Old Hut Site remote bush camp

Old Hut Site remote bush camp occupies a small, exposed saddle between Mount Barney's east and west peaks. The appeal is immediate—high-country views and a useful base for experienced mountaineers—but the trade-offs are serious. There is one four-person site, no facilities, a long steep approach and weather exposure that can turn a mild forecast into a cold, windy night.

This is not an introductory overnight hike. Queensland Parks describes South Ridge as steep, with several exposed rock scrambles, and expects campers to be self-sufficient.

The site and seasonal closure#

The official inventory is one site for no more than four people. The clearing has soil and leaf litter rather than a formed tent pad. Pack a compact tent, keep gear within the existing footprint and avoid expanding the clearing into the sensitive saddle vegetation.

Because the camp is exposed, tent choice and placement matter. Bring a shelter that can handle mountain wind, use all appropriate guylines and keep loose equipment secured. A warm valley afternoon says little about conditions between the peaks after sunset. Carry insulation for a cold, damp night and keep a dry layer accessible rather than buried at the bottom of the pack.

Old Hut Site closes every year from 1 December to 31 January. Queensland Parks cites high temperatures, associated fire danger and regeneration of the site. Do not assume an unavailable summer date is a booking glitch. Outside that period, check Mount Barney park alerts, the forecast and fire conditions before leaving.

Getting there safely#

The official campground page describes a four-to-five-hour walk from Yellow Pinch via South Ridge. Expect a steep ascent and exposed scrambling with an overnight pack. Carry the Mount Lindesay 9441-31 topographic map; the official grid reference is 698 716.

Navigation matters around the saddle and on the return. Start early enough to find the clearing and establish camp in daylight. A route that feels manageable in dry conditions can become slippery, obscured or slow in mist and rain. Leave a detailed trip plan with someone who will raise the alarm if you do not report back.

Water, cooking and communications#

There are no toilets, taps, shelters or bins. Queensland Parks says creek water must be treated, but does not promise it will be flowing. Carry a conservative supply and regard any creek refill as conditional. Bring a first-aid kit, map and compass, torch, warm and waterproof layers, insect repellent, rubbish bags and a trowel for burying faecal waste correctly.

Open fires are prohibited; use a fuel stove. Generators are not allowed. Mobile coverage is described as average, but terrain can block a signal, so it should not be the emergency plan. Carry a personal locator beacon or satellite communicator.

What campers say#

Multiple public trip accounts reinforce the official difficulty rather than softening it. Aussie Bushwalking reviews repeatedly describe heavy-pack ascents taking several hours, route-finding mistakes around the saddle and nights that can be below freezing with strong wind. A detailed Bushwalking Blog overnight report describes the clearing as small, the approach as rough and some scrambling as awkward with a pack.

Water is the recurring uncertainty. Some walkers report a nearby stream running, while a Bushwalk Australia discussion warns that high-saddle sources may not be reliable in the dry season. The safest interpretation is to carry enough water and treat anything collected. Campers also emphasise checking the correct line out of the saddle; faint alternatives become more confusing in cloud or fading light.

Booking#

Reserve the single site through the Queensland Parks booking service. Check-in is after 2pm and check-out is before 11am. A permit controls use of the sensitive clearing but is not a judgment that the route, weather or water supply is suitable for your group.

If the site is full, CampWatch can monitor supported cancellations. Do not substitute an unofficial clearing or exceed the four-person limit.