Wallace's Hut in Snow, Falls Creek, Victorian High Country

THE STORY

Wallace Hut would have to be one of the most recognisable cattlemen’s huts of the High Country. Built in 1869, the hut provided shelter for the cattlemen moving stock to the nearby Bogong High Plains.

I’ve visited here several times in the summer, but it wasn’t until 2014 that I had the chance to walk in the snow season. To get here, you need to park your car at Falls Creek, walk in snowshoes across the Rocky Valley Dam wall, around the dam to the opposite side and through the trees to Wallace Hut. It’s about eight kilometres, or a two-hour walk. That year I chose poorly as the snow wasn’t deep and the coverage at the hut was poor. I stayed two nights before returning home without photographs.

In 2015 I returned with far better snow. With the snow falling heavily, I chose a shortcut to save time. I soon found myself with a large creek flowing into the dam impeding my progress. My options were to find a way across or go back the long way. Looking to my left, there was a snow bridge across the creek. Whilst it looked sturdy, if it gave way I would go at least waist deep in the icy water. I tentatively prodded the snow with my walking pole and prayed that with each step it wouldn’t give way. After a few steps I was across. Onwards and upwards!

After battling the wind and with snow pelting my face, I made the shelter of the snow gums surrounding Wallace Hut. The conditions were perfect and I made camp nearby. Having the place to myself for 24 hours meant that I had time to shoot the hut at both sunrise and sunset.