THE AKUBRA BRUMBY
Celebrating 30 Years of The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival
As the dust settles on another unforgettable weekend in Corryong, Victoria, we tip our hats to a celebration that brought the heart of the high country to life. The 30th anniversary of The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival was nothing short of extraordinary - a gathering of riders, poets, stockmen, and bush legends who came together to honour Australia's indomitable spirit.
A Tribute to the Bush
Named after Banjo Paterson's iconic poem, The Man from Snowy River, the festival pays tribute to the stockmen, their horses, and the untamed spirit of the Australian bush. Corryong becomes a hub of exciting competitions, live entertainment, historical reenactments, and family-friendly activities, all set against the backdrop of the stunning alpine landscape.
This year, Akubra joined the ride in a very special way.
A Hat Built for Legends
The Brumby carries the essence of the high country. With its 85mm brim and pinched teardrop crown, this hat is built for long days under open skies and nights around the campfire. But what makes this edition truly special is the commemorative leather sweatband embossed with a unique stamp: “Celebrating 30 years of The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival.”
It’s a quiet tribute, etched into every hat, for those who understand that legends aren’t born - they’re made, ride by ride, story by story.
The AKUBRA Brumby
Crafted in honour of this milestone event, The Brumby is more than just a hat—it’s a celebration of the strength, stories, and soul that define life in the bush.
The Brumby is a collector’s piece, created in limited numbers. Whether you rode in Corryong or simply carry the bush in your heart, this hat is your chance to own a piece of Australian heritage.
The Spirit of the Festival
This year’s festival vividly reminded us of the power of the Australian bush. From the crack of stockwhips to the thunder of hooves, from yarns shared over billy tea to the fierce pride in our rural roots, the atmosphere was electric. Among the crowd, The Akubra Brumby made its debut on the heads of riders, wranglers, and storytellers - reminding everyone that an Akubra is more than an accessory; it’s part of the journey.
Made to Last, Made in Australia
Like every Akubra hat, The Brumby is made from 100% rabbit fur felt. Tough enough for the elements, yet refined in detail, it’s finished with a plaited leather band and an Akubra plate. Designed to be passed down, it embodies the spirit of the bushmen it honours.
Wearing the Legend:
Guy McLean & The Akubra Brumby
A conversation on tradition and timeless rides with one of Australia’s most iconic bushmen.
You’ve performed all over the world, but what makes The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival feel so uniquely special to you?
The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival is the perfect example of what an Australian bush festival can be when passion meets dedication. Around the world, many events focus on glitz, glamour, and bright lights. But this gathering remains deeply rooted in our true Australian bush culture, as solid and enduring as the mountain ranges that surround it. From humble beginnings, it has grown into a towering gum tree that now rightfully claims its place on the world stage as a significant and meaningful global event.
Do you remember your first Akubra? What did it mean to you then and what does it mean now, riding in The Akubra Brumby?
My very first Akubra - one of many I’ve had over the years was the Cattleman. I used to ride through our 1,600-acre block in Queensland on a little chestnut mare named Nancy, reciting Banjo’s famous poem to myself and dreaming of one day becoming "the Man." That dream washed over me again this past weekend as I rode in for the second time in two years. Slipping on that Akubra was like reconnecting with that childhood vision. I eagerly await the chance to do it all again, if and when the stars align.
What does the spirit of the Australian bush mean to you—and how do you try to embody that in your horsemanship and storytelling?
When performing and teaching horsemanship across America and Canada, people often ask me to describe Australia in one word. The word that always comes to mind is “Real.” There’s no façade, no fakery, and no pretense. What you see is what you get. I try to carry that same spirit into every part of my life, from my bush block in Queensland to the spotlight of international arenas.
Being a true horseman has always been my dream. I live that dream through the time-honoured skills and attire of the proud Australian stockman, and through the deep relationships I share with my 35 horses across two continents. They’re a testament to what’s possible when you give your absolute best.
What’s one moment from this year’s Bush Festival that you’ll carry with you?
This year was especially meaningful because it was the first time I rode my incredible Australian Stock Horse stallion, Dreaming of Abbey, at the Festival. I performed with a liberty team made up of his talented offspring: Dreaming of Big Bucks, Dreaming of Droving, Divine Dream, Moves Like a Dream, and How 'Bout Den Dreams. Together, we rode as “Guy McLean and his ASH Dream Team” - a moment I’ll never forget.
You’ve inspired so many through your connection with horses and the land, what do you hope the next generation of bushmen and women take from stories like The Man From Snowy River?
I feel incredibly lucky to travel and perform with horses around the world and to experience different cultures. But I hope fellow Australians see what I see - that our culture, our way of life, and our traditions are just as rich and worthy. What began as a gathering of passionate mountain and bush men and women has grown into a world-class event. The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival isn’t just preserving our heritage, it’s creating its own history and inspiring a new generation to carry forward the crafts and values that shaped our past and will shape our future.
