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Paton's Hut: A Glimpse into Snowy Mountains Grazing History

Discover a historic grazier's hut on a scenic walk in Kosciuszko National Park, offering alpine views, bird watching, and a glimpse into the Snowy Mountains' past.

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Paton's Hut, nestled in Kosciuszko National Park near Tooma Dam, offers a gentle 5.4km return walk to a rebuilt grazier's hut. Originally constructed in 1934 by the Paton family, the hut provides a window into the region's high-country grazing heritage and the resilience of the landscape after the 2003 bushfires.

A brief summary to Paton's Hut

  • Kosciuszko National Park, Jagumba, New South Wales, 2642, AU
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during the warmer months (November to May) to avoid road closures and snow cover.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.
  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Check the Kosciuszko National Park website for alerts and closures before you go.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Most visitors drive to Paton's Hut. From Khancoban, drive northwest along Alpine Way for approximately 5.8km to the Swampy Plains Creek Road turn-off. Take Swampy Plains Creek Road towards Cabramurra for about 28km to Tooma Reservoir/Dam. Parking is available near the trackhead. Note that Kosciuszko National Park entry fees apply. During the winter peak season (June to October long weekend), the fee is $29 per vehicle per day; during the rest of the year, it's $17 per vehicle per day. Also, it's recommended that all vehicles carry snow chains from the June to October long weekends.

  • Walking

    From the Tooma Dam/Reservoir carpark, the Paton's Hut walking track is a well-defined 5.4km return trail. The walk follows the Dargals Trail from near the Tooma Reservoir spillway to Paton's Hut. The closest public toilets are located inside the gate, near the carpark at the Tooma Reservoir trailhead. You'll also find a toilet at Patons Hut itself.

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Discover more about Paton's Hut

Paton's Hut walking track provides an accessible and scenic introduction to the history and natural beauty of Kosciuszko National Park. Located near Tooma Dam in the park's central wilderness, the 5.4km return trail leads to Paton's Hut, a simple iron structure with significant historical value. The hut was originally built in 1934 by Tom and Frank Buchanan Paton for their father, Frank Mackinnon Paton, for grazing purposes. It was subsequently used by the Snowy Mountains Authority (SMA) during the construction of the nearby Tooma Dam. The original hut was destroyed in the 2003 bushfires but was rebuilt in 2007/08. Today, it stands as a testament to the area's pastoral history and the regeneration of the Australian bush. The walk to Paton's Hut meanders through tall mountain gums and eucalypt forest, with potential sightings of native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats. In spring, wildflowers like buttercups and waxy bluebells add splashes of colour to the landscape. The hut itself features corrugated iron walls and roof, a timber slab floor, and a stone fireplace. It provides a sheltered spot to rest and reflect on the lives of the high-country graziers who once called this area home. While the Khancoban to Cabramurra Road is closed in winter (June to October long weekends), the Paton's Hut walking track is best enjoyed during the warmer months.

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