Cootapatamba Hut is a survival shelter originally built as a hydrographers’ hut during the planning for the Snowy Mountains Scheme. It sits in a valley below Lake Cootapatamba. SASC has a long history as the official hut caretaker: it was originally taken on by Rex Cox (40 years ago!), then Charlie Griffith and now Bob Sims with the help of many members of the XC & BW group.
The hut is an important survival shelter in an area with easy access from Thredbo and Dead Horse gap. In Feb 2019 the NPWS rebuilt it as a replica of the original hut, the intention being for us to return in Feb 2020 and paint it on site for the first time after the rebuild. However Covid-19 caused the cancellation of all hut working parties.
Finally, this year a work program was planned and accomplished. On Friday 19 Feb 21 a working party of six SASC members visited the hut. The party included Tim Moore (Trip Coordinator), Karsten Pederson, Sharon & Harm Drenth, and Sally & Bob Sims. The main objective was to repaint the hut.
The day involved driving to Rawson’s Pass (with NPWS permission under strict guidelines), walking down (one hour), 4 hours painting, and walking out (two hours). After many years watching the hut deteriorate in its severe alpine environment it was a pleasure to see it rebuilt and in such wonderful condition.
Cootapatamba Hut is unique in that it is painted fire engine red and it has a distinctive “chimney” entrance which can be used if the snow level is higher than the door - although climbing up and down the “chimney” in snow boots is not for the faint-hearted. It was interesting to note that the door now opens inward so the need for the “chimney” entrance may not be so critical in the future.
Many thanks to the working party members and to Marion Plumb (KHA Huts Maintenance Officer) for all the hard work.
Here is a trace showing the route from Rawsons Pass down to the hut.
