2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival

Tickets & Programme

SOLD OUT!

The 2026 Festival main programme is now sold out.
Thank you for your incredible support!

Join us for Stories by the Sea, 3pm–4:30pm — a free community event and the perfect way to finish the Festival.

Session 1
11:00am–12:00pm

Welcome Address
Festival President Richard Evans opens the festival.

Panel: Is There a Book in You?
Discover what it really takes to move from idea to published book. Panelists A. L. Tippett, Greg Bourke, and Rachael Smith share insights, inspiration, and practical advice for turning a story into reality.

Session 2
12:45pm–1:45pm

Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards Ceremony
Announcement of winners and runners-up for the Short Story (Open Age & Under 18) and Poetry Prize, including interviews and live readings of selected works.

From the Heart Keynote Address
Delivered by internationally recognised, multi-award-winning romance author Rachel Armstrong.

Session 3
2:00pm–3:00pm

Panel: Where Do You Get Your Story Ideas From?
Writers Krissy Regan, Gary Wood, and Veronica Lando explore the unexpected, everyday, and extraordinary places inspiration is found.

Stories by the Sea
3:00pm–4:30pm (Free Community Event)

A relaxed, community-focused celebration of reading, writing, and connection. Meet regional authors, browse, buy, and swap books, and enjoy informal readings, live music, and meet local writing groups and book clubs.

Refuel with a gold coin BBQ, along with tea, coffee, and a cash bar with refreshments, before settling in for a relaxed festival close featuring a preview of the 2027 programme and prize giveaways.

Tickets & Pricing

Full Day Tickets

Each full-day ticket includes a delicious gourmet lunch and two drink vouchers, so tickets need to be purchased one at a time. As you book, simply choose your preferred lunch box option for each attendee. This helps us have your lunch ready and waiting for you on festival day!

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 (must be accompanied by an adult who has purchased a ticket)

Session Only Tickets

$10 per session
Choose any session, bring your own lunch, and enjoy the festival your way.

Whether you’re joining us for the full day or a single session, we look forward to welcoming you to the festival.

Ticket prices include GST.

Please review our ticket terms and conditions before confirming your registration.