Australia’s Storytellers Take Centre Stage at the 29th Sydney Writers’ Festival

Trent Dalton

Celebrating the Power of Australian Fiction

The 29th Sydney Writers’ Festival will showcase an extraordinary lineup of Australian fiction writers, bringing together some of the nation’s most celebrated novelists, poets, playwrights and emerging voices. From 19 to 24 May 2026, Sydney will host a vibrant program highlighting the creativity, diversity and literary excellence that defines contemporary Australian storytelling.

The festival’s Australian fiction program explores themes of identity, belonging, history, love, culture and imagination. Readers and visitors will experience thought-provoking conversations, powerful readings and engaging performances from authors whose books are shaping the national literary landscape.

For travellers seeking cultural experiences in Sydney, the festival offers a unique opportunity to discover Australia’s most influential writers while enjoying the city’s dynamic arts scene.

Leading Australian Novelists and Literary Icons

Steve Toltz 

Some of Australia’s most admired literary voices headline the 2026 program. Trent Dalton returns to the festival with his highly anticipated novel Gravity Let Me Go, a story that continues his reputation for emotionally powerful storytelling.

Booker Prize-shortlisted author Steve Toltz joins the program to discuss his new novel A Rising of the Lights, exploring arts and culture in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Stella Prize winner Heather Rose will share her latest novel A Great Act of Love, an exploration of enduring relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.

Award-winning writer Siang Lu will also appear following the success of his novel Ghost Cities, which received the 2025 Miles Franklin Award and captivated readers with its imaginative narrative.

Bold LGBTQIA+ Voices and Contemporary Perspectives

The Sydney Writers’ Festival continues its strong commitment to diverse voices in Australian literature. LGBTQIA+ writers will bring fresh perspectives and powerful storytelling to festival audiences.

Rising film star Zoe Terakes introduces their literary debut Eros, a creative reinterpretation of Greek mythology through a queer lens. Madeleine Gray presents Chosen Family, a heartfelt story about friendship and lifelong love, while Fiona Kelly McGregor reflects on Sydney’s queer history in her novel The Trap.

These writers highlight the evolving narratives within Australian fiction and celebrate stories that explore identity, belonging and community.

Crime Fiction and Psychological Suspense

Chris Hammer

Crime writing remains one of Australia’s most popular literary genres, and the festival will feature several bestselling authors known for their gripping storytelling.

Chris Hammer expands his acclaimed rural noir universe with Legacy, a novel filled with tension, mystery and the complex dynamics of small-town life. Dervla McTiernan will discuss her latest thriller Three Reasons for Revenge, examining the powerful lengths families will go to protect those they love.

Adding a unique twist to the genre, Shaun Micallef brings humour and satire to the stage with De’Ath Takes a Holiday, his entertaining take on the classic vampire tale.

First Nations Voices at the Heart of the Festival

First Nations storytelling remains central to the Sydney Writers’ Festival, with several acclaimed Indigenous writers sharing their latest works.

Evelyn Araluen

Evelyn Araluen will discuss her new book The Rot, which won the 2026 Victorian Prize for Literature. Tony Birch presents Pictures of You, a collection of short fiction spanning two decades of storytelling.

Poet Jazz Money performs works from mark the dawn, while Bruce Pascoe’s poetry collection No Hiding from the Woman in the Moon and Big Sky addresses the urgent global conversation around climate change.

Kirli Saunders will reflect on the power of language in her book Eclipse, demonstrating how storytelling can connect communities and preserve cultural knowledge.

Author Melanie Saward will also curate several special events including My Writing Soundtrack, Dreaming Big: Voices from the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre, and Past, Present and Emerging.

Stories of Culture, Identity and Belonging

Many Australian authors appearing at the festival explore complex questions about identity and community through fiction.

Yumna Kassab 

Yumna Kassab examines the rise and fall of a marriage within an Arab community in her novel My Love. Randa Abdel-Fattah’s novel Discipline investigates the social, political and cultural pressures shaping modern society.

Michael Mohammed Ahmad continues his exploration of masculinity, class and cultural expectations in Bugger, while Gary Lonesborough tells a powerful coming-of-age story of three Aboriginal boys in Good Young Men.

Lay Maloney’s Weaving Us Together presents a moving young adult story about identity and connection, while Ellen van Neerven’s Ruby’s Web portrays contemporary First Nations life through the eyes of a child.

Poetry, Theatre and Experimental Storytelling

The festival also celebrates the intersection of poetry, theatre and literary experimentation.

Omar Musa

Omar Musa’s Fierceland blends past and present in an emotionally resonant family saga, discussed alongside poet Sara M. Saleh and her work Ritual. Natalia Figueroa Barroso and Shirley Le celebrate the release of a vibrant anthology featuring stories, poetry and essays.

Kathryn Heyman explores grief and healing in Circle of Wonders, while Brigid Delaney combines Stoic philosophy with narrative fiction in The Seeker and the Sage. David Stavanger’s poetry collection The Drop Off examines fatherhood, vulnerability and care.

Acclaimed playwrights will also take the stage, including Lally Katz discussing her memoir My Cursed Vagina, George Kemp sharing insights into his debut novel Soft Serve, and celebrated playwright Suzie Miller speaking about her latest work.

Australian Fiction Continues to Evolve

The breadth of voices appearing at the Sydney Writers’ Festival reflects the dynamic nature of contemporary Australian literature.

Robbie Arnott

Robbie Arnott presents his atmospheric novel Dusk, set against the dramatic landscapes of Tasmania. Tasma Walton introduces her powerful historical novel I Am Nannertgarrook, based on the true story of her ancestor.

Maxine Beneba Clarke continues to experiment with poetic storytelling in beautiful changelings, while fantasy master Garth Nix discusses his imaginative new work We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord.

Together, these writers demonstrate the strength, diversity and creativity of Australian fiction today.
Plan Your Visit to the Sydney Writers’ Festival

The Sydney Writers’ Festival is one of Australia’s most significant cultural events, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The 2026 program promises a dynamic mix of author talks, panel discussions, literary performances and book launches.

For travellers visiting Sydney in May, the festival offers an inspiring way to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene while engaging with some of Australia’s most influential storytellers.

From celebrated novelists to rising literary voices, the festival continues to showcase the remarkable talent shaping Australian fiction today.

Sydney Writers’ Festival

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Festival Dates: 19 May – 24 May 2026
Official Website: https://www.swf.org.au
Visitor Information – Destination Sydney: https://www.sydney.com

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