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:
WELCOME TO COUNTRY
Everyone is invited to join us on the Carrington Lawn for the Festival Welcome to Dharug and Gundungurra land.
ASK AUNTY
Join Charmaine Ledden-Lewis and Aunty Munya Andrews with Cheryl Leavy to celebrate a deeper connection with land, waters and skies. Contribute to a collaborative mural celebrating First Nations seasons and enjoy readings with these three exceptional authors and illustrators.
BOOK SWAP WITH BLUE MOUNTAINS PARENTS FOR CLIMATE
Parents for Climate Action Blue Mountains and Sharon Baldwin from Loose Parts Press invite you to save money and reduce your consumption by joining in our Festival book swap. Bring three books that your kids no longer read and go home with new (to you!) pre-loved books from other local families.
ANIMALS WEIRD AND WONDERFUL WITH SAMI BAYLY
Join Sami Bayly for a jam-packed session about nature, science and animals, complete with drawing demonstrations and creative activities. You’ll hear incredible animal adaptation stories, learn a bunch of fun collective nouns and maybe even discover a gross fact or two!
ABC DISABILITY WITH PARALYMPIAN SARAH ROSE
Join three-time Paralympian swimmer and medal-winner Sarah Rose, author of the newly released ABC Disability, a big-hearted A-Z guide to disability that’s written especially for kids. Learn the Auslan alphabet and leave feeling more equipped to understand and champion difference.
ASK A SILLY QUESTION, GET A CLEVER ANSWER Dr Karl, Professor David Lindenmayer and Bianca Nogrady
Don’t miss this incredible chance to ask burning questions about climate change and the environment, with three people who REALLY know what they’re talking about: Dr Karl, Professor David Lindenmayer and Bianca Nogrady, who between them have published 102 books about science!
THE LOST GHOSTS OF KATOOMBA LIBRARY
Lovers of spooky tales and clever mysteries are invited to join author Antony Mann and Creative Director of Word Travels Miles Merrill to discover their inner ghostbuster. Go on a ghost hunt through Katoomba Library to see what – or whooooo – you can find, then write your own ghost story set in the Blue Mountains.
THE EPIC QUESTS OF EMILY RODDA
A Blue Mountains local, the legendary Emily Rodda is one of Australia's best-known children's authors, having written more than 100 books. Don’t miss your chance to meet the author of one of the most successful children's fantasy series ever published, Deltora Quest, and fall in love with her latest series, Landovel, an epic 'three parts in one' fantasy quest, an adventure unlike any you've read before.
The Success of Failure: A Workshop with Nevo Zisin
Join Nevo Zisin for this empowering workshop that tackles the need for perfection and shows you how to embrace the beauty and importance of making mistakes.
The Power of Storytelling with Maryam Master
Join Maryam to hear about her career as a writer and No Words, her compassionate and hopeful book based on her own experiences of fleeing persecution. Suitable for ages 7 upwards.
We Could Be Something, with Will Kostakis
Meet Will Kostakis, one of Australia’s leading YA writers, and get to know his new book, We Could Be Something.
Create Your Own Adventure, with Pearly and Pig and their sidekick, Sue Whiting
Join storyteller Sue Whiting as your children spin the Wheel of Adventure, draw a story map and discover the secrets of becoming a top-secret stealth adventurer.
RFS Fire Truck Storytime
Come along and hitch a ride on the Katoomba-Leura RFS Fire Truck and have a story book reading at the same time. Perfect for ages 3 and upwards.
Where is the Gruffalo?
Go on a hunt, find the clues and see if you can catch the Gruffalo for a storytime adventure.
Get Drawing with Deadly Duo Charmaine Ledden-Lewis and Dub Leffler
Join Charmaine Ledden-Lewis and Dub Leffler as they get you inspired to create your own stories with pictures.
Why did Mr Chicken Cross the Road? To meet Leigh Hobbs, One of Australia's Most-loved Author-Illustrators
Prepare to laugh out loud with Leigh Hobbs and his hilarious characters who are always up to something mischievous.
The Sky's the Limit: Rawah Arja Writing Workshop for 10-12 Year Olds
What would happen if two portraits didn’t get along? Or what if they came up with a plan to make a getaway? The sky is the limit in this lively workshop for kids aged 10 – 12.
Deadly Science: When Cool Inventions Collide with Ancient Wisdom. With Corey Tutt and Cassie McCullagh
Listen to Corey Tutt and Cassie McCullagh discuss how First Nations people passed on wisdom from the land, sea and sky through ancient stories that are important lessons in science to this day. A great session for families!
That's not a Llama - it's Macca the Alpaca!
It's time to go crackers with Matt Cosgrove, creator of Macca the Alpaca. Lots of laughs, snorts and silliness to be had. And remember, no spitting.
Cooee Mittigar Storytime and Craft with Jasmine Seymour and Leanne Mulgo Watson
Join Darug creators Jasmine Seymour and Leanne Mulgo Watson for this wonderful children’s session, with storytelling, craft and songs.