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| Tony Abbott |
The 2026 festival places a strong spotlight on non-fiction, bringing together leading voices in politics, history, culture, science and memoir. Visitors travelling to Sydney during the festival will have the opportunity to hear directly from authors whose books are shaping national conversations and global debates.
Examining Australia’s Political History and National Identity
Several prominent historians and political commentators will explore the forces that have shaped modern Australia. Former prime minister Tony Abbott reflects on the nation’s evolution in his book Australia: A History (2025), offering insights into the political and cultural foundations of the country. |
| Troy Bramston |
Acclaimed Indigenous author Melissa Lucashenko challenges assumptions about identity and belonging in Not Quite White in the Head (2025), a powerful collection of essays addressing race and the politics of culture.
Truth-telling and historical understanding also feature prominently as filmmaker Rachel Perkins discusses The Australian Wars (2025) alongside renowned historian Henry Reynolds, author of Looking from the North (2025). They are joined by historian Stephen Gapps and award-winning author Clare Wright, whose book The Bark Petitions (2024) examines one of Australia’s most significant Indigenous political movements.
Democracy, Politics and the Future of Governance
A series of sessions will unpack the foundations of Australian democracy and examine the forces influencing contemporary political life. |
| Annabel Crabb |
Political journalist Annabel Crabb brings her trademark insight to political storytelling in There’s a Prawn in Parliament House (2025), while journalists Amy Remeikis and Niki Savva analyse key turning points in Australian politics.
Commentator Sean Kelly shares his perspective on the Albanese Government in The Good Fight (2025), while veteran political journalist Barrie Cassidy draws on decades of reporting experience across several festival sessions.
Global Politics, Conflict and the Changing World
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| Nick Bryant |
Journalist and author Antony Loewenstein contributes to conversations about Gaza and the complexities of Middle East geopolitics.
Meanwhile, crime writing and investigative storytelling take centre stage as journalist Debbie Whitmont discusses her gripping book The Man Who Couldn’t Wait (2026), which explores Australia’s first political assassination. She joins acclaimed author Sarah Krasnostein, whose work The Mushroom Tapes (2025) delves into the art of writing about crime.
Technology, Sustainability and the Future of the Planet
Environmental change and technological transformation form another key theme at the festival. |
| Richard King |
Writer and philosopher Sarah Wilson offers reflections on living meaningfully during uncertain times in I Eat the Stars (2026).
Astronomer Ray Norris explores the wonders of the universe in Big Sky (2026), sharing insights alongside celebrated Indigenous author Bruce Pascoe as they examine connections between astronomy and Indigenous knowledge systems.
Natural history also comes alive for younger audiences through the work of illustrator and author Sami Bayly and her beautifully illustrated The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Fast and Slow Animals (2025).
Memoir, Culture and Personal Stories
Many festival sessions explore deeply personal narratives that illuminate broader social issues. |
| Antoinette Lattouf |
Writers Katia Ariel and Jane Messer explore themes of migration, family history and memory in Ferryman (2025) and Raven Mother (2026).
Commentator Greg Sheridan examines faith in modern life in How Christians Can Succeed Today (2025).
Other powerful voices include doctor and writer Daniel Nour, whose book How to Dodge Flying Sandals (2025) explores multicultural identity, and sports journalist Tracey Lee Holmes, whose The Eye of the Dragonfly (2025) reflects on the spectacle and influence of global sport.
Exploring Human Connection and Social Change
Another major festival theme focuses on how individuals connect with each other and the world around them..webp) |
| Osher Günsberg |
Writer and social advocate Jack Toohey examines pathways for meaningful social change in Better Things Are Possible (2025).
Meanwhile, author Belinda Castles invites readers to rediscover Sydney through walking in Walking Sydney (2025), revealing hidden stories embedded within the city’s streets.
Food, Art and Cultural Legacy
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| Susan Wyndham |
Writer Drusilla Modjeska explores women artists and representation in A Woman’s Eye, Her Art (2025).
Pianist and author Anna Goldsworthy examines creativity in the digital age in On AI, Self and Culture (2026).
Food lovers will enjoy a special session with renowned chef and author Stephanie Alexander, celebrating the 30th anniversary edition of her landmark cookbook The Cook’s Companion (2026), a publication that has shaped Australian home cooking for decades.
A Cultural Highlight for Visitors to Sydney
The Sydney Writers’ Festival has become one of Australia’s most important cultural events, attracting readers, thinkers and travellers from around the world. For visitors to Sydney, the festival offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with leading authors while experiencing the city’s thriving arts and cultural scene.From politics and history to science, memoir and environmental debate, the 2026 festival program promises stimulating conversations that challenge, inform and inspire.
Sydney Writers’ Festival
Website: https://www.swf.org.auFor program schedules, author events and ticket bookings, visit the official website.
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