Join us upstairs at Gleebooks for the launch of A.D. Hope: A Life by Susan Lever.

Susan Lever will be in conversation with Peter Kirkpatrick on her new book – The first biography of Alec Derwent Hope (1907–2000), one of Australia's greatest poets.

This biography recounts Hope's early life in rural Tasmania, the influences of his education at Sydney and Oxford universities, his notoriety as a critic and wit in the 1940s and '50s, and his career as a poet and academic, which placed him at the centre of Australian literary life for over fifty years.

Drawing on Hope's poetry, notebooks and surviving letters to friends, biographer Susan Lever examines the many contrasts and contradictions of Hope's life: a polite, softly spoken man with a savage wit; a professor who refused to confine himself to the narrow specialisations of the academy; an intellectual with an emotionally complex inner life who lived in an outwardly conventional way in ordinary Australian suburbia; a poet responding to the major cultural shifts of the twentieth century and concluding that the contemporary poet's task was the renewal of tradition.

‘... a book everyone interested in modern literature will want to read.’ —Kevin Hart, author of Poetry and Revelation

Susan Lever taught literature for many years at the University of New South Wales, Canberra, and she is the author and editor of several books, including The Oxford Book of Australian Women's Verse and A Question of Commitment: Australian Literature in the Twenty Years after the War.

Peter Kirkpatrick has published widely in Australian literary studies and cultural history, and is an honorary associate professor in the discipline of English and Writing at the University of Sydney. He is the author of three poetry collections. His The Wild Reciter: Poetry and Popular Culture in Australia 1890–2020 was shortlisted for the 2025 Prime Minister’s literary award for Australian History in 2025.

Susan Lever will be in conversation with Robert Hefner on her new book A.D. Hope. A Life, the first biography one of Australia's greatest poets.

Alec Derwent Hope (1907–2000), with a long association with the Australian National University, was one of Australia's most acclaimed poets. His first collection was not published until he was forty-eight years old, mainly because of its sexual nature and fears of censorship, but its release cemented his reputation as the pre-eminent Australian poet of his time.This biography recounts Hope's early life in rural Tasmania, the influences of his education at Sydney and Oxford universities, his notoriety as a critic and wit in the 1940s and '50s, and his career as a poet and academic, which placed him at the centre of Australian literary life for over fifty years.

Drawing on Hope's poetry, notebooks and surviving letters to friends, biographer Susan Lever examines the many contrasts and contradictions of Hope's life: a polite, softly spoken man with a savage wit; a professor who refused to confine himself to the narrow specialisations of the academy; an intellectual with an emotionally complex inner life who lived in an outwardly conventional way in ordinary Australian suburbia; a poet responding to the major cultural shifts of the twentieth century and concluding that the contemporary poet's task was the renewal of tradition.

'In this highly engaging biography, Susan Lever provides invaluable insight into one of Australia's most important cultural figures, revealing A. D. Hope to be a poet of complexity, a generous promoter of other writers and an early advocate of Australian literary studies. This finely-researched book should generate much-needed fresh readings of Hope and his work.' —Ann Vickery,

Dr Susan Lever OAM, a graduate of the ANU and Sydney University, taught literature for many years at the University of New South Wales, Canberra, and she is the author and editor of several books, including The Oxford Book of Australian Women's Verse and A Question of Commitment: Australian Literature in the Twenty Years after the War.

Robert Hefner is a former Acting Editor and Assistant Editor of Eureka Street. He was Literary Editor of The Canberra Times from 1988 to 2000 and currently works as a freelance writer, editor and musician.

The vote of thanks will be given by Emeritus Professor Paul Hetherington.

Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm and again after the event.

Join us for the launch of The Ruin of Magic: Longing and Belonging in Strange Times by Kate Holden.

A poetic, roaming work of creativity and intellect

Is it possible to live wondrously by fluorescent light?

In The Ruin of Magic, award-winning writer Kate Holden follows in the footsteps of Katherine May, Maggie Nelson and André Aciman, crafting essays of intimate personal experience and sharply informed rumination on life in strange times.

Kate Holden will be in conversation with Sarah Hamilton

Meet us at 6:30pm for 7:00pm start at Ryan's Hotel Thirroul.

Readings Carlton are delighted to host the launch of award–winning author Kate Holden's The Ruin of Magic.

