Rufus Hut

[DrCelephicus]

Greetings,

I recently visited the delightful Gingerbread Hut over Mt Rufus, perfect weather one way, winds and sleet that near blew me off the saddle on the way back. In the hut there was was a photocopy of a map that showed a hut named Rufus Hut just off the direct track from Cynthia Bay where it hits the flat below the summit ridge. I had a very quick look but no sign of it now, mind you it was raining. Anyone heard of it?

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[scrub boy]

I believe it was known as the Hobart Walking Club hut. I stayed there in the 80's and it was pretty rustic then but was a fun place to stay, was weather proof, had a pot belly and also a wooden sled. Only a small hut, from memory maybe slept 6 at a pinch? I reckon it was removed in the 90's either due to it's state of repair or victim to the thinking around structures in the WHA that prevailed at the time, not sure, maybe both? Members of the club might know more. I could dig up an old photo if anyone is interested.Personally, although I recognise that there are management issues with buildings, I think there is a place for small bushwalking huts.I enjoyed staying in them when I first started out walking with friends - Meston, Junction etc

[tastrax]

http://www.hobartwalkingclub.org.au/Pub ... istory.pdf

1988
MT RUFUS HUT The President, Tony Rae, advised: The Dept of Lands, Parks
and Wildlife instructed the Club that the Rufus Hut was unsafe and that they
would assist in its removal. There was some strong opposition to dismantling the
hut but when the PWS ranger made it clear that the Club would not be allowed to
utilise local timber, dead or living for repairs, it left little option.

[wander]

I could dig up an old photo if anyone is interested.

Yes please.

[scrub boy]

photo of a photo but you get the idea. it's a shame it's gone

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[DrCelephicus]

Thanks so much for the info, and the photo. It looks a bit bigger than Gingerbread Hut, and I'm sure it kept many walkers warm & dry over the years.
Next time I go by I shall salute the people who made the efforts to carry in the materials to build it, the roof tin and the stove, probably cast iron.
All huts have a personality, I wonder what it was like?

[BLOODNUT87]

Has anyone been to lake Rufus hut recently looking on going to do a overnighter shortly...and what's the best route do I need a kayak ? Thanks muchly

[wander]

There is a hut at Lake Rufus, the lake below King William II??? Where abouts?

If there is it is a long way South of the huts discussed above in this thread.

[BLOODNUT87]

Yes I'm a member of mhps I'm a young gun from Hobart born locally...have got the year calender and have only this and reindeer lodge to do out of the 12...was wondering do I kayak over from the king William hut etc then bush bash in...

[wander]

aha, I have found the hut site at Lake Rufus, maybe track down some fishermen to determine the best access.

[BLOODNUT87]

My bad dude I thought you knew and seing Rufus hut and not mount Rufus or gingerbread or Joe Slater hut I thought someone knew lol...yeah I'm asking members too not many have been there...ild say kayak over or boat over...

[wander]

we look forward to your report.

[Muddybootsahoy]

My bad dude I thought you knew and seing Rufus hut and not mount Rufus or gingerbread or Joe Slater hut I thought someone knew lol...yeah I'm asking members too not many have been there...ild say kayak over or boat over...

Hey Bloodnut87,

Did you ever make it to Lake Rufus Hut? Keen to hear if it’s worth a visit? A good friend of mine mentioned recently that his father built an A-Frame around that area in the 70’s and I’m wondering whether it’s the same one.

[Letstryagain]

I have been to the lake Rufus hut. If anyone is interested I'd rather discuss via PM.

[vagrom]

Fun fact: the water from L.Rufus flows out at Hobart and water from Banana Lk, 800m south of Rufus, flows out at Strahan.
To traverse the island east to west while avoiding the extensive tributaries of the mighty Derwent and Gordon rivers could be done by passing through this 800m isthmus. There's an idea.

Capes Tourville to Sorell via Breona, Ball and Petrarch - Wyldes, Wedge and Eleanor. Overland and ranges. Like a curate's egg, good in parts.

Last edited by vagrom on Tue 26 Sep, 2023 5:34 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[Last]

Fun fact: the water from L.Rufus flows out at Hobart and water from Banana Lk, 800m south of Rufus, flows out at Strahan.
To traverse the island east to west while avoiding the extensive tributaries of the mighty Derwent or Gordon rivers could be done by passing through this 800m isthmus. There's an idea.

Probably true. Also probably true is you have too much time on your hands. It would be a torturous route.