HORSEYARD FLAT HUT – Originally known as ‘Managers Hut’ or ‘David Freemans Hut’

Horseyard Flat was used as part of the cattle run by the Freemans and Estoppeys and is believed to have got its name "Horseyard Flat" because in the early days the riders would run the Brumbies in there to catch them.

Back in the 60's at Horseyard Flat there was an old green coach bus (like a school bus) that was used for shelter and a chimney with a small awning style cover built onto the chimney, enough to shelter two men, but within a few years of working the cattle up there, the bus was attacked by vandals, furniture and bunks removed, windows all busted and then the Parks people took the bus away.

It was after the bus was removed that Manager 'David Freeman' with the assistance of Laurie Edwards 'Pope' built Horseyard Flat Hut by extending the chimney and small shelter out an extra 6 or 7 feet. They went to the Forestry office in Heyfield to seek permission to cut down some trees to use for the hut, and at $1.00 a log they were sent up near the Pinnacles where the logging area was to cut down what they needed. After they were cut, cleaned and barked, it took Manager and Pope two trips to get the logs back to Horseyard Flat. The forestry commission had opened up the area by putting roads through for the Heyfield Sawmill.

A Parks Ranger pulled up at the chimney, spying the fresh cut logs, he promptly pulled out his book and started to write while saying, “I am going to have to fine you boys for cutting down trees in the park” We had to point out to him that there were no tall straight trees around here and we got permission to cut these down from further up the road. The Parks bloke ripped the page out of his book, got in his car and drove away.

The bench sink and bunks were built into the hut and an old kero fridge that they used to store the salt in for salting the cows was placed in the hut. The cattlemen would bring up 3 bags, 2 of the bags would be put out in certain spots for the cattle and the 3rd bag was stored for later to top up with.

Many other people also used the hut over time for shelter as did those who were lost and took refuge in the hut. There was always emergency cans of food left in the hut, some people used all the food and some people left more than what had been there. Unfortunately there were also the ones who came and used the wood from the cattle yards as firewood instead of going out to find wood and didn’t respect the ways of the bush. (Written by Sharyn Chambers 20/07/2016 after phone communications with Laurie Edwards ‘Pope’ from Lindenow Victoria on the 19th July 2016. Pope was one of the builders of Horseyard Flat Hut in 1972/73)

Until recently, little was known about the history of this hut. If you have more information or photos to share toward its history and time line, we welcome you to share it with us at Victorian High Country Huts Association

Horseyard Flat Hut is found in a lovely open bush camping area, just off the Moroka Rd beside the Moroka River, easily accessed in good weather from Licola or by 4×4 only from Dargo.