, it offers accommodation for 6–8 people, with space for camper trailers and tents. A communal firepit, picnic tables, and a toilet make it a comfortable base for exploring the Aberfeldy Backroad 4WD Tour.

Or you can stay at nearby campsite Merringtons – a large, open grassy campground close to the Aberfeldy River.

Other must-see huts

Tomahawk Hut, Mansfield State Forest

Tomahawk Hut is just under an hour from Mt Buller and was first built in 1927 for road crews and rebuilt in 2007. It’s a picturesque spot for a picnic or overnight stay.

Keppels Hut, Rubicon State Forest

Originally built in 1885 and rebuilt multiple times after devastating fires, this site is now a popular horse yard and picnic area. This site is suitable for 4WD only.

Razorback Hut, Mt Buller

Once known as Purcell’s Hut, this site served stockmen during seasonal drives. Today, it offers grassy camping areas, horse yards, and a bunk hut for up to 20 people.

Upper Jamieson Hut, Barkly River State Forest

Built by Fred Fry in the late 1930s and restored in the 2000s, this hut sits beside the Jamieson River, making it a serene stop for campers and four-wheel drivers.

Before you go: seasonal roads

Many of our roads, like some of the ones you’ll drive along to reach these huts may not have been travelled upon for many months due to seasonal closures. So, keep an eye out for fallen trees or other obstructions and be aware that road conditions may still be waterlogged or slippery.

Find out more about staying safe when visiting state forests.

Page last updated: 03/12/25