There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around
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That the colt from old Regret had got away,
CORRYONG owes much to Banjo Paterson’s The Man From Snowy River but the debt is mutual as the iconic poem took inspiration from the rugged beauty and bush tradition of the region.
This combination of natural assets and local history makes a trip out the Murray Valley Highway to Corryong via Tallangatta, the town that moved in the 1950s, an enjoyable day of seeing what is and imagining what was.
Travelling east from Albury-Wodonga, the drive to Tallangatta is about 30 minutes along on a winding road where sometimes you just have to ease off and forget about trying to overtake that truck.
Before going into the town, turn right towards the lookout, which was upgraded recently and offers a good view of the district.
It’s quite a steep drive up and you should prepare to be ignored by grazing cattle unwilling to share their rights to the track.
From this height Tallangatta looks quite compact and contained, perhaps because the present town sprang up all at once when it was relocated from its original site eight kilometres further east.
Old Tallangatta, which dated back to the 1870s, had to go because the town would be under water following the extension of Lake Hume.
The shift began in 1954, with many timber buildings moved but those built of brick, including hotels, halls and churches, were demolished and rebuilt in the new town.
Tallangatta opened officially in June 1956 and today it is a pretty town notable for central triangle of green lawn that includes a playground, picnic and barbecue area and an information building that outlines the district’s unique past.
A wander down the main shopping strip in Towong Street reveals several interesting enterprises including The Hub craft shop, which displays a range of locally made jams and preserves, baby clothes, wooden toys and knitted goods.
There are several options if you’re wanting a snack and places to pick up a memento of your visit.
Tallangatta’s link to the 1950s is maintained through the 50s Heritage and Oldtime Theatre and the annual 50s festival each October.
Lakeside Drive fulfils its name, but there is also a walking track that takes you close to Lake Hume and its potential for boating and fishing.
A more challenging trek is the High Country Rail Trail, a combination of gravel and paved tracks for walkers and cyclists based on the former Wodonga to Cudgewa railway line.
Divided into sections between Bandiana and Shelley, the Tallangatta to Old Tallangatta leg is eight kilometres long and graded as easy.
Old Tallangatta is marked by a lookout and information boards with a street map that indicates the demolished buildings, illustrating clearly the scale of the relocation project.
Driving on towards Corryong, a small detour takes you through Cudgewa and on to the Cudgewa Bluff Falls, one of the region’s many natural attractions.
National and state parks are nearby and you can judge for yourself whether Pine Mountain really is Australia’s largest monolith, 1½ bigger than Uluru.
Coming into Corryong, the largest township in the Upper Murray with about 1800 people, The Man From Snowy River signs immediately give you a sense of its heritage.
Any lingering doubts are soon dispelled on Hanson Street when you see The Man From Snowy River Museum, which pays tribute to Jack Riley, a legendary stockman believed to be the original Man.
Born in Ireland, Riley came to Australia aged 13 and first worked in Omeo as a tailor before his skill with horses led him in another direction.
INTERACTIVE MAP: Daily top five activity recommendations
In the 1880s he was looking after cattle at Tom Groggin, leading an isolated, solitary life but not averse to visitors, whom he would regale with stories of his experiences.
One such guest was solicitor and writer A. B. “Banjo” Paterson, who in April 1890 first published his soon-famous poem in Sydney’s newspaper, The Bulletin.
Locals had no doubt about its origins and after Riley died in 1914, the title he had become known by was engraved on his headstone.
Riley’s grave is located in Corryong’s cemetery and is worth a visit, not least for the information boards near the entrance, which include the text of Paterson’s poem.
The Man From Snowy River Museum seeks to preserve the early history of the Upper Murray through its ski collection, clothing, mining items, artifacts and photos.
Outside, a school, bank, lockup, police station and Jarvis’ Cottage create Riley’s Village, which is set among sheds with blacksmith and farming equipment.
As well as pioneer days, the museum remembers the region’s involvement in past wars from the Boer War through to Vietnam.
A highlight is the rug knitted by Jim Simpson during his time as a prisoner of war during World War II.
The rug took about six weeks to complete and depicts Australia as well as mountains, lakes, islands and each state’s coat of arms.
Further along Corryong’s main street lies the visitor information centre, opened last year and flanked by a distinctive statue that also touches on The Man From Snowy River’s ride.
A haven on a hot day, the centre’s resources offer plenty of ideas on how to spend your time, especially if you are staying more than one day.
Those keen on fishing may like to sample Nariel Creek, Cudgewa Creek or spots along the Murray River.
The bush and mountain setting makes four-wheel drive touring a possibility.
For the more adventurous, hang gliding, white water rafting, canoeing or abseiling can be attempted.
Instead of returning home the way you came, a scenic route along the Murray River Road allows you to see more of the Upper Murray.
This journey leads you to Tintaldra, where the general store — the region’s first — is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
Several events this year will recognise the Tintaldra Store’s contribution since 1864, including a Pianola Party to be held tomorrow.
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