southern highlands
writers’ festival
23-26 july 2026
Berkelouw Book Barn, Berrima
ANd empire cinemas, bowral
The 2026 lineup
Literary dinner - Thursday 23 July
Siang Lu
Join us for an unforgettable black tie Literary Dinner at Berkelouw's iconic Book Barn. Savour fine food and wines amid thousands of books, as we celebrate 2025 Miles Franklin Award winner Siang Lu and his debut novel Ghost Cities. An extraordinary evening of literature and elegance awaits!
Day 1 - Friday 24 July
Alice Pung OAM
Alice Pung OAM is an acclaimed Australian author, lawyer, and educator. Her beloved debut memoir Unpolished Gem, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. She has since built an extraordinary body of work, including Her Father's Daughter and Laurinda.
Yumna Kassab
Yumna Kassab's latest work is Goodbye My Love. Yumna’s books have been shortlisted for prestigious literary prizes, including the national Miles Franklin Literary Award. In 2023, Yumna was named the inaugural renowned Parramatta Laureate in Literature.
Ainslie Harvey
Ainslie Harvey is the creator behind the viral internet sensation Hot History. Her latest work, Sisters of Scandal, contains mind-blowing tales of history's boldest and baddest women across centuries and cultures, celebrating power and defiance.
Virginia Haussegger AM
Virginia Haussegger AM is an award-winning journalist and gender equity advocate. Her latest work, Unfinished Revolution, explores feminist action in Australia, from the 1970s Australian Women’s Liberation Movement to the 2021 March4Justice rally and beyond.
Andrew Upton - Live from London
Andrew Upton is a writer, director and former Co-Artistic Director of the Sydney Theatre Company with wife Cate Blanchett. Andrew will be discussing his debut novel Krank Fuss live from his London base.
Day 2 - Saturday 25 July
Gail Jones
Gail Jones is one of Australia's most celebrated writers. She is the author of eleven novels, recipient of numerous literary awards, widely read internationally and praised for lyrical, thoughtful prose. Gail’s latest work is The Name of the Sister.
Bri Lee
Bri Lee is the multi-award-winning, bestselling author of acclaimed non-fiction books Eggshell Skull, Beauty and Who Gets to Be Smart. Her astonishing new novel is Seed.
Astrid Jorgensen OAM
Astrid Jorgensen OAM is a choral conductor, composer, producer and entertainer who believes that everybody can sing. She is the founder and director of Pub Choir® and her new memoir is entitled Average At Best.
Saturday Night Live!
Featuring Prof. Toby Walsh
Saturday Night Live! explores artificial intelligence through the world premiere of Written In Our Voices, an immersive performance followed by a conversation with leading AI expert Professor Toby Walsh. A truly engaging and thought-provoking event not to be missed.
Day 3 - Sunday 26 July
Lachlan Strahan
Lachlan Strahan is a former diplomat and historian. In his latest book, The Curious Diplomat, Lachlan explores the Australian way of diplomacy and what Australia can do today to forge a path in a complicated and dangerous world.
Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks
Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks’ work sits at the intersection of media, power and gender. Her latest book, The Right Hand contains fascinating conversations with chiefs of staff to the world’s most powerful people.
Welcome to SHWF 2026
This winter, come and experience the cool climate of the Southern Highlands, the perfect setting for the 2026 Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival (SHWF). Now in its fifteenth year, the annual SHWF is one of the most popular and much-loved events on the Highlands’ calendar.
The 2026 SHWF will kick off with a black-tie Literary Dinner on Thursday 23rd July at Berkelouw Book Barn in Berrima, with the 2025 winner of the Miles Franklin Literary Award, Siang Lu, as the special guest. The Festival will continue on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July at the iconic Empire Cinemas in Bowral, only 90 minutes drive from Sydney and Canberra.
Some of Australia’s greatest writers and thinkers will be attending this year’s SHWF, so book your tickets today! I look forward to welcoming you to the Southern Highlands very soon.
Warmest regards,
Michaela Bolzan
Founder & Artistic Director
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