The inaugural Western Port Writes Literary Festival ran from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 September 2024.

The Festival will return in 2026. In 2025 we will be hosting a selection of literary events and would love you to join us. Follow us here or on socials for updates.

Our first event for 2025 is a WPW Writers Panel, being held as part of the Flinders Fringe Festival, on Saturday 22 February 2025, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at St John’s Hall Flinders.

An exploration of family stories, it features authors Tony Birch, Melanie Cheng and Kylie Ladd in conversation with literary critic Jason Steger, and includes a delicious afternoon tea. Full details are below – don’t forget to book for The Family Lode!

About Western Port Writes

Western Port Writes (WPW) is a literary festival located in the Western Port region of the Mornington Peninsula, held in Somers and surrounds. Designed to celebrate creativity and the art of the story, it showcases both established and emerging writers connected to our region and beyond.

From author panels, in-conversations, interviews and readings to collaborative community events – in 2024 we gathered and shared stories from talented authors and storytellers. A school program engaged local schools and students, and emerging writers were invited to attend a day dedicated to publishing and self-publishing. WPW Literary Festival will return in 2026.

Watch this space to keep up to date with what happens next.