Various locations around Gadigal Country
2025 Sydney Writers Festival
Sydney Writers’ Festival brings together a broad and engaged community around the sharing of books, writing and ideas.
Catch these UQP authors in the sessions below:
Untrue Crime
Friday May 23 6PM-7PM
On the mysterious business of writing about crime Carriageworks, Bay 17
Novelist Shankari Chandran, investigative journalist Kate McClymont and Diamond Dagger Award winner Ian Rankin discuss the line between fact and fiction in the stories they tell about crime. With host Matthew Condon.
Spies, Lies and Secrets
Sunday May 25 3:30PM-4:30PM
This conversation is for your ears only Carriageworks, Bay 17
Join Jack Beaumont and Ben Macintyre as they lead you into the reality of espionage and intrigue, in conversation with Matthew Condon.
Saturday May 24 12PM-1PM
Meet the authors walking in Judy Blume’s footsteps Carriageworks, Track 12
Judy Blume garnered attention for writing open and honest works for teenagers. Fifty years later, fresh authors continue to follow in her footsteps. Hear Ange Crawford, Hayley Lawrence and Steph Tisdell address the joys and challenges of writing for young adults today.
Your Kid's Next Read
Saturday 24 May 4PM-5PM
Pick up some tips and tricks for the young readers in your lifeCarriageworks, Bay 19
The team behind the popular Your Kid’s Next Read community know it takes a village to raise readers and writers – join them as they provide advice on how to support readers of all types, from reluctant to avid.
Costa's Garden
Sunday 25 May11AM-11.30AM
Discover the joy of nature Carriageworks, Bay 24
Australia’s favourite gardener Costa Georgiadis is joined by Megan Daley, the author of The Beehive, to introduce young readers to the awe and wonder of the natural world.
An Epic Record Breaking Attempt
Sunday 25 May 2.30PM-3PM
Help us break a record or two Carriageworks, Bay 24
Ever wanted to be part of history? Join Carla Fitzgerald and Dani Vee as they attempt to break some Festival records, like the most chickens juggled by an author, live on stage. Recommended ages 7–12.
Friday 23 May 7PM-8PM
Understanding global change and challenges Carriageworks, Track 8
Join political scientist and author Marcel Dirsus (How Tyrants Fall: And How Nations Survive) and award-winning foreign correspondent Peter Greste (The Correspondent) for an essential conversation about the uncertainty of our current time.
No Place Like Home
Sunday 25 May 10AM-11AM
Head for home with the latest edition of Griffith Review Carriageworks, Bay 19
Award-winning writers Ceridwen Dovey, David Ellison and George Haddad explore the many meanings of home, from the hauntings of heritage to the secrets of domestic spaces. With Griffith Review editor Carody Culver.
Hidden Beginnings
Saturday 24 May 6.30PM-8.30PM
Stories that start at the end Parramatta Artists Studios, Granville
Sometimes endings are beginnings in disguise. Come hear stories about starting over again. Be immersed in a night of storytelling, art and community.
Stories of Palestine
Sunday 25 May 3PM-4PM
Remembering and connecting with the homeland through writing Carriageworks, Bay 20, The ARA Stage
Immerse yourself in reflections of the homeland and moments of connection with writers Sara Haddad, Hasib Hourani and Samah Sabawi, hosted by Micaela Sahhar.
Sydney Writers Festival - Why We Swim?
Wednesday 21 May 1:30PM-3:30PM
Explore our relationship with swimming and our connection to water. The Theatre, Australian National Maritime Museum
Join us to explore our relationship to swimming and our connection to water. What makes us want to immerse ourselves in it in pools, rivers and oceans.
Discover what it is about water that seduces us, heals us and brings us together?
Our panel explores not only the physical benefits of swimming, such as its impact on fitness and mental well-being, but touches on the psychological and emotional connections we form with water. Through personal stories, we uncover how swimming has evolved from a practical skill to a powerful source of therapy, creativity, and even spiritual rejuvenation.
