Howqua Hills Historic Area
Howqua Hills is a site of natural beauty, from river flats to surrounding hills with Manna Gums and Narrow-leaved Peppermints. Rediscover the days of gold mining and settlement as you walk past historic relics from times gone by.
Things to see and do
Camping
Camping along the Howqua River is one of the best ways to enjoy this historic area and offers a great base for bush walking, fishing and relaxing.
Walking
Howqua Hills Heritage Track (Sheepyard Flat to Fry's Flat)
Walkers can enjoy the Howqua Hills Historic Walk with its self guided interpretive panels. This easy 3km return walk follows the Howqua River from Sheepyard Flat to Fry's Flat, where the authentic heritage Fry's Hut is located.
A few gentle rises on a formed track well suited for families.
The track will take you past some relics such as a standing chimney from the gold mining days and information panels along the track give you a glimpse into the past. Year-round access from Sheepyard Flat. Fry's Flat is seasonally closed to vehicles from June - October 31.
Horseriding
Horse riding (seasonally from November to May) is a great way to explore the Howqua Hills Historic area. Horse yards are available at Fry's Flat and Tunnel Bend Flat with further yards located nearby in the Alpine National Park. Horse yard bookings must be arranged prior to arrival by contacting the Mansfield office on 13 1963.
History
Tunnel Bend is named after the 100m tunnel built in 1884 as a link between the Howqua River and the four kilometre hand cut water race to the "Hanney" waterwheel at Sheepyard Flat. The tunnel entrance can be seen near the base of the steps at Tunnel Bend.
The remains of the water race can be seen above the road between Tunnel Bend and Sheepyard Flat. It was constructed to carry water to power the "Hanney" waterwheel. The "Hanney" was 18 metres in diameter and drove the crushers which broke the ore into a suitable size for smelting in the furnace. The brick chimney and smelting furnace, built in 1884, is still standing and is visible on the Heritage Walk between Sheepyard Flat and Fry's Flat.
Fry's Hut
Master Bushman, Fred Fry built his home in the late 1930s. Using split timber and with his own personal style of workmanship he erected many huts in the region including Upper Jamieson Hut, Ritchies Hut, Gardiners Hut and Noonans. Fred's life in the Howqua Valley was the basis of Neville Shute's 1950 novel 'The Far Country'. Overnight camping is not permitted in Fry's Hut.
Aborigines, quarries and gold mining
Aborigines used the Howqua River as a major trade and war route across the Great Dividing Range. They had several quarries in the area that yielded the prized Howqua greenstone. Selected for its hardness, Aborigines used it for stone axes, spearheads and cutting tools.
European settlement began in the 1840's when pastoral company Watson and Hunter began grazing this area, known as part of the Howqua run. Grazing of this area still continues today.
The discovery of alluvial gold during the 1860's heralded major changes for the valley. A gold-bearing reef was discovered in the 1870's and mining began in earnest. The main mining companies were the Mountain Chief, Great Rand and Howqua United. The population soared and in 1888 the township of Howqua was proclaimed. It had a smithy, hotel, butcher, bakery, post office and several boarding houses. The rush was short lived and by 1905 all major goldmining operations had come to an end.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash at all times.
Location and Access
The Howqua Hills Historic Area is located 30 minutes drive from Mansfield via Merrijig by taking the Howqua Track, a gravel road 3 km past Merrijig on the Mount Buller Road.
Note: Photos from Parks Victoria
Location
Howqua Hills Track, Howqua Hills 3723 Map
Web Links
→ Howqua Hills Historic Area
→ Howqua Hills Historic Area - Visitor Guide (PDF)
