Child friendly rating: 3 stars

Distance: 2.5km

Signposted time: 3 hours

Bookings Required? No

Suitable in Winter? No

Camping Available? Yes

4wd required? No

Parking: Park straight off SH73 at the Kelly Carpark. It is right after the bridge over Kelly's Creek.

The Track: With how steep this track is, it seems counter-intuitive to be a 'child friendly' hut, however its short distance and exciting climbing makes it much more exciting than many huts that are actually labelled 'child friendly'.

It is a serious uphill climb the whole way to the hut, so not as toddler friendly unless they're in the carrier the whole way, but experienced and/or confident kids 4+, or less experienced kids around 6+ will enjoy the scramble. Just make sure you don't load their packs up too heavy to make the climb easier.

The track starts off getting steeper, then there is a less steep section, and then the track gets steeper again.

Most of this section is climbing up over tree roots, and won't be fun if it's too muddy.

Once you're out of the bushline, the track flattens out a little again, and you can see the hut when you turn around the corner. This last section is exposed to wind and hot sun. If it's windy and cold, this will be very unpleasant.

I've visited this hut twice with kids in child carriers, and done it under the signposted time. With kids walking themselves, you'd take a little longer than the signposted time, but I find that usually steep tracks you can complete in closer to the signposted time than flat long 'boring' tracks.

Generally, the walk down should be much faster than the signposted time as you'll need less breaks. Little kids will probably take just as long though with their little legs.

Hut: The hut is a lovely newer hut. There is plenty of camping space too, but the camping is better another half an hour past the hut, at the tarns. Beds in the hut are platform-style.

There are many weka around too.

Recommendations: If you've already visited all the local 4 and 5 star huts, or your kids are finding these flat easy tracks boring, this is a great step up.

Being alpine, the weather can however change quickly so recommended to visit in warmer weather with a good weather forecast, including low wind levels. Make sure little little kids have waterproof pants on as there will likely be a lot of bum-sliding on the way down, and lying on tummies on the way up.