This story is part of our Australian Back Roads and Remote Travel series.
A little bit of nostalgia, but a whole lot of Australia.
One weekend in April we found ourselves deep in the heart of high country legend – at the Man from Snowy River Festival in Corryong, Victoria. Tucked into the foothills where brumbies still roam and stories still carry weight, this is the kind of place where Australian folklore doesn’t just live… it breathes.
The drive in set the tone long before we arrived. Winding roads gave way to sweeping valleys, with the mountains rising steady in the distance. There’s a quiet shift that happens out here — the pace slows, the air sharpens, and you start to feel like you’re stepping into something older than the road beneath you.
We were lucky enough to be invited along by good friends, Carly and Geoff, to experience a piece of history shaped by Banjo Paterson’s Clancy of the Overflow — a story that has defined the bushman spirit for generations. This is Clancy country. And more than that, it’s the land that inspired The Man from Snowy River film — now over 40 years on, yet still etched into the Australian imagination.
A small town transformed by history each year
Corryong itself is a quiet township of around 1,300 people. But come festival weekend, it transforms. The population swells to more than 6,000, and suddenly the town is alive with energy. Utes line the streets, campfires flicker into the evening, and Akubras and R.M. Williams boots seem to outnumber sneakers ten to one.
There’s a strong sense of pride here — not just in the event, but in what it represents.
The festival celebrates bush heritage in its rawest form. Bush poetry drifts across the grounds, drawing quiet crowds. Whip cracking cuts sharply through the air, echoing across the showgrounds. Horsemen and women move with a confidence that only comes from years in the saddle.
And then there are the brumbies — wild, powerful, and central to the story that draws everyone here.
A celebration of Australian literature and legend
One of the standout moments is the recreation of the famous ‘Colt from Old Regret’ scene. But rather than the main arena, this takes place a short drive away in the Thowlga Valley. The setting adds something special — a natural backdrop that feels closer to the original story. Watching it unfold out there, surrounded by the landscape that inspired it, brings a deeper sense of authenticity.
Equally powerful is the arrival of Riley’s Ride. After five days crossing the alpine terrain, once traversed by the infamous Jack Riley, riders make their way into Corryong carrying dust, fatigue, and quiet pride. It’s more than just a ride — it’s a rite of passage. Watching them come in, you can’t help but feel a deep respect for what they’ve completed.
I’ll admit — heading into the weekend, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But somewhere between the early morning chill, stories shared over a drink, and the steady rhythm of life on the showgrounds, something shifted. There’s a feeling here that’s hard to describe — a genuine connection to Australia’s past.
Camping – the best way to do it
Our campsite added another layer to the experience.
We were based about 26 kilometres out of town, near Tintaldra, along the Murray River. It was one of those spots you don’t forget. No crowds, no noise — just us, the river, and the mountains. The nights were freezing, the kind that pull you closer to the fire. But the mornings made up for it. Sunrises stretched across the hills in soft gold, while evenings closed out with long, quiet sunsets.
Each day felt perfectly bookended.
Back in Corryong, the festival rolled on from morning through to night. Food stalls, live music, kids running around in gym shoes or proudly wearing their first pair of R.M. Williams boots, and locals sharing stories like they’ve been waiting all year to tell them. There’s a warmth to country hospitality here that feels effortless.
It’s not polished — and that’s exactly the point.
Book early and get it into the calendar
If there’s one thing I’d say — add this one to your bucket list.
It’s not just an event you attend. It’s something you step into. A chance to experience a piece of Australian identity that still holds strong. While not every part will be for everyone, there’s enough here that everyone will find something that sticks.
A quick tip — book early. Accommodation fills fast, often close to a year in advance. But don’t let that put you off. The wider Snowy River region opens its doors for the weekend, with campsites, farm stays, and motels all within a short drive. The whole community gets behind it, making sure visitors leave with something worth remembering.
For more details on the festival and planning your trip, check out the official website.
And finally — a big thank you to Carly and Geoff for inviting us along to share a part of your 2026 adventure.
Some trips are about ticking boxes.
Others stay with you. This one… stays.
The Ghost of Jack Riley
While Banjo Paterson’s 1890 poem immortalized the ‘Man’ in the Australian imagination, the festival in Corryong honors the real-life inspiration: Jack Riley. A legendary stockman and hermit who lived in the shadow of Mount Kosciuszko, Riley’s grave lies in the Corryong cemetery. This isn’t just a festival; it’s a living link to the 19th-century bushman spirit that defined a burgeoning national identity.
After a long career in military service, corporate life, and business creation/ownership, my focus is now on new and inspiring projects, with a strong emphasis on living fully and meaningfully. I enjoy travel that goes beyond the typical tourist path, seeking out authentic experiences, connecting with local communities, and immersing myself in true culture. When I’m not exploring the road less travelled, you’ll likely find me trout fishing, camping, spending time outdoors, or enjoying the simple pleasure of being with my grandchildren.