Is the man from snowy river real or not?

The Man from Snowy River is a fictional character created by Australian poet Banjo Paterson in his famous poem of the same name, published in 1890. While the poem captures the spirit of the Australian bush and the rugged lifestyle of its inhabitants, the character himself is not based on a real person. However, the story reflects the culture and experiences of the time, making it an enduring piece of Australian folklore.