b'Dec 2021 Trackwatch.qxp_Trackwatch Layout 128/11/20215:38 pmPage 17rooms, a locked room for private function as a refuge hut for walkers scenes and stunts. storage of supplies for GGS, the main and skiers in emergencies during The hut was also used for theroom with the large fire place for winter.However, in normal circum- movie \'Cool Change\' in 1986. The filmcooking and a pot belly for heat, a stances you cannot sleep in the hut set was a temporary mock-up onlyladder leads up to the large sleeping and must camp in the adjacent camp- and had no floor or back wall. Due tolof,t which has outside access in case ing area. The hut is located east of Mt its popularity, it was continuallyof heavy snow. It has a coat and ski Stirling in the Victorian High Country patched up until it deteriorated. In lateroom and a firewood room inside and and accessible by 4WD except for 1991 the Victorian Association of 4WDout plus a water tank.winter months, when only cross- Clubs advised that the Mansfield-GGS Hut is often completely buried country skiers and walkers can visit. Alpine 4WD Club were seekingin snow, as the back of the hut is built Although not genuine, its the most assistance for a total rebuild of theinto the slope of the mountain so the popular hut in the High Country and is hut. A major build was conducted inroof of the hut blends into the a great representation of the style and February 1993 in conjunction with themountain when covered in snow. The techniques commonly used by the CFA 4WD Club. Unfortunately, the hutladder and opening at the front from pioneering cattlemen. The location was burnt to the ground in thethe loft in the roof sometimes being also offers great views over the devastating 2006 bushfires that alsothe only access in and out of the hut valleys of the Victorian High Country.took out Ritchies, Bluff Hut and ain winter. The hut is named for the family of number of others. Due to itsCraigs Hut; (also known as Clear the characters in the movie, Jim Craig importance to tourism, significantHills Hut) Most people know its not a (Tom Burlinson) and his father Henry Government funding was allocated,genuine cattlemans hut as it was built Craig (Terence Donovan). Arguably and it was again rebuilt in 2007 usingas a set for the movie, "The Man from the real stars of the movies are the contractors and volunteers. TraditionalSnowy River" produced in 1982, and horses and localwell-known cattle skills and techniques were employedthe sequel in 1988.Authenticity families such as the Lovicks, using suitable timbers such as ironaside, Craigs Hut is now an iconic Purcells, Stoneys and McCormacks bark and red gum that can last overdestination and important for tourism who were employed to provide a 100 years.in the area. It also serves an important genuine touch to the horse-riding High Country stockmen usedTRACKWATCH DECEMBER 2021 15'