CREATIVE CUTS - Eumundi Writers Festival

Imagine chatting with your favourite author over coffee, asking questions in a workshop of just a handful of people, or having the conversation continue long after the panel has ended.

That's the experience awaiting readers at the 2026 Eumundi Writers Festival, where more than 50 authors, publishers, journalists, poets and storytellers will gather from September 4-6 for a weekend built on conversation, creativity and connection.

Eumundi's boutique format gives audiences rare access to some of Australia's most celebrated writers through small panel discussions in heritage buildings, intimate workshops, meet-the-author sessions, book signings, Literary Lounge events and informal conversations throughout the weekend.

With more than 94 events including 29 panel sessions and interviews, and 65 events where writers can participate across five boutique venues, the festival offers something increasingly rare—the opportunity to not only hear from extraordinary writers, but to genuinely meet them.

This year's theme, The Human Condition, brings together an exceptional collection of Australian literary voices whose work explores love, loss, identity, resilience, politics, history, crime, romance, journalism and the universal stories that connect us.

Writers include Laura Jean McKay, Steve MinOn, Simon Cleary, Laura Elvery, Kristina Olsson, Anna Campbell, and Emeritus Professor Roly Sussex.

The festival also welcomes influential Australian leaders and changemakers. Bob Abbot, the inaugural Mayor of the Sunshine Coast, will reflect on public life and the memoir he has long contemplated writing. 

Current Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, the first woman elected to lead Sunshine Coast Council, will officially open the festival and introduce several keynote sessions across the weekend. 

Hon. Dr Kevin Rudd AC, Australia's 26th Prime Minister, headlines the festival in conversation with The Betoota Advocate editor Clancy Overell.

The program also celebrates Australia's living history. Author Sarah Cochrane Ridout (pictured) brings a unique personal perspective as the granddaughter of Kath Cochrane who worked alongside Oodgeroo Noonuccal in the successful campaign for the 1967 Referendum, enriching festival conversations about identity, truth-telling and belonging.

For aspiring writers, the festival offers rare opportunities to learn directly from leading authors and publishing professionals. Small-group workshops cover everything from crime writing, children's literature and romance to editing, publishing, book design and artificial intelligence, giving participants practical skills and invaluable one-on-one access to industry experts.

Whether you're meeting a favourite author, discovering an exciting new literary voice, learning the craft of writing or simply enjoying conversations that challenge and inspire, the 2026 Eumundi Writers Festival promises a literary experience where every story—and every conversation—matters.

The full festival program and ticket information are available now eumundiwritersfestival.com.au/program