The South Coast Readers & Writers Festival returns for 2026!

Join us in Thirroul over three days, 24–26 July, for a celebration of all things reading, writing and creativity on the South Coast of NSW.

Our full festival program is now LIVE, featuring a vibrant line-up of author talks, book launches and workshops on topics ranging from crime fiction, history, young adult literature, poetry, environmental writing, publishing, memoir, literary journals and more.

FULL PROGRAM
MEET THE AUTHORS

with EVELYN ARALUEN ANTOINETTE LATTOUF JAMES BRADLEY SULARI GENTILL MICHELLE DE KRETSER TARA RAE MOSS KATE MILDENHALL ANDREW PIPPOS TIM FLANNERY INGA SIMPSON RICHARD GLOVER KATHRYN HEYMAN DEBRA ADELAIDE SARA HADDAD MARK TREDINNICK GARY LONESBOROUGH CATHERINE MCKINNON KATE HOLDEN JUDITH NANGALA CRISPIN AUNTY BARB NICHOLSON

and also JUDI MORISON JANE MESSER SHADY COSGROVE JAMES JIANG SARAH HAMYLTON KATE LISTON-MILLS FIONA WRIGHT ERIN O’DWYER FELICIA DJAMIRZE CLAIRE ZORN PAMELA COOK ANNE CASEY COURTNEY PEPPERNELL MEREDITH JAFFÉ RAWAH ARJA ALANA VALENTINE HEMAT MELAK ELIZABETH WALTON LINDA GODFREY ANNE WALSH MILLER ED SOUTHORN JONATHAN CANT

with ANTONY LOEWENSTEIN HAYLEY SCRIVENOR PARIS ROSEMONT CLAIRE O’ROURKE GRETEL VAN-LANE NICK RHEINBERGER GARETH JENKINS PETER FRANKIS ANDY MUIR RHYS LORENC CHRISTINE HOWE JOSHUA LOBB ELLIE CROOKES and ZOHRA ALY

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

SCWC members can access a $10 ticket discount via the Discount Codes page on our website (member login required)

UOW students can access a 50% ticket discount by emailing news@southcoastwriters.org

  • “I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the world of books with a diverse group of likeminded people. It was enriching. I left feeling more connected to my own creativity.”

    — 2025 festival attendee

  • “I loved the vibe of the event. For a regional place, it felt wonderfully international.”

    — 2024 festival attendee

  • “It was so great to hear so many Australian writers speaking about their writing and about things they care about. As a young(ish) writer, there were some really positive messages I took from the panels.”

    — 2025 festival attendee

  • “It was small enough to feel inspired, step out into the sun, and soak in the amazing talents we have in the local community.”

    — 2024 festival attendee

  • “I appreciate the bravery in hosting panels relating to Gaza - it's devastating that it takes bravery to do so, but as much of the creative industry has shown it does at the moment, so thank you.”

    — 2025 festival attendee

Volunteer with us!

The South Coast Readers & Writers Festival can’t exist without passionate volunteers from our community. We would love to have you on board for 2026!

All Festival volunteers can attend sessions of their choice on their day of volunteering, free of charge.

EXPLORE OUR PAST FESTIVALS

ARE YOU AN AUTHOR?

PITCH YOUR BOOK FOR OUR NEXT FESTIVAL