Ryan’s Spur Hut is located on Ryan’s Spur Track between Mt Terrible and Woods Point.

This hut is set on rather large logs suggesting it may have been a timber cutters hut. (the logs were used as skids to transport the hut to different logging areas).

It is believed the hut was built in the early 1970s but this is not confirmed, and used to accommodate the timber cutters at the loading areas where the logs were transported to the various mills in the area at that time.

We are looking for anyone that might have some information or know of someone that might that we can chat to about this building as there is very little known.

The hut has long been abandoned as it primary use and fallen into disrepair.

At a site meeting with DELWP Mansfield earlier this year it was decided the hut could be repaired and made safe for the many 4×4 and motor bike enthusiasts that travel in that region. The huts rather unique position of being placed almost in the middle of the track gives it some charm.

On the 28th October 2017 members of MJOC and Geelong 4×4 club including the VHCHA HMO met at the hut to begin repair work.

The first task was to trim back the trees and bushes that were growing close to the hut. Over time these trees and bushes could compromise the huts structure. The area was cleaned up, all the debris removed and then work began on the hut itself.

The back wall window was removed and new palings were attached to the south wall.

Palings were replaced on the other external walls where needed.

The hut was on a lean and in danger of collapse. The walls were made square again using ratchet straps to straighten the east wall and then held firm using hoop iron and covered with a timber brace to hide the hoop iron. The hut was now square.

New floor boards were attached where necessary and most of the insulation material was removed from the roof as it was just hanging and had no use.

The old bed frames, sink and bench were removed. The remaining windows (2 on the west wall and one on the front north facing wall were repaired. The window sashes were removed and the windows were covered with mini orb sheets. Letting in light but no rain etc.

A new bench was made for the inside and a step was built to enter the hut. Previously the step up into and out of the hut was a little high and could have caused safety issues.

The old bench that had been outside the front of the hut was in need of attention as well, as the posts holding the top on were rotting at their bases. New support posts were made using a very convenient log that was on the track.

The door was rehung with new hinges and a door latch made to enable the hut door to be closed .A big fire pit was built using just rocks as discussed with DELWP, in the hope this would encourage correct camp fire use.

The track on the North side of the hut has always retained water making it a big hole. Trenches were made in the hope that any water would now drain away.

The inside of the hut was swept clean and all the rubbish outside was collected and removed.

This working bee had been planned as a 2-day event, camping at the hut. With such a dedicated and experienced team all the work was completed in just one day, a massive effort. We had rain, hail, thunder and lightning and sun, and with another major storm brewing it was decided it was not safe or practical to stay on the mountain overnight.

We packed up and headed down with rain, hail , thunder and lightening all around us. Airing up down at big river everyone got absolutely saturated in the pouring rain.

It was getting late and we were all getting hungry and so had a great dinner and some laughs at the Black spur Inn before heading our separate ways.

A huge thank you to MJOC, Geelong 4×4 club (two members who also donated their trailer for use to transport all the timber and equipment).The team got in, got the work done and worked well together. The work that everyone put in was amazing and now this little timber cutters hut will stand tall for many years. The transformation has been incredible.

Shez Tedford. HMO .VHCHA