The talk invites the audience to consider swimming as more than just an activity—it becomes a journey of self-discovery, peace, and connection to something much larger than ourselves.
The Bogong: Now Is The Hour
Thursday 22 May 7PM-8PM
Where Blak voices rise, stories thrive and spirit endures Carriageworks, Bay 24
The Bogong is a powerful gathering of Blak storytellers, where words ignite resistance, resilience and identity. Experience the unfiltered truth of First Nations survival with Eric Avery, Jazz Money, Kirli Saunders, Nardi Simpson and host Bebe Oliver.
Songstress Poetica
Friday 23 May11am-12pm
The refreshing rhythms of First Nations poetry and song Carriageworks, Bay 19
Poets and artists Afra Atiq, Kerry Bulloojeeno Archibald Moran, Jazz Money and Kirli Saunders discuss the power of poetry and song for Blak women. With host Alethea Beetson.
Hidden Beginnings
Saturday 24 May 6.30PM-8.30PM
Stories that start at the end Parramatta Artists' Studios, Granville.
Sometimes endings are beginnings in disguise. Come hear stories about starting over again. Be immersed in a night of storytelling, art and community.
The 2025 Griffin Award and Keynote
Wednesday May 21 6:30PM -7:45PM
Celebrate exceptional Australian playwriting with Griffin Theatre Company
The prestigious Griffin Award is one of Australia’s premier playwriting competitions.
Join Sydney Writers Festival for a keynote from leading Australian playwright Leah Purcell (Is That You, Ruthie?) alongside readings from three exceptional award finalists.
Your Kid's Next Read
Saturday 24 May 4PM-5PM
Pick up some tips and tricks for the young readers in your life Carriageworks, Bay 19
The team behind the popular Your Kid’s Next Read community know it takes a village to raise readers and writers – join them as they provide advice on how to support readers of all types, from reluctant to avid.
Middle Grade Mysteries
Sunday 25 May 3.30PM-4PM
Puzzles, clues, investigations and red herrings Carriageworks, Bay 24
Join authors Allison Rushby and A.L. Tait as they play sleuth and reveal the secrets behind writing a good mystery novel for kids. Recommended ages 8–12.
Sara M Saleh:
Ritual
Sunday 25 May 12PM-1PM
The official launch of Australia’s first anthology of Muslim poetry Carriageworks, Bay 19
Launch Ritual with a celebratory reading of poetry from the contributors and editors Sara M. Saleh and Zainab Syed, with host Winnie Dunn.
Plestia Alaqad: The Eyes of Gaza
Memoir meets manifesto in the rubble of Gazan homes Carriageworks, Bay 20, The ARA Stage
Hear Palestinian journalist and author Plestia Alaqad’s personal account of the siege of Gaza after 7 October 2023. In conversation with Sara M. Saleh.
Archive Fever: All in the Family
Sunday 25 May 4.30PM-5.30PM
Sometimes the best stories are those closest to home Carriageworks, Track 12
For this live episode of the popular Archive Fever podcast, co-hosts Yves Rees and Clare Wright are joined by Lech Blaine and Anne-Marie Te Whiu to probe the promise and pitfalls of family archives.
Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts:
Writing as Activism: Debra Dank and Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts
Saturday 24 May11AM-12PM
A voice of resistance and change that echos off the page Ashfield Town Hall
Having written for the Guardian, Indigenous X, Junkie and Victoria’s Women Trust, Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts now shares her incredible story with her debut memoir Long Yarn Short.
Join Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts as she discusses her relationship with writing as activism. In conversation with Rudi Bremer.
The F Word
Sunday 25 May11AM-12PM
Feminist solutions for wicked problems Carriageworks, Bay 20, The ARA Stage
Reckon with the present state of feminism and help predict its future with Hannah Ferguson, Jess Hill and Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts. In conversation with Sisonke Msimang.
Tickets for the entire festival or each event can be found here.
Long Yarn Short
Losing Face
The Sunbird
mark the dawn
how to make a basket
The Frog's First Song
The Night Dragon
Little Fish Are Sweet
Jacks and Jokers
All Fall Down
