Blue Range Hut

Blue Range Hut is located in Uriarra Forest on Blue Range Road, 2.6 km from the turn-off on Brindabella Road.

Originally an internment camp for Italians during World War II, Blue Range Hut was the galley of the camp. A plaque to commemorate the workers of the afforestation project in this area during World War II has been erected on the chimney of the hut. Prior to the 2003 bushfires, there were several interesting arboreta located nearby.

The area is a popular place to picnic, horse ride, cycle and camp (bookings essential) and the hut is available to hire for functions and overnight stays. The hut is sparse with only an open fireplace and picnic table inside, as well as wood fired and gas barbeques outside and pit toilets. Bookings are essential. Call Canberra Connect on 132281.

Prior to European settlement, the surrounding area of Uriarra was often the location for Aboriginal gatherings. The first European settlers in Uriarra were the McDonald family in 1838. The land suffered serious soil erosion because of over-grazing by sheep and rabbits. The nearby Cotter Dam was built in 1915 and its level raised in 1950. The dam served as Canberra's only domestic water supply until 1967 when the gravity main from the Bendora Dam was completed. In order to preserve the water quality of the Cotter Dam, the agricultural land surrounding the dam was planted with pine trees from 1925 onwards. These pines, of which Pinus radiata proved the best, became the basis of a thriving timber industry.