2026 Whitsundays Writers Festival

When

September 13, 2026    
11:00 am - 4:30 pm
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Bookings

$0.00 - $49.00
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Where

Whitsunday Marine Club
7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale, Queensland

Tickets & Programme

Join us for a full day of stories, conversation, and community at the 2026 Whitsundays Writers 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

Includes access to all festival sessions, two drink vouchers, a gourmet lunch box, and refreshments. Lunch options will be confirmed with ticket holders closer to the event.

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.

Bookings

Tickets

Ticket Type Price Spaces
EARLY BIRD (until 30 June) Full Day Ticket -- $49 + booking fee
Full Day Festival program ticket includes access to all festival sessions, two drink vouchers, a gourmet lunch box, and refreshments. Lunch options will be confirmed with ticket holders closer to the event.		 $49.00
CONCESSION (Seniors, Pension Card Holders, Companions & Students) Full Day Ticket -- $39 + booking fee
Full Day Festival program ticket includes access to all festival sessions, two drink vouchers, a gourmet lunch box, and refreshments. Lunch options will be confirmed with ticket holders closer to the event.		 $39.00
SESSION ONLY TICKET (First Session) -- $10 + booking fee
11:00am–12:00pm - Welcome Address from Festival President and Discussion Panel: Is There a Book in You? 		$10.00
SESSION ONLY TICKET (Second Session) -- $10 + booking fee
12:45pm–1:45pm - Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards Ceremony and From the Heart Keynote Address		 $10.00
SESSION ONLY TICKET (Third Session) -- $10 + booking fee
2:00pm–3:00pm - Discussion Panel: Where Do You Get Your Story Ideas From?		 $10.00
Stories by the Sea (Free Community Event)
3:00pm–4:30pm - Stories by the Sea features regional authors, book swapping, informal readings, writing groups, and live music, with a gold coin BBQ, refreshments, and a cash bar, closing with festival reflections, a preview of the 2027 program, and prize giveaways.		 $0.00

Registration Information

Writer
Reader
Arts and Culture Supporter

Booking Summary

Please select at least one space to proceed with your booking.