After a wildly successful return in 2024, this year the Whitsundays Writers Festival promises an immersive celebration for writers, readers, and lovers of story. With an exciting line-up of Australian authors, this September event will build on last year’s success and become a cornerstone in the national cultural calendar.
In 2024, the Whitsundays welcomed Miles Franklin Award winner Shankari Chandran, alongside bestselling and award-winning literary figures including Garry Disher, Sally Hepworth, Kristy Manning, Graeme Simsion, Nick Earls and Christos Tsiolkas. The enthusiasm of authors and readers alike inspired the festival committee to ensure a 2025 Whitsundays Writers Festival would take place, and preparations are well underway.
Karen Jacobsen, the Festival Chair, expressed her excitement, stating, “The feedback from the 2024 festival was off the charts, and bringing beloved authors to the Whitsundays is a golden opportunity for regional Queensland to connect and learn from some of our greatest writers.”
The 2025 festival has taken the best from 2024 and enhanced events to provide an even more wonderful experience for attendees and participants. The festival, spanning three days, will feature international bestselling and award-winning Australian authors and local writers. With interactive workshops, panel discussions, and author talks on Saturday and Sunday really get to know these literary heroes. With a commitment to highlighting our local regional authors, those interested in joining us are encouraged to connect with the festival through: whitsundayswriters.com
The program also includes special events like Friday evening opening with a Love Letter to Queensland. Saturday evening Poetry Karaoke at Whisper Bar, Saturday Big Book Club High Tea at the Rainbow Cafe, and the Local Author Long Lunch on Sunday at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, our major venue partner.
“This event will bring together creative minds in the picturesque setting of the Whitsundays. What better place to immerse yourself in the brilliance of Australian literature?” said Karen. “I highly recommend securing your festival pass and booking accommodation early to fully enjoy the wonders of the Whitsundays while indulging in the myriad of events the festival has to offer.”
Make sure to mark your calendars for this unforgettable literary experience and stay tuned for further exciting announcements and author profiles as the festival approaches!
WHAT: Whitsunday Writers Festival
WHEN: Friday 12th – Sunday 14th September
WHERE: Various Venues Across Airlie Beach
Caption: Revered authors Anne Buist, Garry Disher, Karina Kilmore, Lindsay Simpson, Jack Roney at the 2024 event
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