Craigs Hut (also known as Clear Hills Hut) as most people know is not a genuine cattleman’s hut. It was built as a set for the movie, “The Man from Snowy River” produced in 1982, and the sequel in 1988.

Authenticity aside, Craig’s Hut is now an iconic destination and important for tourism in the area. It also serves an important function as a refuge hut for walkers and skiers in emergencies. However in normal circumstances you cannot sleep in the hut and must camp in the adjacent camping area.

The hut is located east of Mt Stirling in the Victorian High Country and accessible by 4WD except for winter months, when only cross country skiers and walkers can visit. Although not genuine, it the most popular hut in the high country and is a great representation of the style and techniques commonly used by the pioneering cattlemen. The location also offers great views over the valleys of the Victorian high country. The hut is named for the family of the characters in the movie, Jim Craig (Tom Burlinson) and his father Henry Craig ( Terence Donovan). Arguably the real stars of the movies are the horses and local well known cattle families such as the Lovicks, Purcells, Stoneys and McCormacks who were employed to provide a genuine touch to the horse riding scenes and stunts. The hut was also was also used for the movie ‘Cool Change’ in 1986. The film set was a temporary mock up only and had no floor or back wall. Due to its popularity, it was continually patched up until it deteriorated. In late 1991 the Victorian Association of 4WD Clubs advised that the Mansfield-Alpine 4WD Club were seeking assistance for a total rebuild of the hut. A major build was conducted in February 1993 in conjunction with the CFA 4WD Club. Unfortunately the hut was burnt to the ground in the devastating 2006 bush fires that also took out Ritchies, Bluff Huts and a number of others. Due to its importance to tourism, significant Government funding was allocated and it was again rebuilt in 2007 using contractors and volunteers. Traditional skills and techniques were employed using suitable timbers such as iron bark and red gum that can last over 100 years.
High country stockmen used the High Country for summer grazing during the since the mid 1800’s. Banjo Paterson’s famous poem The Man From Snowy River recalls this era. The cattle graziers have left a legacy of mountain huts scattered across the area lending to the unique character of our High Country. Whilst these historic huts may seem quaint and rustic, when it came to surviving the wild mountain weather, they literally meant the difference between life and death to cattlemen and women.