The Man from Snowy River is one of Australia’s most iconic films, and I had the rare pleasure of catching up with The Man from Snowy River himself, Tom Burlinson (aka Jim Craig).
Yes, he really did ride down that hill.
“That’s the main question,” Tom laughs. “And I’m glad to reply truthfully—it was me in those scenes of the terrible descent.” That unforgettable moment, captured in a single daring ride, became the cornerstone of the film’s legend—and Tom’s career.
Tom revealed that he was a city boy and had ridden a horse only a few times before being cast in the film. He was taught to ride by mountain cattleman Charlie Lovick, who owned the buckskin horse Burlinson rode in the film. Burlinson did much more of the action riding in the film than an actor normally would, including that vertical descent down a hill, which made him famous.
The film (made in 1982) is an Australian Western based on the poem of the same name by Banjo Patterson. Beyond its romantic story and stunning scenery, the film has also boosted regional communities in Australia. Since 1995, the story has been re-enacted at The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival in Corryong, Victoria and this year marked its 30th anniversary. It was also the highest-grossing Australian film ever to be made, “which was unheard of,” Burlinson explains.
And the hat? The iconic Akubra? “It was stolen from my flat after a New Year’s party in the ’80s,” Tom recalls. “It was shocking. I never got it back.” Though the loss still stings, he treasures the stock whip made for him by Lovick—one of the few remaining mementos from a legendary role.
Saddened by the news of the hat, I visited the Akubra stand at The Sydney Royal Easter Show to see what I could do to help. Amazingly Akubra has released the Jim Craig hat – a lovely tan colour with a band made of Kangaroo hide, almost sold out, a testament to the continuing popularity of this film.
Tom may not be riding down any more hills, but his role as Jim Craig remains timeless.
Listen to the full interview here:
