Words on the Waves Writers Festival

The Central Coast's literary festival returns

This event has now passed. Stay tuned for details on next year's event.

The Central Coast’s first and only writers’ festival is back and bigger than ever in 2024. Words on the Waves Writers Festival is a celebration of words and ideas that promises a huge lineup of author talks, panels, workshops, evening events, and even a literary cruise.

Happening from May 29 to June 3, this year’s festival will explore the theme past is present is future is always, inviting attendees to delve into uncharted storytelling territories, explore profound ideas, and uncover untold histories.

Featuring nearly 100 speakers across almost 70 sessions, including both free and ticketed events, this year's program is the largest yet, offering something for every literary palate.

Grab a Day or Weekend Pass to catch speakers on June 1 and 2, with literary luminaries like Alice Pung, Tony Birch, Bruce Pascoe, and Myfanwy Jones set to captive audiences with their insights and stories.

The calendar of special events isn’t to be missed either. Highlights include the Late Night Lit poetry and reading night at Bar Toto, authors telling true, personal stories at Story Club, and the Literary Cruise on Brisbane Water.

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New additions to the lineup, such as Chatting Books with Bri Lee and the professional development day Writing Up Stream, offer aspiring writers and book enthusiasts alike the chance to engage with industry experts and hone their craft.

Words on the Waves is also introducing The Dip for the 2024 festival, a new space and program stream designed to offer accessible, short-form author talks for curious minds. Located at the Peninsula Recreation Precinct, these sessions are affordable or free, so you can easily ‘dip’ into literary exploration.

words on the waves writers festival central coast

Words on the Waves is the Central Coast's premier literary event, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the power of words and ideas – all by the region’s beautiful coastline.