Beneath the expansive Victorian sky, Keppels Hut stands as a testament to resilience. This isn’t just a shelter. It’s a landmark steeped in history. Keppels Hut sits high in the mountains off McFadyen Track. It is about 90km east-northeast of Melbourne. At approximately 1340m above sea level, Keppels Hut is the fifth highest hut in Victoria.
Let’s journey back to the mid-19th century. Maurice John Keppel arrived in Australia. He came by ship in 1851-2. He settled in Melbourne. Later, he moved to Marysville. Maurice and his wife, Mary Grainger, took over the local hotel. They started a family. They had four children: John, Jerry, Catherine, and Michael.
In 1864, the Keppels acquired land here. This original title remains with the family. The location was strategic. It sat along the Edgar Track. This was a vital pack horse route connecting Warburton to the Woods Point mines.
Initially, the Keppels constructed two huts. One was called “The White House” on Mt Margaret. The other was “Wild Oat Hut” on Lake Mountain. Sadly, both were destroyed by fires. Only Wild Oat Hut was replaced. The Forestry Commission later replaced its shingle roof with iron.
These huts weren’t mere residences. They supported the Keppel’s livelihood. They grazed cattle and kept sheep here. Jerry Keppel passed away in 1955. Maurice followed in 1963. Upon relinquishing the lease, it marked a record. The Keppel family held it longer than any other in the Victorian Alps.
The Keppels Hut you see today is not the original. The 1939 fires devastated the area. John and Jerry Keppel then established Keppels Hut. This hut suffered damage too. An accidental fire in 1983 destroyed it. The community and DELWP rebuilt it. The devastating Black Saturday fires of 2009 razed it again. But again, it was rebuilt.
Today, Keppels Hut provides more than just shelter. Horseyards provide space for horses. There is also a toilet. A picnic table invites travelers to rest. Fireplaces offer warmth on cold days.
The hut lies just off the Little River. The nearest town is Marysville. It is about 11km away. Marysville has a population of around 600 people.
If you’re planning a visit, note that Keppels Hut Track is 4WD only. It’s seasonally closed. Access is via Lady Talbot Drive. Turn onto Upper Taggerty Road then Keppel Hut Track.
Campfires are prohibited on Total Fire Ban days. Remember to take your rubbish home. Dogs are allowed but must be under control. Be aware that the walking track towards Boundary Hut enters Yarra Ranges National Park where dogs aren’t allowed.
Keppels Hut offers a glimpse into Victoria’s high-country history. The spirit of the Keppel family lives on. It reminds us of the hardiness. It reminds us of the community that cherishes this iconic hut. As you stand here, imagine the echoes of the past. Think of the families who sought shelter and made a living in this rugged landscape.