Tralee Slab Hut

 

Repairs in 2011 using timber skills appropriate to the era has restored the Tralee slab hut. The new work can be seen left below. The site is currently fenced off and not accessible.

How to get there?

From Dog Trap Creek turn left onto Mugga Lane then left onto the Monaro Highway. Turn right into Tralee Street, then right and veer right at the roundabout. The slab hut can be viewed on the right at the corner. 

From the Visitors Centre continue south over Commonwealth Bridge. Take Capital Circle around Parliament House, turn left into Canberra Avenue for 4 km. Turn left onto the Monaro Highway. Turn left into Tralee Street, then right and veer right at the roundabout. The slab hut can be viewed on the right at the corner. 

Why is this interesting?

The Tralee slab hut demonstrates a distinctive building technique of vertical and horizontal slab construction during the late 1800s. The construction reflects the pioneer's life, skills and the availability of raw materials.

The Morrison family, who lived here for 19 years in the early 20th century, were farmers and sheep graziers. Over time they acquired numerous parcels of land within the area. When land was resumed by the Commonwealth for the formation of the Federal Capital Territory, the Morrisons obtained land in NSW where 'a new Tralee' was established.

Recent expansion of the Hume industrial estate has isolated Tralee slab hut and the 1927 Couranga weatherboard homestead next door. The large Radiata Pine tree is thought to be part of an original row of trees associated with the homestead.

Funding by ACT Government enabled the Kosciuszko Huts Association to restore the slab hut using timber skills appropriate to the era.