Kate Holden will be in-conversation with Chloe Hooper to discuss the book.

In gorgeous prose Holden meditates on her instinctive yearning for long-ago Europe versus the natural belonging she feels to the Australian landscape, and asks, What is a home? The strongest shelter or the most lethal trap, a museum of ourselves or a showcase of fashions? What, then, does it mean to make ourselves at home in an Australia still finding its way amidst old and avoided truths? Is nostalgia a reasonable mourning of timeless lore lost or a dangerous fantasy? And what has happened to magic and beauty in the glare of modern life?

Tony Abbott and Mark McKenna with Sally Warhaft

Books about Australia’s past continue to engage readers and dominate non-fiction bestseller lists. Tony Abbott, Rhodes Scholar, history buff, former parliamentarian and Australia’s 28^th Prime Minister, and Emeritus Professor Mark McKenna, of the University of Sydney (author of The Shortest History of Australia), will discuss their new books with anthropologist and broadcaster Sally Warhaft.

Sarah Bailey, Kate Mildenhall and Heather Rose with Jaclyn Crupi

For years, they forged successful careers in professions unrelated to the literary world. The desire to write a book  was too powerful, however. At what point can writers in Australia afford to go full-time? How do they survive financially, and how precarious/scary/rewarding/joyful is their choice?

Bob Brown, Tom McIlroy and Marian Wilkinson with Jo Dyer

This esteemed panel - former Greens leader Bob Brown, Guardian political editor Tom McIlroy and Walkley Award-winning journalist Marian Wilkinson - discuss "when did climate change politics become unsexy?"

Chris Hammer, Lee Kofman and Kate Holden with Hannie Rayson  

Three writers, each with very different writing styles and books, discuss what compelled them to write in their own voice, and capture their own thoughts on page. Playwright Hannie Rayson, who also takes workshops on memoir and biography writing, will host this event. 

Peter Doherty, Elizabeth Finkel and Corey Tutt with Libbi Gorr

What has caused some communities to doubt science’s research, findings and facts? And how much of this new scepticism is fuelled by politics? 

This session is supported by DeadlyScience  

Kate Holden, Lucinda Froomes Price and Jayne Tuttle with Peter Wilmoth

These writer guests reveal why they decided to commit their own personal stories to paper, and how cathartic (or otherwise) the process proved to be. 

Helen Trinca and Susan Wyndham with Laura Macdonald

The brilliant Australian post-war novelist and short story writer Elizabeth Harrower was private and guarded, and for many years readers knew little about her. With the arrival of two new biographies about her life, a new 21st Century fan club is emerging.

Hear from Moreno Giovannoni on his latest book, The Immigrants, a story of love, dreams, exile and tragedy, told with heartbreaking beauty.

Set in the Victorian town of Mitrefò, The Immigrants depicts a family as they build a new life in a strange land. Through love and exile, industry and tragedy, their unspoken dreams and fears unfold in this astonishing and moving book.

Moreno Giovannoni is the author of the critically acclaimed The Fireflies of Autumn and a freelance translator. The Immigrants was shortlisted for the 2026 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards.

Emma Shortis, Bruce Wolpe and Don Watson with Heather Ewart  

President Theodore Roosevelt once said: "The things that will destroy America are prosperity-at-any-price, peace-at-any-price, safety-first instead of duty-first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life.” Our panel stress-tests this theory against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s second administration and considers the country’s future as a world leader and prosperous, integrated civil democracy. 

Elizabeth Finkel, Jane Montgomery Griffiths and Sean Scalmer with Inala Cooper

In recent times, technology, sciences and technical skills have been deeply connected with jobs for the future,  while humanities were undervalued and resource-starved. With the arrival of AI, perhaps it’s time to rethink  the value of critical thinking, creativity, historical and social analysis, and clear communication. Welcome back, history, literature, philosophy and civics! Our panel discusses.

"We just have to be defiant,” says lifelong environmental activist and former Greens leader Dr Bob Brown. His new book Defiance presents challenges and provocations, ideas and new thinking, concern and optimism - and leaves the reader breathless with possibilities. We are honored to have Bob join us at Sorrento, in conversation with journalist and author Virginia Trioli.

