Blue Mountains Writers' Festival

11/09/2026

OPENING NIGHT: ECHOES AND EDGES
Storytelling is found in the shape of our landscapes, in the words and voices of those who are long gone. When looking to the future, how will our stories of now echo? What imprints will we leave behind?

In turbulent times, we walk on a precipice of right or wrong, resistance or compromise, individualism or community. How does literature balance us as we walk these edges? How do the edges define us?

Hosted by Festival Director Maeve Marsden, our opening night features celebrated writers and poets Pip Williams, Larissa Behrendt, Micaela Sahhar, Marie Elena Ellis and Michael Winkler. Each incredible writer will share a reading inspired by the Festival theme — Echoes & Edges — followed by a breathtaking musical interpretation by cabaret icon Victoria Falconer.

Don’t miss this spectacular start to the Blue Mountains Writers Festival — a chance to kick off your weekend with a sense of inspiration and connection.

Event Name: OPENING NIGHT: Echoes and Edges
Date: Friday 30 October 2026
Time: 6:00-7:30pm
Venue: Tibbi Whalan Hall

Tickets & More Info: https://www.bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au/events/opening-night

This event is included in Platinum and Gold Passes, or single tickets can be purchased. Head to bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au for more information.

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10/09/2026

THESE WRITING WORKSHOPS ARE ABOUT TO SELL OUT!
We've had such an incredible response to the 2026 Blue Mountains Writers' Festival workshop program, with some sessions already close to booked out.

If you want to learn about Character Arcs with Anthony Mullins, Strengthening Your Narrative Drive with Ashley Kalagian Blunt, The Craft of Revision with Jane Messer, Writing Nature with Katherine Johnson, Writing Historical Fiction with Mirandi Riwoe or The Essentials of Plot with Toni Jordan, you better book soon!

WORKSHOP INFORMATION HERE: www.bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au/workshops

09/09/2026

SPEND FOUR HOURS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH BENJAMIN LAW AT THE BLUE MOUNTAINS SAUNA
If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the craft and economics of writing, Benjamin – who has written books, journalism, stage plays, TV screenplays, columns, documentaries and essays for over 20 years – is here to help, by answering all your questions in this no-holds barred, minimal-clothing* workshop at Blue Mountains Sauna!,

*Don’t worry: we’re not going all-out Scandinavian and naked, so bring your favourite swimsuit!

BOOK HERE: www.bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au/workshops/benjamin-law-workshop

Participants will share a two-hour sauna session with Benjamin, where he’ll answer every question imaginable, in an environment conducive to openness and honesty. What makes for a good interview? How do you handle rejection? What does a good daily writing practice look like? How do you get an agent? How do I finish this damn manuscript?

You'll have exclusive access to both saunas, including the Savu, the Southern Hemisphere's first public wood-fired smoke sauna, along with two cold plunges and three fireside rest areas. You’ll draw inspiration from a guided Aufguss with a trained Sauna Masters. Water infused with organic essential oils is poured over the stones, and the steam is moved through the room with choreographed towel work, set to music. It is immersive, physical and deeply grounding, and it is best experienced exactly as sauna is meant to be: together.

Then, after a short break, you’ll enter a relaxing workshop space, where you’ll use the experience of the sauna to inspire your work, participating in writing exercises and reflection under Benjamin’s guidance.

Blue Mountains Sauna opened in Leura in 2022 as Australia's first dedicated European-style public sauna, and has been championing authentic sauna culture ever since, performing Australia's first public Aufguss in 2023.

BOOK HERE: www.bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au/workshops/benjamin-law-workshop

08/09/2026

BLUE MOUNTAINS WRITERS' FESTIVAL SINGLE TICKETS NOW ON SALE

After weeks of preparation, we're excited to release single tickets to individual events across our program. These events have VERY limited space. Do book early so you don't miss out: www.bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au

MELISSA LUCASHENKO: Melissa Lucashenko in conversation with Larissa Behrendt — 31 Oct, 10:00 am

RIGHT OF RETURN: Micaela Sahhar, Antoun Issa and Sara Haddad in conversation with Sarah Malik — 31 Oct, 11:30 am

BIG SCARY TECH: Steve Toltz and Mary Colussi in conversation with Kate Mildenhall — 01 Nov, 11:30 am

HOW TO WRITE A LIFE: Bob Brown, Debra Dank and Cynthia Banham in conversation with Zohra Aly — 01 Nov, 11:30 am

CAN SATIRE SAVE US?: Fiona Wright and Kate Mildenhall in conversation with Beejay Silcox — 01 Nov, 2:00 pm

IN INSTITUTIONS WE TRUST: Bob Carr, Jane Caro and Waleed Aly in conversation with Amy Remeikis — 01 Nov, 2:00 pm

WILD SOULS AND WONDER: Kathryn Heyman and Katherine Johnson in conversation with Veechi Stuart — 01 Nov, 2:00 pm

THIS AIN'T HEATED RIVALRY: Bobuq Sayed, Josh Silver and George Kemp in conversation with Maeve Marsden — 01 Nov, 3:30 pm

03/09/2026

Have you booked for Holly Ringland’s Katoomba book launch next week?

SELLING FAST, LAST SEATS!

Celebrate the launch of best-selling author Holly Ringland and her most personal novel yet, The World Beneath Her Feet.

Holly will be joined by Michaela Kalowski in the Varuna Reading Room, an intimate space set into the gardens of Australia’s National Writers’ House.

The World Beneath Her Feet is an immersive and absorbing novel which blends Ringland’s love of nature, music and art with her deep affection for Australian landscapes.

Order a copy of The World Beneath Her Feet at 20% discount from our friends at Megalong Books when you book your ticket.

Tuesday 8 September 2026

6:00 pm 7:00 pm

The Varuna Reading Room
141 Cascade Street, Katoomba

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

We are thrilled to share our full 2026 Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival program with you! The response to our line-up announcement has been wonderful, with weekend and day passes already 50 per cent sold out.

This year’s Festival is themed Echoes and Edges, words that evoke both landscape and literature. The program features literary legends, political icons and big thinkers from journalism and the arts, alongside thrilling debut authors and local talent.

BOOK NOW: bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au

31/08/2026

What does opening a book do to you? Does it ignite inspiration and ideas? Does it spirit you away and show you alternative paths to follow?

We believe that between the pages of books endless possibilities await!

Tomorrow we launch the full 2026 Festival program; be sure to log on at 10am to check it out!

27/08/2026

"The literary atmosphere rekindled my desire to write."

What does a writers' festival atmosphere inspire in you? For many readers, the Blue Mountains Writers' Festival is purely about connecting with the stories and authors they adore. But for many, writers' festivals are as much about their own creative writing practice. Our workshop program is on sale now, with opportunities to learn from some of the best writers in the country. Don't miss it!

Sign up to our enews for updates: www.bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au

Image description: A photo of an audience watching a panel of three people sitting on a stage.

26/08/2026

The Blue Mountains Writers' Festival is about community, about the sharing of stories, and about finding space for everyone to belong. It's also a Festival that is as much for writers as it is for readers. Our workshop program is on sale now, with the opportunity for writers to learn about craft, character, nature writing, historical fiction, poetry, plot and so much more. Check it out and book your place now: www.bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au

Image description: A photo of an audience with the testimonial text: "The connectedness of the venues made it feel like a village or community of writers. I felt at ease and that it was a place I belonged."