It’s been all hands on deck recently with an important project to restore one of Lake Eildon National Park’s historic huts, located within the Fraser Block of the park.

Work to restore the Stones Outstation Historic Hut to its former glory is now complete, thanks to the help of some dedicated volunteers.

Parks Victoria is proud of the productive partnership it has formed with the Idlers 4WD Club of Victoria and the Victorian High Country Huts Association (VHCHA).

Throughout 2016, the volunteers worked together to undertake the planning stages and prepare the timber for the restoration works. The hands-on work was completed during a week-long working bee in March this year.

The Stone family's grazing property in the late nineteenth century extended from the Coller Bay area to Italian Gully. The family home was on Perfect Cure Creek and they also had an outstation and stockyards at Station Creek.

The outstation hut is constructed of timber palings lining the inside of a notched log framework, with a corrugated iron roof. It remains a fine example of bush carpentry.

Parks Victoria Ranger-Lake Eildon, Bonnie Abbottsmith Youl said it is incredible to see the passion the volunteers have shown towards the restoration project and their ongoing dedication to the Park.

“Eight volunteers from the Idlers, along with assistance from the VHCHA Regional Hut Maintenance Officer, worked tirelessly every day using their many years of experience to ensure that the Stones Outstation Hut survives for many years to come and allows future generations to experience a bit of the life of early Australian settlers,” said Bonnie.

“All the Parks Victoria staff and volunteers involved are delighted with the restoration and are pleased that visitors can now once again enjoy this attraction. Many thanks to all involved!”