Richard King and Toby Walsh with Seth Robinson

How humans might co-exist harmoniously with AI to achieve good is one of the most vexing questions of our age. Its positive impacts on education, science and medicine, research, climate and commerce are already part of our lives.  But what is the physical cost of digital intelligence? And how does it threaten our social and political fabric?  

Dennis Altman, Esther Anatolitis and Mark McKenna with Inala Cooper 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pretty much declared no referendum on whether Australia should become a republic - at least, not on his watch. Yet in the UK, calls for greater public scrutiny of the British Monarchy grow louder, while the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor saga continues to tarnish reputations and harness anti-Royal public sentiment.  The panel discusses: what next for Australia and the King as our Head of State? 

Don Watson with Paul Daley

Award-winning author, historian and contributor to The Monthly, Don Watson, joins journalist and author Paul Daley for a deep-dive into The Shortest History of the United States of America, Don’s new bestselling new book. 

Helen Trinca, Nadia Wheatley, Geordie Williamson and Susan Wyndham with Jason Steger

Join these biographers as they recall the journey of researching and writing the stories of some remarkable women authors. 

Join us for a drink and hear what it’s like to have your writing work acknowledged by the literary and journalism communities – with Bri Lee, Sofie Laguna, Erik Jensen, Patrick Mullins and Pip Williams. 

Candice Fox, Rosalie Ham and Niall Williams with Kate Mildenhall

Candice Fox, Rosalie Ham and Niall Williams have experienced their books being optioned and turned into movies. They discuss with writer Kate Mildehnall the process of seeing your characters and storyline come to life on the big screen. 

John Silvester, Kate Wild and Marian Wilkinson with Madeleine Grummet

An investigative journalist's anatomy of a scandal often reveals attempts to cover up, bury information, lie, blame others and fabricate stories result in more harm and more illegal or inappropriate behaviour. Our three multi award-winning journalists discuss what happens when smart people panic. 

Peter FitzSimons, Jock Serong and Helen Trinca with Michael Cathcart

How does a biographer deal with the ghost in the room, the person whose story you are trying to tell - creatively, engagingly and with accuracy? How do biographers navigate their way through truth, empathy, objectivity, admiration and those ”Eureka!” moments of discovery as they retell someone’s life journey? 

Sean Scalmer, Sarah Wilson and Toby Walsh with Stephen Lunn

In just five years, office life for most Australians has changed beyond what anyone might have imagined 10 or 20 years ago. Our panel members will share their research and observations how the modern worker’s routine has changed, and why anxiety, stress, breakdowns in physical and mental capacities, performative productivity and the erosion of home-work boundaries are very real challenges to employers and employees.

Bri Lee, Kate Mildenhall and JP Pomare with Hannie Rayson
Where do great characters come from? Do your family or friends ever recognise themselves in your work? And why is the flawed, imperfect oddball in a novel way more interesting than someone nice? 

Troy Bramston, Lucinda Holdforth and Don Watson with Libbi Gorr

Whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, a conference or a key-note, writing and delivering speeches is no easy task. Our three panel members - each speechwriters to Australian politics leaders - discuss how to take audiences on a journey they’ll never forget. 

Geraldine Brooks, Jennifer Byrne, Annabel Crabb and Marian Wilkinson with Tom Wright 

This session is supported by Pitcher Partners

Evelyn Araluen, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Erik Jensen, Richard King, Thomas Mayo and Richard Piper with Jane Montgomery Griffiths

This session is supported by I-Nex

Madeleine Gray, Sarah Krasnostein, Michael Shmith and Georgie Williamson with Jason Steger

Elizabeth Buchanan, Bob Carr and Toby Walsh with Steve Bracks 

War, invasion and conflict are still alive and well but in 2026, there are new forces in play threaten a nation’s security, including cyberspace and data centre control, “green grabbing” and the dismantling of indigenous land sovereignty, and acquiring land to ensure supply chains function. Our panel reflects upon land’s role as ultimate superpower asset.

Konrad Marshall, Martin McKenzie-Murray with Rose Donohoe

Newspaper sports sections - and sporting books - still produce some of journalism’s best reporting and finest writing. Our panel discusses why.

