Sunday 13 September 2026
Whitsunday Marine Club

2026 Programme & Speakers »

THE FESTIVAL

Celebrating Australian Voices

Join us in Airlie Beach for our flagship weekend of author talks, panels, and workshops with the nation’s most celebrated writers. A vibrant cultural event for readers, writers, and thinkers.

2026 Programme & Speakers »

NATIONAL AWARDS

Championing Australian Writers

Home to the prestigious Gloria Burley Best Unpublished Manuscript Award and national initiatives like ‘Love Letter to Queensland,’ we invest in the future of Australian storytelling.

2026 Heart Awards »

OUR COMMUNITY

Building a Literacy Legacy

Through year-around ‘Whitsundays Writers on Tour’ events, workshops, and literacy competitions and projects, we connect writers and readers across North Queensland.

Enter a Fast Fiction Competition »

A message from our Festival Director

The Whitsundays are a place of natural inspiration. Our festival channels that spirit into a celebration of Australian stories. From our pristine coastline to the heart of our towns. In 2026, we're placing a special focus on nurturing local writers and creating unforgettable community events for families. Join us in Airlie Beach to be part of a truly unique literary adventure.
RICHARD EVANS
Festival Director
Meet the Team »
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Plan Your Festival Escape

Find accommodation in Airlie Beach, explore travel tips, and get ready for a literary holiday like no other.

Plan Your Stay »

Be Part of the Story

Submit your writing for our national awards, explore partnership opportunities, or learn about volunteering.

Latest News »

Memories from Past Festivals

Festival Bookshop
Festival Bookshop
Mayor Ry Collins, Karen Jacobsen, Steve MinOn, Matthew Condon, Anita Hess & Hedley Thomas
Mayor Ry Collins, Karen Jacobsen, Steve MinOn, Matthew Condon, Anita Hess & Hedley Thomas
Anne Buist, Karina Kilmore, Christos Tsiolkas & Sally Hepworth
Anne Buist, Karina Kilmore, Christos Tsiolkas & Sally Hepworth
Graeme Simison
Graeme Simison
2025 Writers Retreat with Lindsay Simpson
2025 Writers Retreat with Lindsay Simpson
2024 From the Heart Keynote from Shankari Chandran, Miles Franklin Award Winner
2024 From the Heart Keynote from Shankari Chandran, Miles Franklin Award Winner
Local Authors
Local Authors
Garry Disher, Chris Sara, Graeme Simison & Joy Damousi
Garry Disher, Chris Sara, Graeme Simison & Joy Damousi
Love Letter to Queensland speaker Marco Renai, 2024 Queenslander of the Year
Love Letter to Queensland speaker Marco Renai, 2024 Queenslander of the Year
Local Author Long Lunch
Local Author Long Lunch
Anne Buist, Garry Disher, Karina Kilmore, Lindsay Simpson & Jack Roney
Anne Buist, Garry Disher, Karina Kilmore, Lindsay Simpson & Jack Roney
Workshops
Workshops
Kirsty Manning, Sally Hepworth & Karina Kilmore
Kirsty Manning, Sally Hepworth & Karina Kilmore
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