Stories by the Sea: A Free Afternoon of Books, Authors and Community

Looking for something a little different to do on Sunday afternoon?

Stories by the Sea is bringing books, authors, music, art and plenty of good conversation to the Whitsunday Marine Club on Sunday 13 September — and everyone is welcome.

Running from 3.00pm to 4.30pm, this free community event is the relaxed finale of the 2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival, bringing more than 20 regional authors together with readers.

Come along and meet the authors, have a browse through their books and perhaps pick up a signed copy or two. There’ll be informal author readings and interviews throughout the afternoon, giving you the chance to hear a little more about the people and stories behind the books.

Got a couple of books sitting on the shelf that you’ve already read? Bring up to two pre-loved books in good condition and swap them for something new at the Community Book Swap. Or take a punt on a Blind Date with a Book and choose your next read without knowing exactly what’s inside.

There’s plenty for younger visitors too, with storytime and children’s activities, plus a pen pal activity for those who like the idea of making a new literary friend.

And it’s not all about books. You can meet local writing groups and book clubs, listen to live music, watch artists at work and check out the Creative Connections Whitsunday Plein Air Art Challenge, with the People’s Choice Award and silent auction taking place at 4pm.

Feeling peckish? There’ll be a gold coin BBQ, coffee, cash bar, and refreshments available, so you can grab something to eat and settle in for the afternoon.

Best of all, Stories by the Sea is free. You don’t need to have attended the main festival and you don’t need to be a writer or serious bookworm. Just bring yourself, the family, a friend — and maybe a couple of books to swap.

Come along, meet a local author, find your next great read and see what’s happening in the Whitsundays’ literary community.

Event Details

What: Stories by the Sea
When: 3:00pm-4:30pm Sunday 13 September 2026
Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale
Cost: FREE community event

Appearing at Stories by the Sea

A.L. Tippett, urban fantasy and childrens
Bec Russell, personal development
Bernd Braeuer, professional and personal development
Gary Wood, adventure memoir
Glynda Parfitt, memoir
Greg Bourke, thrillers
Keith Whalley, historical fiction and young adult
Khloe Ann, fantasy & Christian fiction
Krissy Regan, personal development, poetry, and childrens
Mark Strobel, memoir
Mark T. Rasmussen, fiction and adventure
Rachael Smith, memoir
Rachel Armstrong, romance
Richard Evans, crime thrillers
Rick Brown, professional development and fiction
Tiki Ra, memoir
Tim King, memoir
Veronica Lando, crime
and
Whitsunday Regional Council library