Heritage ride ... the Man from Snowy River challenge.
If you love a good yarn around a camp fire, the sound of thundering horses and the rekindling of Australian folklore, you will feel at home at the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival.
Next month the picturesque town of Corryong, situated high in the Upper Murray at the foothills of the Australian Alps, will pay homage to the legend of the man from Snowy River, Jack Riley, reputedly the inspiration for A.B. "Banjo" Paterson's famous poem.
The festival celebrates traditional bush culture and skilled horsemanship, providing a chance to kick up your heels - in riding boots, of course. Festival chairwoman, Sandra Beirs, says the festival is an important event that reminds people of their history and the Aussie bush spirit.
"We need to keep this legend alive for future generations to enjoy and celebrate," she says. "It is a unique gathering of those from both city and country who love the freedom of the bush and enjoy the high mountain air. It is a weekend of horsemanship and entertainment for all ages."
The festival has been held for 16 years, apart from 2008, which saw it cancelled due to the outbreak of equine influenza. This year more than 12,000 people are expected to attend from April 8-11.
It also features the commemorative Riley's Ride, held since 1989, which is limited to 50 riders, including Mavis Lockwood from Mount Gambier, who is in her 80s. It is so popular there's a waiting list until 2014.
Jack Riley was the legendary horseman who migrated from Ireland to Australia in 1854, aged 13. He worked as a tailor but found his true passion as a stockman and worked for the Pierce family of Greg Greg near Corryong.
He lived in a hut high up in the hills of Tom Groggin station and loved the Snowy Mountain country, a good yarn and a drink or two.
The story goes he was a good mate of Walter Mitchell of Towong Station who introduced him to Paterson in 1890 while on a camping trip. They trekked the Kosciuszko ranges and the Snowies and shared many campfires and yarns.
Later Riley was found ill by his mates but died while they were bringing him to Corryong for medical attention. Each year Riley's Riders commemorate his final trip to Corryong.
Riley is buried in Corryong Cemetery.
Fifty riders will set out with their support groups from Tom Groggin Station to retrace the last steps of Jack Riley.
The four-day ride covers about 30 kilometres a day of mountainous terrain, with usually five to eight hours in the saddle. It follows a spectacular route through the Upper Murray.
The ride finishes with a re-enactment of the poem The Man from Snowy River by the horse performing team, Animal Wranglers Entertainment, on April 9 outside the town at Thougla, 5 kilometres from Corryong, followed by a street parade and ceremony at the Corryong Cemetery.
As well as paying tribute to Riley, the ride also applauds the efforts of those who tried to save him.
The Man from Snowy River Challenge endeavours to find the modern-day Man from Snowy River. Testing all round horsemanship, horsemen and women compete in six gruelling events set to challenge the most skilled professional riders and horses. The top 10 gain a place in the two final events - the brumby catch and the stock saddle buckjump - with the winner taking the crown.
The bush gathering of mountain riders, poets, artists and lovers of the Australian high country and the pioneering spirit features a street parade, art and photography exhibition, ute muster, bush poetry competition with $5000 in prize money and concerts with Korey Livy.
Bush poet Geoffrey Graham will perform his new show Wool, Sweat and Tears. There will be horseshoeing demonstrations, street markets and the Aussie Bush Idol competition.
Other activities Visit the Man from Snowy River Museum. It traces the life of Riley and houses a collection of ski memorabilia and local history.
Try your luck at landing a rainbow or brown trout while fly fishing in the many streams and creeks in the area or, for an adrenalin rush, whitewater rafting, rock climbing and canoeing.
Visit the Snowy Hydro's Murray One power station 10 kilometres above Khancoban on the Alpine Way. Call in for a beer at the 150-year old Tintaldra pub or visit the historic Tintaldra store, built in 1864, and see the oldest grandstand in NSW, featured in the film, Phar Lap, at Corryong.
In winter you can view snow-capped Mount Kosciuszko from Corryong, which is just a 30-minute drive away. There are lots of bush tracks that lead to the High Plains that are often covered in wild flowers. Don't be surprised if the majestic scenery of the high country stops you dead in your tracks - it is spectacular.
Corryong is 437 kilometres north-east of Melbourne via the Hume Freeway and Murray Valley Highway and is 120 kilometres east of Albury. It has a population of about 1200.
Accommodation is also available in neighbouring villages of Khancoban, Walwa and Jingellic.
For festival details phone (02) 6076 1992 or see bushfestival.com.au. For tourism details visit the Corryong Visitor Information Centre, 50 Hanson Street, Corryong, phone (02) 6076 2277 or see pureuppermurrayvalleys.com.
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.