Chris Kohler and Marian Wilkinson with Daniel Ziffer  

Panel member Chris Kohler’s new book How They Get You:  Sneaky Everyday Economics and Smart Ways to Hold on to Your Money is the catalyst for a conversation with investigative journalist Marian Wilkinson about businesses that behave badly - and what communities can do to fight back. 

Sean Kelly, Amy Remeikis, Don Watson with Brendan Donohoe  

At a time when political pundits are questioning the Liberal -National Party alliance and its capacity to win government, our panel dissects the past, present and future of conservative politics in Australia. 

Desmond Manderson will be in conversation with Malcolm McLeod, Anna Olsen and Carolyn Strange on his new book High Time: How Australia Changed Its Mind About Illegal Drugs, a unique look at Australia's treatment of illegal drugs from the 1980s to the present.

How did the nation change its mind about drugs? Australia's repressive treatment of illicit drugs began with racist anti-Chinese laws around 1900. Until the mid-1980s, prohibition seemed absolute and unalterable, supported by local police forces, state and federal agencies and international law.

This book tells the surprising story of what happened next: the turn to a 'harm minimisation' approach. Compelled by the AIDS crisis and medical professionals agitating for change, Australian governments began to consider whether thousands of lives could be saved – not by preventing the use of drugs, but by reducing the risks associated with their use. Along the way, what began as a pragmatic response to a health crisis morphed into something more: a moral argument for compassion and respect.

Examining such controversial issues as pill testing, injecting rooms, medicinal cannabis, the opioid crisis, and vaping , High Time traces the efforts, often faltering and provisional, to forge a new path forward. Written with clarity and elegance by one of Australia's leading authorities on drug policy and history, it presents the story of Australian drug law as one that remains unfinished but is moving in a hopeful direction.

Books will be available for signing from 5.30pm and again after the event.

Readings Carlton are delighted to host the launch of Sirens: Inside the Shadow World of First Responders Martin McKenzie-Murray.

Martin McKenzie-Murray will be in-conversation with Gideon Haigh to discuss the book. 

Three first responders - a paramedic, a police officer and a firefighter - are motivated by a desire to serve the community. But they are drawn to their work by more complicated impulses as well- a need for control, an acute awareness of danger, and childhood experiences they are still running from.

Peter, a paramedic, served at high-profile disasters including the Port Arthur massacre and the Beaconsfield mine collapse. Tara, a firefighter, experienced devastating loss at a young age. Brett, a police officer, survived childhood neglect and abuse. In telling their stories, Martin McKenzie-Murray draws on his own experience and his research into trauma and recovery to ask profound questions about human motivation and survival.

This is a free event, but bookings are essential.

Join us for this free event to discover the secrets of the elusive echidna.
There are few animals more unusual than the echidna – a spiky, egg-laying mammal that eats ants.
But some of the most striking things about echidnas are things most of us don't know. That they use their snout like a snorkel when they swim, that they can sense electromagnetic fields, that they have intriguingly complex brains, startling physical strength and 'backwards' back feet. That they go into torpor when conditions are poor and can survive fires by sheltering underground. And that during the mating season, male echidnas will line up behind a female, making cooing noises and forming an orderly echidna train, waiting for their chance to impress her with some very strange reproductive equipment!

What’s happening:

Echidna Talk: Dive into the fascinating world of echidnas with a captivating talk by Danielle Clode on one of Australia's most unique creatures.

Book Launch: Signed copies of Danielle's new book The Enigmatic Echidna will be available for sale.

Echidna-Themed Kids Activities: Fun and educational hands-on activities for kids centred around our spiky friends.

Join us to open the 2026 Festival and celebrate 40 years of Melbourne Writers Festival.

Hear original readings and performances responding to this year’s theme, Visions & Revisions, from a lineup of extraordinary festival guests.

Featuring novelist, visual artist and poet Omar Musa, author and former political advisor Don Watson, poet, playwright and performing artist Ariana Reines, musician, composer and curator Sophia Brous, and the 2026 MWF First Nations curators: author Anita Heiss, journalist and broadcaster Daniel James, poet Evelyn Araluen and interdisciplinary artist and novelist Jessica Johns. 
 
Plus, The Age presents its Book of the Year awards for fiction and nonfiction. 
 
Come together to celebrate many visions and infinite revisions. 

The VCE Program offers Year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the curriculum, under the guidance of renowned local authors.  

