Program
Inspiring readers and writers alike, our packed three-day program celebrates the best of Australia’s literary landscape: joyful, thought-provoking and thrilling opportunities to connect with the written word, and each other. Weekend and day passes, workshops and special events are on sale now.
Program at a Glance:
Tickets:
NONI HAZLEHURST in conversation with Sarah Macdonald
Join Noni Hazlehurst, star of stage and screen, as she discusses her funny, clear-eyed and opinionated memoir, Dropping the Mask, with ABC Radio Sydney’s Sarah Macdonald.
TONY BIRCH in conversation with Kate Evans
A master of character and observation, Tony Birch discusses his latest book, Women & Children, with ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans.
MARKUS ZUSAK in conversation with Amy Sambrooke
Internationally bestselling author Markus Zusak discusses his new memoir, Three Wild Dogs and the Truth, a tender love letter to animals, and to our need for connection and chaos.
PIP WILLIAMS in conversation with Kate Evans
Bestselling novelist Pip Williams joins ABC Radio National’s Kate Evans for a wide-ranging conversation about life, books, history and writing.
NARDI SIMPSON in conversation with Cheryl Leavy
Festival favourite Nardi Simpson discusses her hotly anticipated new book, The Belburd, a masterfully woven novel about creation, belonging and the precious fragility of a life.
DR KARL A Periodic Tale
With 48 books under his belt, Dr Karl has finally written a memoir! Join him to discover how a shy Polish immigrant kid evolved into the fabulously eccentric Dr Karl.
LIANE MORIARTY in conversation with Kate Mildenhall
With over 20 million copies sold worldwide, there’s no stopping Liane Moriarty. She discusses her latest novel, Here One Moment, with Kate Mildenhall.
WE ARE THE STARS The Mick Dark Talk for the Future with Gina Chick
We are thrilled to welcome the inaugural winner of Alone Australia, rewilding facilitator and writer, Gina Chick, to deliver The Mick Dark Talk for the Future, our annual keynote address on the environment.
CHRIS HAMMER in conversation with Renee Krosch
The master of thrills and twists, international bestseller Chris Hammer discusses his latest book, The Valley, with ABC Radio Sydney’s Renee Krosch.
Thank God It’s Friday
In a special Festival broadcast live from The Carrington in Katoomba, join ABC Radio Sydney’s Richard Glover for all the fun and unpredictability of the infamous TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday!). Laugh alongside a star-studded line-up featuring Colin Buchanan, Tommy Dean, Angela Lavoipierre, singer songwriter Phil Davidson and all the hilarity of the infamous Wheel of Death. At 6pm, Richard interviews three of the festival’s beloved writers.