Western Port Writes Literary Festival 2026

Next date: Friday, 09 October 2026 | 06:00 PM to Sunday, 11 October 2026 | 04:00 PM

Western Port Writes Literary Festival is a three-day celebration of stories that shines a light on talented writers from the Peninsula and beyond.

It's a full weekend of author talks, writer panels and conversations featuring authors and presenters from the Mornington Peninsula and beyond. The festival is based at Coolart Wetlands & Homestead, with sessions held in the Observatory. Each day offers a selection of panels and conversations. The program includes:

  • Lead-up event Writing Workshops for emerging writers on Saturday 19 Sept (Hastings Community Hub 11am to 2pm)
  • Friday Night Opening Night (The Somers General, Fri. 9 October)
    Saturday 10 October
  • Welcome to Country from Jillian West (9.45am)
  • When Nature Speaks (10am)
  • The Wisdom of Gardens (11.30am)
  • Our Duet (1.30pm)
  • A Nation at the Crossroads (3pm)
    Sunday 11 October
  • The Scene of the Crime (Sun 11, 10am)
  • The Ages of Women (Sun 11, 11.30am)
  • Faery Emily in the Coolart Gardens (11am)
  • Children's Session: Wander & Wonder (FREE. 12.30pm)
  • First Nations Knowledge (1.30pm)
  • What's the Narrative (3pm)

Our official bookseller, Petersen’s Bookstore, will be selling books by participating authors at all sessions.

Visit the Western Port Writes website to download a festival program, view all sessions and book tickets.

When

  • Friday, 09 October 2026 | 06:00 PM - Sunday, 11 October 2026 | 04:00 PM

Location

Car parking onsite or catch public transport

Coolart Wetlands & Homestead, Lord Somers Rd, Somers, 3927, View Map

Google Map

Add to Calendar

Fields marked as 'Required' must be completed

Email Address*(Required)

Enter your email address or your friend's email addresses all separated by commas.