Throughout the day, students will hear from beloved poet, author and activist Tony Birch, acclaimed poet and novelist Maxine Beneba Clarke, and award-winning memoirist Alice Pung.  

The day will conclude with a no-holds barred Ask Me Anything session with the afternoon’s speakers, Clarke and Pung. These interactive sessions will encourage students to connect meaningfully with literature, storytelling and their own creative potential.  

The VCE Program Day runs from 10.00am – 2.30pm and tickets grant entrance to the full day (all four sessions). Between sessions, students can meet the authors, have their books signed and browse a selection of titles available for purchase (card only) at a Readings pop-up bookstore.

When booking, payment can be made via bank card or invoice at checkout. Please be aware that selecting the invoice option will create a reservation. Your booking will be confirmed once full payment has been received. 1 complimentary teacher ticket will be added automatically for each 20 students.

The MWF Schools 2026 VCE Program is proudly supported by the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative, Faculty of Arts, the University of Melbourne.  

For the past decade, Queerstories has connected audiences across Australia. Now, the beloved LGBTQIA+ storytelling series returns to Melbourne Writers Festival for one night only.
Curator and host Maeve Marsden is joined by writers Tareq Baconi, Bob Brown, Nikita Gill, Zoe Terakes and Chris Tse. Each guest will share a story they want to tell but are never asked to – unexpected tales of pride, prejudice, resilience and resistance.

Bob Brown comes to Melbourne Writers Festival with his bold new book,  Defiance for a special live recording of the Good Weekend Talks podcast.  

For half a century, Bob Brown has been a fearless environmentalist and social justice campaigner – and a thorn in the side of those who would put profits before planet. Part memoir, part manifesto, part practical handbook for individual and collective action, Brown's latest book lays out why it’s more important than ever to speak up and fight for environmental and land justice.

Join Brown for a fireside chat, as he reflects on reasons for optimism, the irreplaceable beauty and value of nature and a lifetime of activism. With Konrad Marshall.

For the annual John Button Oration, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at UNSW and author of The Shortest History of AI Toby Walsh delivers an illuminating address exploring the current and future impact of AI on our society.

What went wrong in the AI race? What are the ethical implications of artificial intelligence? What can we expect from the world AI will shape?    

Join one of the world’s leading AI researchers for a deep dive into the opportunities, challenges and unexpected consequences posed by artificial intelligence.

Following his address, Walsh will be joined by Niraj Lal for a Q&A.

Join Bob Brown at Vision Australia Library for a fireside chat, as he reflects on reasons for optimism, the irreplaceable beauty and value of nature and a lifetime of activism.

For half a century, Bob Brown has been a fearless environmentalist and social justice campaigner – and a thorn in the side of those who would put profits before planet. Now, he shares his bold new book, Defiance: Stories from Nature and Its Defenders.

Part memoir, part manifesto, part practical handbook for individual and collective action, Defiance lays out why it’s more important than ever to fight for environmental and land justice. Join Brown at Vision Australia Library for a fireside chat, as he reflects on reasons for optimism, the irreplaceable beauty and value of nature and a lifetime of activism. With Kate Mildenhall.

Did you follow the latest literary scandal? Can you tell true Dickens from AI? Do you even read the news

Quick thinking and close reading take centre stage in this lively battle of literary wits. Play along with The Guardian’s wild and wonderful game show where two teams of writers – hosted by culture editor Steph Harmon – put their common, and not-so-common, knowledge to the test. Watch as they battle it out for the ultimate prize: bragging rights.
 
Don’t miss this enjoyable and deeply chaotic battle of the brains. With team captains Stephanie Convery and Jo Tovey joined by special guest contestants Robert Forster, Lally Katz, Sean Kelly and Niraj Lal.

What are the pathways to a future in which First Nations knowledge systems are centred, and communities are empowered to meet their own social, cultural and economic needs?

In this panel discussion, historian Julie Andrews OAM, Indigenous justice advocate Professor Eddie Cubillo, and writer and mathematician Dr JM Field come together with host Tony Birch.

Together, they’ll reflect on Indigenous ways of knowing, being and relating, and the importance of self-determined practice across fields as diverse as philosophy, mathematics, sociology, advocacy and law. Curated by Anita Heiss.

