Keppel Hut – Hidden in the Shadows of Lake Mountain

Keppel Hut – Where History Hides in the Forest

Tucked away beneath the towering trees of the Yarra Ranges, Keppel Hut feels like something out of a bushwalking daydream. Surrounded by tall mountain ash and dense rainforest, it’s a world apart from the wide-open ridgelines of the Alpine High Country—but no less deserving of a place in your hut sticker collection.

Originally built as a bush refuge, Keppel Hut is now a popular stop for hikers, overlanders, and history buffs wanting to explore the wild beauty of Mount Donna Buang and Acheron Gap.

A Hut with Deep Roots

Keppel Hut was constructed in the early 1900s to support cattlemen and later bushwalkers navigating the dense forests of the Yarra Ranges. It has been rebuilt a few times due to fire and wear but still holds its rustic charm.

It’s one of the few huts in the area that blends cool temperate rainforest with traditional High Country hut aesthetics—a true forest retreat that’s stood the test of time.

How to Get There

You’ll find Keppel Hut in the Yarra Ranges National Park, accessed via:

• Acheron Way or Donna Buang Road, depending on direction
• Final section of track can be rough—4WD recommended, especially after rain

The area is seasonally closed during winter, and access may be affected by fallen trees or wet conditions, so always check with Parks Victoria.

Camping at Keppel Hut

There’s a small camping area near the hut that suits:

• Hikers doing multiday loops
• Touring 4WDers after a quiet night
• Bushwalkers exploring Mount Donna Buang

Facilities are limited:

• Flat ground for tents and swags
• Open fire pits (check restrictions)
• No toilets or running water—bring what you need

It’s the perfect base to unplug, light a fire, and listen to the forest breathe.

Why It’s One of the Coolest Huts Around

Literally—it’s shady, green, and cooler in climate than most High Country huts. Keppel gives off serious Jurassic Park meets mountain cattleman vibes, making it a favourite for those who prefer the mossy rainforest feel over snow gum plains.

Whether you're after a detour from the main High Country circuit or just chasing a hut with a different flavour, Keppel won’t disappoint.

Mark the Moment with a Keppel Hut Sticker

If you’ve made it to Keppel, you've found a hidden gem in the tall timbers.

Grab your Keppel Hut sticker and celebrate the detour less taken.

Because some of the best tracks lead to places where nobody else is.

On a hut-hopping trip? Don’t miss nearby stops like Lovick’s Hut or Mt Terrible for more stories from the High Country.

Track it. Mark it. Send it.
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Want more hut stories? Head over to The Hut Files for more backcountry legends.