The 2019 Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival

If you’re an established professional writer, a budding novelist, or even simply interested in arts, news and social commentary, you cannot miss this festival. Now in its eleventh year, the Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival is going from strength to strength and is the premier literary event in the state.

Let’s take a look at who has previously graced the stage: last year featured Australia’s favourite scientist Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, the ABC’s Q&A host Tony Jones, and Nikki Gemmell, who wrote the provocative novel The Bride Stripped Bare. In 2017, attendees were fortunate to see actor and comedian Michael Palin, renowned journalist Kerry O’Brien, writer Clementine Ford, and novelist and social commentator Jane Caro.

In the years before that, there was a who’s who of writers and broadcasters including Gretel Killeen; Cameron Daddo; Tomorrow When The War Began author John Marsden; The West Australian journalists Colleen Egan, Steve Butler and William Yeoman; The 24-Storey Treehouse author Andy Griffiths; and Sarah Turnbull, the woman behind the 2002 smash-hit novel Almost French.

2019 festival authors and panellists

This year’s theme is ‘Wild, Weird and Wonderful’ with the festival welcoming a staggering 60 novelists, journalists, playwrights, illustrators, presenters and photographers. Headlining the event is one of the world’s most famous feminists Germaine Greer, plus cartoonist and poet Michael Leunig, astrophysicist and ABC’s Stargazing Live presenter Prof Lisa Harvey-Smith, actor and writer William McInnes (yes, that’s Senior Constable Nick Schultz from Blue Heelers), and author of the hit Rosie trilogy, Graeme Simsion.

Germaine Greer at the Oldie of the Year Awards 2016

What’s on at MRRWF 2019

There are a dizzying number of things to see and do; the reader/writer inside you will be bursting at the seams with creativity and inspiration after your visit. Meet, listen to, and learn from nationally and internationally respected professionals. Book your tickets now (some passes are already sold out so don’t take too long) for a huge selection of author talks, interviews, Q&A sessions, panel discussions, book signings and workshops. Don’t miss out on:

Day One

• Where the wild writers grow. What makes a writer want to write? Listen in to what a panel of authors has to say (11 a.m.)
• Anna Funder in Conversation. Join Miles Franklin award winner Anna Funder’s chat about her work (3:30 p.m.)
• How to get published. This workshop with Margaret River Press Director Caroline Wood examines the process of writing a book, making characters believable and getting published (4 p.m.)

Anna Funder. Photo by Gaby Waldeck

Day Two

• Coffee and Papers. Start the day with a hot coffee and even hotter topics of the day with well-respected Australian journalists (9:30 a.m.)
• Aussie 2.0. Join William McInnes and Dave Warner as they discuss Australian culture and cultural cringe (11 a.m.)
• Write Drunk, Edit Sober. What stops many writers from starting (or finishing) their work is the quest to be perfect. In reality, it’s best to write first with no inhibitions and then edit with a clear head. This workshop is run by Western Australia author Susan Midalia (3 p.m.)

William McInnes

Day Three

• Drawing Fire. Cartoonist, social commentator and poet Michael Leunig talks politics and the current cultural climate — what’s appropriate and what’s not? What’s happening with humour in today’s social climate? (3:30 p.m.)
• Creating Heart with Art. This workshop with illustrator and artist Ian Mutch is a hands-on learning experience about creating stories with illustrations and communicating your idea (9:30 a.m.)

Michael Leunig calendar portrait

Find the full schedule here.

Event details

When: 3 – 5 May 2019

Where: Voyager Estate, Margaret River

Buy tickets: This is a very popular event so book now

Find out more: MRRWF website

South-West WA locations to nurture your creative spirit

Get your creative juices flowing in a setting that sparks your imagination. Luckily, this is the South-West — a region naturally blessed with scenery that’s guaranteed to take your breath away.

• Wander amongst soaring trees in Boranup Forest
• Sink into the perfect white sandy shores of Meelup Beach and Bunker Bay
• Get cosy in downtown Margaret River
• Be dazzled by the stunning caves along Caves Road, Yallingup to Augusta
• Explore the wild walking trails of the iconic Cape to Cape track

Unleash your creativity in Western Australia’s Margaret River region at the celebrated reading and writing festival. And at night, cosy up in front of the fireplace in one of our beautiful homes. View our 100+ portfolio to discover our holiday homes or check out these two inspirational properties that have fantastic libraries and fireplaces.

Flinders Bay House, Augusta

Waterford, Margaret River

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