Keebles Hut

Historical Timeline

Historical Overview

Keebles Hut is a beautifully crafted river stone hut located in the Geehi Flats area of Kosciuszko National Park, south of Dead Horse Gap. It was built in 1942 by Clarence “Snowy” Miller, Alex Milovitch, Arthur Keeble, and Dr Hubert Smith as a fishing lodge for Arthur and Flo Nankervis. The hut’s name honours Arthur Keeble, an engineer involved in the Kiewa Hydro Scheme, who helped lead the construction effort.

The builders used locally sourced river stones, hauled in by horse-drawn sleds, and laid them with concrete to form the walls. The hut sits on a concrete slab and features a corrugated iron roof and verandah, a fireplace, and several windows. Though a carpet was briefly added in the early 2000s, it has since been removed to preserve the hut’s original character.

Keebles Hut was resumed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service in 1970 and has since become one of the most visited and photographed huts in the park. It underwent renovations in 2002, supported by volunteers from the Range Rover Club of NSW, and remains in good condition today. The adjacent Geehi Flats campground is considered one of the finest in the region, offering easy access for walkers, anglers, and families.

Architectural Notes

Keebles Hut is a classic river stone structure built on a concrete slab. It features a corrugated iron roof, a verandah, and a central fireplace. Windows offer natural light, and the interior was once carpeted (now removed).

The hut’s robust construction and thoughtful restoration make it a model for alpine recreational architecture.

Conservation & Stewardship

The hut is cared for by KHA volunteers and community groups. Interpretive signage is recommended to highlight its recreational origins and builder legacy. It serves as a gateway to the Keebles Loop walking track and nearby Geehi Hut.

Notes from 'Kosciuszko National Park Huts Conservation Strategy' October 2005²

• Historic Value: Associated with the middle phase of pastoral use and has strong connections to fishing and prominent local families such as Nankervis, Keeble, and Smith. Demonstrates continuous use for recreation and caretaker activities.
• Aesthetic Value: Represents an archetypal hut design and is a rare example of river stone construction in the Kosciuszko National Park. Its visual distinctiveness, complemented by cultural plantings like fruit trees, enhances its aesthetic appeal.
• Social Value: Highly valued by the community for its links to fishing history and as a gathering place. Maintains long-standing connections for various families and individuals, with strong associations across fishing, recreation, and local groups.
• Research Potential: Offers valuable opportunities for research into family associations, cultural plantings, and fencing practices.
• Cultural Landscape Value: A visually distinctive element near the Swampy Plains River, highlighting its historical role and function. Its connection to a network of other huts and a long-standing recreation route contributes to a strong sense of place.

Photos

References

1. Kosciuszko Huts Association – Keebles Hut Profile
2. Kosciuszko National Park Huts Conservation Strategy
3. Australian Alps Iconic Heritage Huts 3D Digital Tours Project
4. GPS Coordinates: -36.369120, 148.174447 – OpenStreetMap