Ten Minutes. Five Voices. Infinite Possibilities.
Join us as we welcome five of our guest authors — 2025 Booker Prize winner David Szalay, philosopher and bestselling author AC Grayling, New York Times bestselling author and social philosopher Sarah Wilson, award-winning journalist, podcaster, and human rights advocate Antoinette Lattouf, and trailblazing environmentalist Bob Brown, each sharing ten-minute readings from their own work or pieces by writers that have touched them, resonated, and lingered deep in their cells well beyond the end of the page.

From intimate reflections to bold narratives, each reading will celebrate the transformative power of words — to challenge, console, spark hope, and ignite action. In uncertain times, we invite you to join us and be reminded why words still matter — now more than ever.

Begin the evening with a drinks reception featuring wines from festival partner Clairault Streicker, followed by a traditional Welcome to Country from the Undalup Association.

Join legendary environmentalist Bob Brown for a compelling conversation on Defiance, his powerful new collection of stories from the frontline of nature’s battles.

Drawing on over fifty years of activism, Brown reflects on the people, places and fierce moral choices that have shaped his life and work. With humour, warmth and unshakeable conviction, he celebrates courage, community and resistance in the face of corporate power and environmental destruction and inspires us all to keep fighting for the planet.

Hosted by David Ritter (Greenpeace)

Join environmental leader Bob Brown (Defiance) and authors Sarah Wilson (I Eat the Stars) and Katherine Johnson (Every Wild Soul) and poet and deep-sea researcher Prema Arasu (Vampire Squid) for a dynamic panel discussion.

These passionate climate advocates will share insights and experiences from their work confronting the climate crisis. Through thoughtful conversation, they will explore the challenges we face, the power of storytelling and activism, and practical steps to protect our planet. This session invites audiences to engage with fresh ideas and to find hope for a sustainable future.

Hosted by David Ritter (Greenpeace)
Tickets: $10 ($5 donated to Greenpeace)

Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, but it seems that every advancement in AI disconnects us further from our core qualities of creativity, humanity and empathy.

In this panel discussion, writer Anna Goldsworthy, author of the Quarterly Essay: On AI, self and culture, critic and author of Brave New Wild Richard King and Booker Prize–shortlisted author Steve Toltz, whose new novel A Rising of the Lights sees a man grappling with loneliness in a tech-dominated world, discuss the impact of AI on literature and culture.

Join Anna, Richard and Steve as they investigate how AI impacts our our ability to create and connect, in conversation with AI expert Toby Walsh.

Short stories are the delectable morsels of the literary world, able to capture potent parts of the human experience in pages.

In this panel discussion, three short story writers share their craft. Multi-award-winning writer Tony Birch’s latest Pictures of You collects his short fiction from the past two decades, while The Fireflies of Autumn: And Other Tales of San Ginese by Moreno Giovannoni spans the 20th century in a Tuscan town. Tony Tulathimutte’s international bestseller Rejection is an obsessive and ambitious collection for the contemporary internet age.

Discuss the often-overlooked form with Tony, Moreno and Tony. With host Carody Culver.

Three writers discuss how they conquered second novel syndrome to publish again after their successful debuts in this free panel event.

Moreno Giovannoni’s second book The Immigrants focuses on a family starting over with unspoken dreams and fears in a Victorian town. Madeleine Gray, internationally bestselling author of Green Dot, returns to themes of modern dating and relationships with Chosen Family. Award-winning author Andrew Pippos’s The Transformations tells an emotional story about endings and the chance of new beginnings.

Join Moreno, Madeleine and Andrew as they discuss the challenges and successes of their second books, with host Amy Sambrooke.

The pursuit of truth is a noble ideal, but what if the truth is larger, weirder or worse than we imagined?

In this Festival favourite event, ABC presenter Annabel Crabb and writer David Marr lead opposing teams in a saucy and suggestive comedy debate to answer the pertinent question of our time: Can we handle the truth? Hear arguments from reporter Matilda Boseley, comedian and drag artist Reuben Kaye and comedians Rhys Nicholson and Jennifer Wong. Hosted by Yumi Stynes.

Hear Annabel, David, Matilda, Reuben, Rhys and Jennifer gauge our appetite for the wild, unbelievable, unpredictable and sometimes unsavoury truth.

