With a celebration of local voices, regional stories, and readers who bring them to life, the Whitsundays Writers Festival returns Sunday 13 September 2026 at the Whitsunday Marine Club, Cannonvale.

Running from 11:00am to 4:30pm, the one-day festival brings together leading regional writers for a dynamic programme of keynote, panel discussions, award presentations, and a community event.

Festival Director Richard Evans said the 2026 programme reflects a clear vision to elevate local storytelling.

“This year’s festival is about backing our region’s writers and stories, and the Whitsunday’s creative identity,” Richard said. “We’re building something that is proudly local. The quality of writers living in the Greater Whitsunday region is exceptional, and our programme promotes their work.”

Programme Highlights

The 2026 From the Heart keynote will be delivered by Rachel Armstrong, a multi-award-winning and internationally recognised romance author, honoured for her sustained contribution to Australian literature.

“From the Heart is about giving award winning writers a platform to speak their bigger picture and how stories shape who we are, both individually and collectively,” Richard said.

Two panel discussions will explore the writing journey – from idea to publication, and the creative spark behind storytelling – featuring locals authors A. L. Tippett, Greg Bourke, Rachael Smith, Krissy Regan, Gary Wood, and Veronica Lando.

The festival will also present the Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, celebrating emerging and established voices in short story and poetry, with live readings and winner announcements.

Closing the day is a free community event – Stories by the Sea – bringing together more than 20 regional authors for book sales, swaps, readings, and live music in a relaxed coastal setting.

“Stories by the Sea is where the festival really comes alive as a community experience – people connecting over books, ideas, and shared stories,” Mr Evans said. “Plus a banger BBQ!”

Tickets Now Available

Full Day Tickets include access to all sessions, two drink vouchers, a gourmet lunch box, and refreshments:

• Standard Early Bird: $49 (until 30 June 2026)
• Standard: $59 (from 1 July 2026)
• Concession (seniors, concession card holders, and students): $39
• Children under 12: Free (with a ticket-holding adult)

Session Tickets: $10 per session.

“Ensuring the festival is accessible to our community has been a priority, while still delivering a high-quality experience for audiences,” Richard said. “Whether you’re a reader, an aspiring writer, or simply curious, there’s something here for you.”

Tickets are available now via the festival website

2026 Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards Open: Celebrating Australian Creativity

The Whitsundays Writers Festival has announced the opening of entries for the 2026 Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards, a national celebration of Australian literary and creative excellence.

More than a competition, the Heart Awards recognise the craft and courage of storytelling in all its forms, championing new voices, elevating emerging talent, and celebrating the works that enrich Australia’s cultural landscape.

Festival Director Richard Evans said the Awards are a cornerstone of the Festival’s commitment to the future of Australian writing.

“The Heart Awards are about discovering and supporting all generations of storytellers,” Richard said. “We’re creating a national platform for writers to be seen, heard, and recognised.”

Award Categories

Short Story Award (Open Age & Under 18 Divisions)
Writers are invited to submit unpublished creative fiction of up to 3,000 words.

• First Prize: $1,000 and Runner-up: $500 in both divisions
• Entries close: 17 July 2026

Poetry Prize
Open to unpublished poems of up to 50 lines, judged on originality, creativity, and expression.

• First Prize: $1,000 and Runner-up: $500
• Entries close: 26 June 2026

Entries are welcomed from writers across Australia, with winners to be announced at the Whitsundays Writers Festival on Sunday 13 September 2026.

“These awards are a meaningful investment in Australian storytelling,” Richard said. “They celebrate not just finished work, but the courage it takes to put your words out into the world.”

Entries and full details are available via the festival website

Media contact

Cait Fleming
hello@whitsundayswriters.com