Kosciuszko National Park Post-Bushfire Hut Rebuild | Part 4: Bradleys and O'Briens Hut
Tucked away just south of Cabramurra, along the Tooma Road, Bradleys and O'Brien's Hut is a timeless reminder of the rich pastoral heritage of the Snowy Mountains. Originally built between 1952 and 1953 by Jack Bailey, a builder from Tumbarumba, this iconic hut has a storied past intertwined with summer grazing and the rugged mountain life. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services, Kosciuszko Huts Association and dedicated volunteers, the hut has now been rebuilt, preserving its historical significance for future generations to enjoy.
Bradleys and O'Brien's Hut was constructed for Pat O'Brien (also known as Patty or Hugh O'Brien) and Jack Bradley, two graziers who held snow leases in the area. Together with Jack’s sons, the team cut saplings and gathered timber from the northeastern ridge just behind the hut to build this humble structure. Over the decades, the hut has served as a refuge for graziers, hikers, and campers venturing into the Snowy Mountains. The Bradley and O’Brien families share many fond memories of the time spent in these highlands, making the hut not just a shelter, but a piece of their family history.
Prefabrication of materials took place in Tumut during the winter months, and as the snow began to melt in September, the rebuilding efforts commenced. Importantly, this restoration project does not aim to create a replica of the original hut, but rather, to capture its most significant elements while incorporating modern improvements.
Fire protection measures were a key focus of the rebuild. To safeguard the structure from future fires, teams worked to reduce gaps that might allow embers to enter the hut, added angled iron-clad window sills to prevent ignition and treated the timber with fire retardants. These updates ensure the hut remains resilient against the harsh environmental conditions it may face.
The restoration of Bradleys and O'Brien's Hut was made possible with the invaluable assistance of the Wagga Four Wheel Drive Club, who volunteered their time and resources. Their four-wheel drives and trailers were crucial in transporting logs, corrugated iron and other materials from Tumut up to the hut’s location. The club members not only delivered the materials but also got hands-on with the rebuilding, showcasing the powerful community spirit that these restoration projects inspire.
With Bradleys and O'Brien's Hut now restored, it becomes the fourth of eleven Kosciuszko huts to be rebuilt and reopened, following the successful restoration of Sawyers Rest House, Delany's Hut, and Vickery's Hut. These efforts preserve not only the physical structures but also the spirit of those who once lived and worked in these remote, awe-inspiring landscapes.
Huts to be rebuilt:
- Rest House at Sawyers Hill/Sawyers Hut
- Harveys Hut/Tantangara
- Vickerys
- Delanys
- Four Mile
- Happys
- Brooks
- Bradleys and O'Briens
- Fifteen Mile/Linesmans
- Round Mountain
For more information on the Huts in Kosciuszko or to get involved with the rebuild, visit the Kosciuszko Huts Association here.
Tom's Outdoors would like to thank:
Megan Bowden for her ongoing support in the making of this series
NPWS Builders Roger Rosenboom and Peter Dow
Kosciuszko Huts Association and its members
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Wagga Wagga 4WD Club
Bradley and O'Brien family descendants
The Patrick (Rex) O'Brien Family Photograph Archive (Re-Photographed by Jean Rice)
Graham Scully & Cynthia Whitehead
Tumut Building Supplies
Joe Burgess
Graeme Johnson and Sue Cross
Tumut & District Bushwalkers and all other volunteers
Filmed and edited:
Dean Johnson