20-22 October 2023
Katoomba
Join some of Australia’s finest literary talent alongside international luminaries as they share the story behind their stories.
Get ready to come away inspired . . .
Set against the dramatic landscape of the Blue Mountains, this unmatched literary festival celebrates the diversity of the Australian story alongside international luminaries.
The Festival aims to elevate and inspire readers to new levels of curiosity and intrigue, whilst celebrating the unique qualities of Australia’s literary landscape.
Presented by Varuna the National Writers’ House, the Festival will take place in Katoomba amid the spectacular surrounds of the world-heritage listed Blue Mountains, on the land of the Darug and Gundungurra people.
This welcoming and intimate Writers’ Festival brings together many of Australia’s most distinguished and emerging writers to create a program of thoughtful, inspiring events and workshops.
For information about Varuna’s other writer development programs, please visit our website.
“… beautiful mix of tales every time that can be heartbreaking or traumatic, or beautiful or funny or light, or just something you always tell at the pub with your mates when you want them to be a bit entertained.”
Maeve Marsden, Queerstories 2022.
85 + speakers
47 author sessions
9 workshops
4 special events
1 extraordinary location
With 47 sessions, the program offers something for everyone, with author talks, panel conversations, children's events, performance, writing workshops and more. The Festival is set in Katoomba’s grand and curious art-deco heritage venues, including the iconic Carrington Hotel, the Baroque Room, the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Blue Mountains Library. Day and weekend passes allow you to create your own program, or just attend one or two events.
2023 Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival Team
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Veechi Stuart
Executive Director
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Amy Sambrooke
Artistic Director (Joint)
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Edwina Johnson
Artistic Director (Joint)
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Chris Cannell
Ticketing and Communications
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Rebecca Goosen
Strategic Initiatives & Artist Management
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Jaala Hallett
Venue Management
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Anita Hoving
Festival Administration
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Jody Lee
Children’s Program and Volunteer Management
Making our festival accessible
Varuna the National Writers’ House is committed to making our programs and events as accessible as possible. Our venues page lists all venue-related accessibility information, and our accessibility page provides more in-depth information about how #AllAreWelcome at the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival/
Please contact hello@bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au for further information and let us know how we can help you.
