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Cope Hut

Built 1929 by the Ski Club of Victoria
Condition ★★★★☆ (intact; emergency use only)
Location Alpine National Park, VIC – Bogong High Plains near Falls Creek
Alternate Names None recorded

Historical Timeline

1929 Constructed by the Ski Club of Victoria as a winter refuge
1930s–50s Used by ski tourers and bushwalkers; maintained by volunteers
Present Preserved for emergency shelter; camping platforms nearby

Historical Overview

Cope Hut was built in 1929 by the Ski Club of Victoria to support ski touring across the Bogong High Plains. At the time, it was considered luxurious compared to other alpine shelters, earning the nickname “The Menzies of the High Plains.” It provided refuge for skiers and walkers traversing the snow-covered plateau between Mt Cope and Mt Nelse.

Today, Cope Hut is preserved as an emergency shelter only. Visitors are encouraged to camp nearby on designated platforms or grassy snowgum flats. The hut is easily accessed via a short walk from the Great Alpine Road and forms part of the Wallace’s Heritage Trail.

Architectural Notes

Cope Hut is a timber-framed structure clad in corrugated iron, with a pitched roof, wooden floor, and stone fireplace. It includes a small porch and basic internal furnishings. The hut is dry and weatherproof, but not intended for overnight stays except in emergencies.

A pit toilet is located nearby. Water may be available from seasonal creeks but should be treated before use.

Conservation Context

Cope Hut is managed by Parks Victoria and forms part of the Australian Alps National Parks Co-operative Management Program. It is protected for its historical significance as one of the earliest ski touring shelters in the Victorian Alps. Interpretive signage is present, and the site is regularly inspected.

Conservation & Stewardship

The hut is maintained by Parks Victoria and supported by alpine volunteers. Visitors are asked to respect its emergency-only status and use nearby camping platforms. Interpretive signage highlights its ski heritage and architectural features. Access is via a short 400m walk from the Cope Hut carpark on the Great Alpine Road.

Photos

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References

  1. High Country Huts – Cope Hut Profile
  2. Australian Alps Iconic Heritage Huts 3D Digital Tours Project
  3. GPS Coordinates: -36.9054927, 147.2893636 – OpenStreetMap