Nestled amongst the mountains and on the banks of the Howqua River, you will find Ritchie’s Hut. Originally built by local craftsman Fred Fry, the hut was a genuine heritage slab construction, built as a fishing hut for the Ritchie family of Mansfield.

The construction of the new hut, located on the same site as the old one, utilised recycled materials and original building techniques wherever possible. Ritchie’s Hut is a six kilometre trek from the Eight Mile Flat camping area off Brocks Road, which is accessed from Sheepyard Flat via the Howqua Track from Merrijig. There is a high walking track and a low track to the hut – the low track necessitates crossing the river.

Please note access by vehicle into Eight Mile Flat is not possible from June to November due to seasonal track closures in the High Country. These closures generally operate around the King’s Birthday long weekend in June through to the beginning of November but may be extended due to seasonal conditions. Contact the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre for more details.