Book a babysitter and alert the group chat because you're not going to want to miss this night of indecent innuendo. Recommended for ages 15+

Join Founding Editor of The Saturday Paper and editor-in-chief of Schwartz Media Erik Jensen to discuss the latest news with special guests.

Hear from Australian journalist and broadcaster Geraldine Doogue, and Canadian political columnist and commentator David Moscrop, in conversation with Erik.

Join Founding Editor of The Saturday Paper and editor-in-chief of Schwartz Media Erik Jensen to discuss the latest news with special guests Brigid Delaney (The Seeker and the Sage) and columnist Sean Kelly.

The mainstay event in the Sydney Writers’ Festival program and the Australian political calendar returns.

Festival favourite and renowned political analyst Barrie Cassidy returns with his professional pals to review a year of international negotiations, widespread protest, renewed economic and environmental crises and a slew of new policy decisions.

Get the experts’ opinions with writer and broadcaster Waleed Aly, award-winning columnist Sean Kelly, Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute Amy Remeikis and acclaimed political writer Niki Savva. In conversation with host Barrie Cassidy.

In a world of misinformation, AI hallucinations and international cover-ups, the truth feels more elusive than ever.

Without a secure foundation of shared knowledge and institutions to support it, the basis of our society and culture is under threat. In this panel discussion, experts across technology, journalism and philosophy share their perspectives on the value of truth today. International correspondent Barbara Demick (Daughters of the Bamboo Grove), philosopher A.C. Grayling (For The People), Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales (The Seven Rules of Trust) and AI researcher Toby Walsh (The Shortest History of AI) share their insights.

Join Barbara, A.C., Jimmy and Toby in conversation with ABC Radio National’s Natasha Mitchell (Big Ideas).

Sit in for an evening of stirring words from five of our country’s finest thinkers at the 2026 Words on the Waves Writers Festival Opening Address.

Reflecting on the 2026 festival theme Take the Time this exciting event will be hosted by:

• Former leader of the Australian Greens, trailblazing environmentalist Bob Brown.
• Multi-New York Times and Amazon best-selling writer Sarah Wilson. 
• Booker-shortlisted author of A Fraction of the Whole, Steve Toltz
• Indigenous knowledge leader and founder of the Firesticks Alliance, Victor Steffensen, and; • Viral social media sensation, Jack Toohey.

Don’t miss this inspiring event, which also launches the festival’s sixth celebratory year here on the Central Coast.

Doors 6:30pm for a 7pm SHARP start.

Story Club is a live storytelling show packed with special guests, brilliant stories and lots of laughs.
For this Words on the Waves festival edition, our brave guests David Marr, Brigid Delaney and Toni Jordan – alongside intrepid hosts Osher Günsberg and Zoe Norton-Lodge – will share true tales to the theme ‘Take the Time.’

Niki Savva, in conversation with David Marr

No one knows the Canberra hallways of power better than award-winning political commentator Niki Savva.
This one-time staffer to John Howard and Peter Costello has eye-popping stories to spare, most recently illuminated in her book Earthquake: the election that shook Australia.

Bob Brown, in conversation with Natalie Kyriacou

Trailblazing environmentalist, and former leader of the Greens party, Bob Brown will share his tale of Defiance. Leave uplifted, inspired, and touting a battlecry or two.

Ursula Dubosarsky, Kate Holden and Jennifer Mills.

Join three literary virtuosos – Jennifer Mills, Ursula Dubosarsky and Kate Holden – to hear more about magic, mythology, and humanity’s relationship with nature. A Concise Compendium of Wonder radically reimagines fairytales while essay collection The Ruin of Magic asks ‘what is home?’

Amy Remeikis and Sean Kelly. Moderator: Jacqueline Maley.

What does Labor stand for today? On the 30th anniversary of John Howard coming to power, what has he left us with? This riveting #AusPol panel explores our political leaders and their legacies, with Quarterly Essay 100:The Good Fight author, Sean Kelly, and analyst Amy Remeikis.

Lucinda Holdforth and Elizabeth Finkel.

Go beyond conventional wisdom to drill into hard-to-swallow truths with these two eminent thinkers. Former speech-writer Lucinda Holdforth posits that our obsession with longevity is a threat, while science journalist Elizabeth Finkel reminds us of the value of evidence-based, expert-informed debate.