The WPW 2026 program is here ... bookings now open.
We are thrilled to launch the Western Port Writes 2026 Festival Program.
There is something for everyone, no matter your age or reading tastes. Check out the talented lineup of writers, creatives and presenters, across conversations, panels, workshops and special events.
Here is everything you need to know!
- WPW2026 ticket sales are now open
- Scroll down to see every session, each with a Book Now link
- You can book for multiple events as part of a single booking. See the FAQs for how to book
- Writing Workshops are taking place in the lead-up to the festival, on Saturday 19 September, at the Hasting Community Hub
- Single tickets are available for each event, until sold out
- Day Passes are available for Saturday and Sunday (limited numbers)
- The Sunday Day Pass excludes the Children’s session, this must be booked separately
- Petersen’s Bookstore is our official festival bookseller and will be onsite at Coolart and for all events
- Lunch boxes are available for pre-order from 1 September. Look for Lunch Boxes in the ticketing system
- Please note, there are no food venues at Coolart, but there are BBQ facilities or you can bring a picnic
- Blume Coffee will be onsite at Coolart on Saturday and Sunday
- There is free parking onsite at Coolart
- For more information, check out the FAQs
- For more help, email us: hello@westernportwrites.com.au
We hope you enjoy browsing the beautiful Festival Program. Book early – our venues have limited capacity. We don’t want you to miss out.
See you in October!
Western Port Writes, Literary Festival
Pre Event in Shoreham Sunday, August 30
Book your seat at two workshops on Saturday 19 September and enhance your writing:
Please note this is a lead-up event to be held on Saturday 19 September.
Where: Hastings Community Hub
When: 1973 Frankston-Flinders Rd Hastings 3915
Time: 11am to 2pm
Day Pass: $45 | $40 Conc
The Craft of Short Stories
There’s an art to creating a compelling short story. Join award-winning writer Melissa Manning to discover the elements of an engaging story. In this workshop Melissa will focus on building a convincing narrative, a persuasive story arc, and creating characters with depth – all in short form. The workshop includes writing exercises to help refine your technique and captivate readers.
Please note this is a lead-up event to be held on Saturday 19 September.
Time: 11am to 12.30pm
Tickets: $25 | $20 Conc.
Writing Romance
Have you dreamed of writing romance? Join Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus, co-authors of four romance novels, and hear their tips on how to craft authentic characters and build chemistry; the impact of a compelling narrative; romance genres and tropes; and the road to publication. The workshop will include writing exercises and Q&A.
Please note this is a lead-up event to be held on Saturday 19 September.
Time: 1.00pm to 2.00pm
Tickets: $25 | $20 Conc.
Opening Event at The Somers General Friday, 9 October
The Two of Us
She was his editor and he was her star reporter. In this revealing conversation the first female editor of The Age, Gay Alcorn, and one of Australia’s most significant investigative reporters, Nick McKenzie, talk about journalism, power and friendship.
Join us for a memorable evening as we launch WPW26, and hear these powerhouse journalists in conversation. Enjoy casual, light fare, with grazing platters and bowl food. Drinks are available for purchase.
Time: 6pm to 8.30pm
Tickets: $60
Festival Opening & Welcome to Country – 9.45am – 10am
Festival Opening and Welcome to Country Official festival opening, with Welcome Ceremony by Bunurong and Palawa woman Jillian West.
When Nature Speaks
Humanity’s relationship with nature is complex: drivenby both harmful exploitation and urgent conservation. As biodiversity declines and wildlife are impacted, Chris Flynn, Josh Neille and Dr Kylie Soanes examine our dependence on ecosystems and the ways we impact them. Moderatedby Tracee Hutchison.
Time: 10am to 11am – Please be seated by 9.45
Tickets: $25 | $20 Conc.
The Wisdom of Gardens
Gardens enrich our lives in many deeply satisfying ways, from nourishing harvests and outdoor exploration to fostering connection, wellbeing and mental health. Caroline Parker and Jac Semmler reflect on the power of nature for individuals and communities with Michael McCoy.
Time: 11.30am to 12.30pm
Tickets: $25 | $20 Conc.
Saturday Lunch 12.30 to 1.30
Pre-order and prepay your Festival Lunch box. Lunch box bookings open in September.
Blume Coffee will be on site.
Our Duet
From different beginnings to a shared life together, Sami Shah and Kylie Moore-Gilbert reflect on the experiences that shaped them and the journey that brought them together. Exploring resilience, identity, love and belonging, this compelling conversation offers unique personal
insights, moderated by Belinda Hawkins.
Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Tickets: $25 | $20 Conc.
A Nation at the Crossroads
In this Victorian election year we look at the forces reshaping Australian politics. Faced with economic certainty, cost-of-living pressures and debates about multicultural identity, traditional centrist politics are being challenged alongside a rise in populism. A timely discussion between Sumeyya Ilanbey, Paul Strangio and Tony Barry, moderated by Gay Alcorn. This session includes an extended audience Q&A with our expert commentators.
Time: 3pm to 4pm (panel) 4pm to 4.30pm (Q&A)
Tickets: $25 | $20 Conc.
Epilogue
Chat with fellow festival goers, mingle with the committee and enjoy complimentary refreshments to finish the day.
Time: 4.45 to 5.30
Where: The Barracks
The Scene of the Crime
The scene of the crime is more than a distinctive backdrop. Setting and place assume a character-like role in crime novels, whether outback, urban or international. Mate Antolos, Victoria Brownlee and Garry Disher discuss how place shapes scenes, influences characters and drives plot lines, with moderator Irma Gold.
Time: 10am to 11am
Tickets: $25 | $20 Conc.
Faery Emily at Coolart
Faery Emily will be flying in to join Western Port Writes on Sunday 11 October. There will be sparkly face magic and nature bracelet making. Come and visit her in the Coolart Garden. Twinkles!
No Booking required.
Time: 11am to 12pm
Sunday Lunch 12.30 to 1.30
Pre-order and prepay your Festival Lunch box. Lunch box bookings open in September. Blume coffee will be on site.
What’s the Narrative?
Three compelling novels. Each explores love, loss and grief, using the natural world to powerfully frame their characters’ interior landscapes. Melissa Manning, Claire Thomas and Michael Winkler discuss ‘what’s driving the narrative’ in their novels, with moderator Angela Savage.
Time: 3pm to 4pm
Tickets: $25 | $20 Conc.
Postscript
Join us for light refreshments as we thank our volunteers and everyone who has been part of WPW26.
