Hut #3 - Sawmill Hut

Deep in the Rubicon State Forest, in a desperate fight for survival against blackberries and time both, is Sawmill Hut. The first of three huts that were found on a hut hunting expedition I joined with Andy and Sharyn from the Victorian High Country Huts Association,  Sawmill Hut takes out the honours for being the most defiant hut, if not the most picturesque.

Backing on to the Royston River, the old sawmill site is a fascinating destination for a visit. The

remains of an old boiler and car lie embraced by the ever-encroaching blackberry bushes, hinting of the time when the site was a bustling little industry, back before it was all abandoned back to the bush.

Distance from Melbourne: 138km 
Access Rating: Medium 4WD. A/T tyres. Short climb after water crossing would be challenging if wet.
Scratchy Rating: You might want to find a good detailer.
What's there: River, old boiler & car, evidence of earlier logging activity, old drop thunderbox loo complete with fairy lights.

How scratchy, I hear you ask? Not toooooo scratchy. Not really.

Like the track in, the hut itself has probably seen better days. Though it would be better than standing out in a storm, you're not going to have to persuade anyone to use their tent rather than bunking down in the hut.

Don't be put off though, it was definitely worth the visit in its own right, as it was a stunning little spot in a rugged and overgrown sort of way. Even better, Hut #4 was just a short walk further down the track. Down the boggy, muddy, deeply rutted track...