The festival in the Mornington Peninsula town invites visitors to pair a coastal stay and long lunches with conversations from some of the country’s most celebrated writers, journalists and thinkers.
This year’s program features more than 180 authors and guests across more than 150 events, held in some of Victoria’s most iconic coastal locations.
“Writers festivals are extraordinary and wonderful opportunities for people to connect, listen, discuss ideas, share knowledge and be together,” says Founder and Director, Corrie Perkin.
“Our mission is clear: we want to bring people together in a safe and mutually respectful environment, and we want to introduce them to some of Australia’s greatest thinkers, leaders and storytellers.
“We want to create discussions and encourage further inquiry and also nurture creative thinking.”
Literary guests announced to date include John Boyne, Niall Williams, Geraldine Brooks, Sofie Laguna, Heather Rose, JP Pomare, Toni Jordan.
Non-fiction authors include AC Grayling, Sarah Wilson, Evan Osnos, Tony Abbott, Drusilla Modjeska, Bob Carr, Ben Crowe, Don Watson, Sheila Fitzpatrick, Lucinda “Froomes” Price, and Lisa Wilkinson.
Journalists appearing at the Festival include Annabel Crabb, Paul Kelly, Niki Savva, Marian Wilkinson, Jennifer Byrne, Greg Sheridan, Louise Milligan, Troy Bramston, Tom McIlroy, Jim Middleton, Amy Remeikis, Caroline Wilson and Andrew Rule.
The Festival will also feature artists, performers and storytellers, including Brian Nankervis, Rebecca Barnard, Ian Darling, Richard Piper, Julian Kingma, Jane Montgomery-Griffiths, Hannie Rayson, and artists from Rosebud’s Barnacle Studios Collective.
Some program highlights include:
The Political Lunch
Thursday April 23
The Political Lunch at The Baths, hosted by Barrie Cassidy, will present three respected political journalists,
Paul Kelly, Niki Savva and Tom McIlroy, in discussion over a wonderful two-course meal and welcome
drink.
John Boyne, In Conversation
Friday April 24
Award-winning Irish writer John Boyne will discuss his work, his life, and his new Elements series with journalist Caroline Wilson.
The Beach House Years
Saturday April 25
Performer, host, writer and radio personality Brin Nankervis kicks off our Words & Music night with his love
letter to the Aussie beach house and 40 years of family summers. After interval, singer and musician Rebecca Barnard and friends will present a performance titled Beach House Sounds. And yes, there will be dancing.
The Mushroom Tapes
Sunday April 26
Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein discuss the tragic family lunch that captured a world’s
attention.
Drinks with the Prize Winners
Friday April 24
Hear from authors on what it’s like to have their writing work acknowledged by the literary and journalism
communities with Stella Prize winner Bri Lee, Sofie Laguna, Erik Jensen, Patrick Mullins and Pip Williams.
