Myths and Icons of the Victorian High Country
Myths and Icons of the Victorian High Country
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A great walk needs a great story, and Australian trails are no exception, inspiring a multitude of myths and icons that setup the walking Bushmen identity we know and love today. Hearing the crackle of a stick underneath your boot is all it takes to transport you back in time.
Some honorable mentions;
- Mundi Mundi Plains: Mad Max 2 & Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
- Arnhem Land: Ten Canoes
- Flinders Ranges: Rabbit-Proof Fence
…and of course the Victorian High Country’s ‘The Man From Snowy River’, which we standby as the most iconic view of the Aussie bushland.
The moment Tom Burlinson (or more probably his stunt double) rides down the side of the misty mountain in the film, an iconic moment in Australian cinema was born and has become ever popular with travelers and explorers looking to relive that Australian spirit.
Landscapes of Victorian High Country which include the Alpine National Park, the region around Mansfield, Mount Buller, and Mount Stirling, are brilliantly defined by the snow gums, the lush bush, and the rolling mountains – how romantic!
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The weather that encourages different activities year-round means you’ll always be on your feet exploring through ever-changing alpine landscapes.
It’s not just natural wonders that you’ll experience, the enchanting landscape also hides some of the most recognizable film props in Aussie film history: most notably Craig’s Hut which along with other historic locations have been restored continually by local governments. Banjo Patterson should get some credit too…
The Alpine National Park
The High Country is located in the north-east of Victoria, and you’ll find a little of everything here.
This whole package has national parks, Victoria’s highest mountains, lakes, snow resorts, vineyards, and a rich history including gold discovery, cattlemen, and bushrangers. Parks Victoria has continuously worked on restoring heritage sites (mostly huts) that stick out as little gems in a sea of wilderness.
It is no wonder that the area attracts visitors, local and international, that are drawn to local produce, touring routes and plains of wild grasses. You’ll discover species of swamp wallabies, wombats, echidnas and endangered mountain pygmy possums.
Australian treasures like Banjo Paterson’s poem, The man from Snowy River, was filmed in locations dotted around the Victorian High Country rather than the poem’s referenced Snowy Mountains – no mystery why the director George T. Miller opted for these mountain peaks… they are just that scenic!
Banjo Paterson: The Man the Myth the legend
Every Aussie has heard of the man Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson, but just in case, he was an Australian bush poet, journalist and author. He wrote about Australian life, focusing particularly on the rural and outback areas. Paterson’s most notable poems include “The Man from Snowy River” and “Waltzing Matilda”, which all Australians can agree is the ‘unofficial national anthem’.
Banjo’s works spoke of a highly romantic view of the bush and the iconic figure of the bushman. His represented the bushman as a tough, independent and heroic underdog – the ideal qualities underpinning the national character.
His below poem, ‘The Man from Snowy River’ takes us to those scenes.
There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around
That the colt from old Regret had got away,
And had joined the wild bush horses–he was worth a thousand pound,
So all the cracks had gathered to the fray.
All the tried and noted riders from the stations near and far
Had mustered at the homestead overnight,
For the bushmen love hard riding where the wild bush horses are,
And the stock-horse snuffs the battle with delight
Source: https://www.poetrylibrary.edu.au/
Craig’s Hut, a film prop that became heritage listed
The famous scene from The Man from Snowy River was named as having one of the top 100 views in Australia!
The original Craig’s Hut, inspired by traditional lodging used by cattle drovers for temporary shelter, was built for the movie but was burnt down in a bushfire in 2006.
A replica was completed in 2008. There are a couple of hundred huts (or their ruins) scattered through the Australian Alps; some built for fishermen, skiers, miners, or hydro workers as well as graziers. Most are only accessible on foot.
Victorian High Country Walking Tour
We run tours from the charming village town of Bright that sits at the foot of the High Country right through April and November 2021 where you’ll experience the fullness of Fresh mountain air, sweeping alpine vistas, classic mountain huts, and picturesque snow gum meadows are in store on this fabulous Victorian High Country walking tour.
Learn more about Victorian High Country tours.
Thinking about exploring this spectacular region on your own? Take a look at our guide ‘Everything you need to know about hiking Victorian High Country‘ As well as a full guide to what this wonderful region has to offer in all 4 seasons.
