Drawing of Cotterills Cottage

Cotterills Cottage

Built 1890s by Mr. Hoad for grazing
Condition ★★★★☆ (substantial structure with restored elements)
Location Yarrangobilly Village, beside Snowy Mountains Highway
Alternate Uses Forestry residence, Post Office, recreational accommodation

Historical Timeline

1890s Constructed by Mr. Hoad for grazing operations
1930s–1950s Used by Forestry managers; named after resident Cotterill
Mid-century Served as a local Post Office
1980s–present Used by recreational groups; camping permitted nearby

Historical Overview

Cotterills Cottage is a substantial historic building located beside the Snowy Mountains Highway, near the former site of the Yarrangobilly township in Kosciuszko National Park. Built in the 1890s by a Mr. Hoad for grazing purposes, the cottage later became associated with the Forestry Commission, which used it from the 1930s to the 1950s. One of the Forestry managers, Cotterill, gave the building its enduring name. After its forestry use, the cottage served as a local Post Office, further embedding it in the social fabric of the region.

The structure itself is notable for its size and durability. Measuring approximately 14 metres square, it features weatherboard and fibro cladding, a wooden floor, a verandah, and a pitched corrugated iron roof. A large shed stands at the rear, and the site offers excellent public camping opportunities. The building also showcases distinctive door and window treatments, adding to its architectural interest.

Today, Cotterills Cottage is used by recreational groups—typically by appointment—and remains in good condition, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts. It is listed in the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management, and both a conservation study and historical documentation exist for the site. Its layered history—from grazing to forestry, postal service, and recreation—makes it a valuable cultural asset within the park.

Architectural Notes

Cotterills Cottage is a substantial weatherboard structure measuring approximately 14m × 14m. It features a pitched corrugated iron roof, wooden floor, and verandah. The building includes a large rear shed and displays distinctive door and window treatments. Materials include fibro cladding and timber joinery.

Conservation & Stewardship

Cotterills Cottage is listed in the KNP Plan of Management and supported by a formal Conservation Study and history sheet. The site is vulnerable to storm damage and weathering, but remains structurally sound and actively used.

Stewardship is shared between NPWS and recreational users by appointment. Conservation priorities include roof integrity, pest control, and interpretive documentation. The site is a model for adaptive reuse and heritage continuity.

Photos

Cotterills Cottage image Cotterills Cottage image

References

  1. Kosciuszko Huts Association – Cotterills Cottage Profile
  2. NPWS – Yarrangobilly Village Campground Overview
  3. KHA GPS Locations – Cotterills Cottage
  4. GPS Coordinates: -35.652393, 148.462563 – OpenStreetMap