Gibson's Hut

🏕️ Gibson's Hut – Nariel Valley, VIC 🏕️

📍 DESCRIPTION & LOCATION

Gibson’s Hut is a remote bush hut located deep in the Nariel Valley within Victoria’s Alpine National Park. Nestled in high country forest near Gibson’s Track, the hut provides basic shelter and a peaceful setting for walkers and experienced backcountry campers. It’s accessible only by foot, mountain bike, or high-clearance 4WD via rugged terrain—ideal for hikers seeking solitude and a classic alpine hut experience.

🕰️ HISTORY

Gibson’s Hut is one of many remote huts built across Victoria’s Alpine region to support early cattlemen, timber workers, and later bushwalkers. This particular hut has been restored and maintained in line with heritage conservation efforts, reflecting its role in the state’s high country grazing and settlement era. It's part of the network of historic huts scattered throughout the Alpine National Park.

🚿 FACILITIES AND AMENITIES

• Basic shelter hut with timber bunks

• Small fireplace inside (use subject to park restrictions)

• Adjacent cleared grassy area for tents

• Long-drop toilet nearby

• No running water – creek access only (treat before drinking)

• No bins – pack in, pack out

• No pets (Alpine National Park rules)

🚛 VEHICLE ACCESS

• No vehicle access to hut itself

• Access via walking track or rugged 4WD trails (conditions vary seasonally)

• Closest access point via Gibson’s Track or fire trails from Nariel Gap

• 4WD access may be seasonally closed or impassable after rain

🛌 STAY INFORMATION (as at July 2025)

• Free stay

• No bookings required

• Official Parks Victoria backcountry hut within Alpine National Park

• Accessible by walk-in or 4WD only – no road access to hut

• Suitable for experienced hikers and bush campers

• Open all year, but track conditions may vary in wet or snow seasons

• Fuel stoves recommended – fires permitted in hut fireplace only (check seasonal fire rules)

🍻 PUBS & CLUBS NEARBY

• Colac Colac Hotel (~45 min drive to road access point): Basic pub (limited trading days)

• Corryong Hotel (~1 hr): Full pub meals and bar in nearest town

• Tallangatta Hotel (~1 hr 30 min): Another option for those exiting west

⛺ NEARBY CAMPGROUNDS

• Ohagen Campground – forest camp with toilet and fire pits

• Nariel Creek Recreation Reserve – used during folk festival season

• Campbells Knob Hut (remote) – another alpine hut with similar access profile

🌄 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

• Alpine National Park: Walking, flora, heritage huts

• Gibson’s Track: Remote hiking route through Nariel forest country

• Nariel Creek and valley: Fishing and scenic drives

• Historic grazing routes and timber trails

🛒 NEAREST SUPPLIES

• Corryong (~1 hr drive to nearest road point):

  • Supermarket, fuel (incl. LPG), pharmacy

  • Medical services and bakery

• Tallangatta (~1.5 hrs):

  • IGA, hardware, fuel, water refill

• Water refill: None on-site – boil creek water or bring in

🗣️ REVIEWS SUMMARY

Loved for:

• Authentic remote hut experience

• Quiet and peaceful setting

• Good condition hut with fireplace

Watch-outs:

• Requires solid navigation and preparation

• No vehicle access – carry in/out everything

• May be inaccessible in winter or after rain

🚨 BREAKDOWN & EMERGENCY INFO

• Emergency: 000

• Fuel and LPG: Corryong and Tallangatta

• Auto repair: Corryong Auto Service

• Medical: Corryong Health / Tallangatta Health Service

• Mobile reception: Very limited or none – carry a PLB or sat phone

• CB UHF: Channel 40 (road traffic) | Channel 5 (emergency only)

• Additional safety: Remote alpine site – ensure fire season awareness, weather check, and emergency beacon if travelling solo

📝 FINAL NOTE

Gibson’s Hut is a classic slice of Victoria’s alpine heritage—simple, remote, and rewarding for those who make the journey in. With rugged surroundings and the sound of the bush for company, it’s ideal for high country wanderers wanting to slow down and soak up a real backcountry escape.