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Kosciuszko National Park Post-Bushfire Hut Rebuild | Part 5: Brooks and Happys Hut

Kosciuszko National Park Post-Bushfire Hut Rebuild | Part 5: Brooks and Happys Hut

On the eastern edge of Happy Jacks Plain, lie two treasures of Australia’s alpine heritage: Brooks Hut and Happys Hut. These iconic landmarks, tragically lost in the devastating 2019/20 bushfires, have been devotedly rebuilt to restore their place in the landscape and preserve their history for future generations.

These huts are more than just shelters; they are a connection to the region’s past. Originally built as refuges for cattlemen, they have stood as symbols of resilience in the Snowy Mountains. The rebuild of Brooks Hut and Happy’s Hut is a testament to the importance of preserving this heritage while honoring the stories of those who came before us.

Construction of Brooks Hut in Kosciuszko National ParkConstruction of Brooks Hut

Originally constructed in 1943 by Bill Brooks, Harry Reid and Harry's son, Brooks Hut was located on the eastern edge of Happy Jacks Plain in Kosciuszko National Park. The hut served as a vital shelter for the men and their families, who held a grazing lease for sheep in the area. The newly rebuilt hut is formally Brooks No. 3, as it is the third version to be rebuilt following bushfires in both 2019 and 2003. The hut has been faithfully reconstructed on its original site, preserving the historic fireplace stone footings. Locally milled timber from trees felled during the 2019/2020 bushfires has been used for the rebuild, while corrugated iron sourced from nearby properties maintains the hut's authentic, weathered character.

Brooks Hut in Kosciuszko National ParkBrooks Hut.

Happys Hut is about 3km to the east of Brooks Hut, in the next valley over known as Happy Jacks Valley and the headwaters of Happy Jacks Creek. The hut was built around 1931, also for a grazing lease. 

Happys Hut in Kosciuszko National ParkHappys Hut.

When grazing was ceased above 1370m around 1958, both Brooks Hut and Happys Hut were then used by early surveyors and geologists when they started to build the Snowy Scheme. Today, the huts are important shelter for hikers, skiers and explorers alike.  

Happys Hut in Kosciuszko National ParkHappys Hut

The rebuild of the 11 Kosciuszko huts that succumbed to the January 2020 bushfires is a testament to the dedication and partnership among the various stakeholders involved. These stakeholders have succeeded in adhering closely to historical details, transferring time-honoured construction techniques and integrating measures to resist fire, preserving the huts for forthcoming generations.

Huts to be rebuilt:

For more information on the Huts in Kosciuszko or to get involved with the rebuild, visit the Kosciuszko Huts Association here.

Tom's Outdoors would like to thank:

  • Megan Bowden for her ongoing support in the making of this series
  • NPWS Builders Roger Rosenboom and Peter Dow
  • Kosciuszko Huts Association and its members
  • NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
  • Phil & Steve Newby
  • Happys and Brooks family descendents. 
  • Tumut & District Bushwalkers and all other volunteers

Filmed and edited:

Dean Johnson

Next article Kosciuszko National Park Post-Bushfire Hut Rebuild | Part 4: Bradleys and O'Briens Hut