Join us for fiery debate, brave histories and life-affirming stories with some of Australia’s leading writers, thinkers and artists.
Held primarily on Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5 across two venues with panoramic coastal views, Umina Beach Surf Lifesaving Club and Ocean Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, Words on the Waves is the first writers festival to take place on the Central Coast.
Each day features eight author talks and conversations, with festival-goers able to select which sessions they’d most like attend as part of their Day Pass or Weekend Pass. Want to switch venues at the lunch break? It’s only a short stroll along the scenic Umina Beach!
Witness cinema icon Bryan Brown spinning crime fiction yarns, hear more about trailblazing businesswoman Wendy McCarthy’s life story, be inspired by Uluru Statement from the Heart campaigner Thomas Mayor, and learn more about land management with food critic and TV chef Matthew Evans. Cultural commentator Van Badham will explain the Fake News phenomenon while Charlotte Wood will reveal how to live a creative and fulfilled life. From politics to literature, historical fiction to memoir, there’s something for everyone.
As bestselling author Nikki Gemmell commented at the 2021 event: “This is the most beautiful literary festival in the world!”
Don’t miss out, secure your spot at Words on the Waves Writers Festival for Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5 now.
Witness cinema icon Bryan Brown spinning crime fiction yarns, hear more about trailblazing businesswoman Wendy McCarthy’s life story, be inspired by Uluru Statement from the Heart campaigner Thomas Mayor, and learn more about land management with food critic and TV chef Matthew Evans. Cultural commentator Van Badham will explain the Fake News phenomenon while Charlotte Wood will reveal how to live a creative and fulfilled life. From politics to literature, historical fiction to memoir, there’s something for everyone.
As bestselling author Nikki Gemmell commented at the 2021 event: “This is the most beautiful literary festival in the world!”
Don’t miss out, secure your spot at Words on the Waves Writers Festival for Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5 now.
More bookish delights
In addition to the Day and Weekend Pass, the Festival is also offering a starry array of Special Events including An Evening with Hannah Kent, a Cinema Screening with Margaret Pomeranz, a Literary Cruise, Adult Writing Workshops, and more.
On Friday June 3, we are thrilled to welcome one of Australia’s bestselling fiction authors, Hannah Kent, to the vibe-drenched Naughty Noodle Fun Haus stage. Hannah’s much-loved book Burial Rites blitzed international charts and is now being made into a film starring Jennifer Lawrence. Hannah will be interviewed by spirited theatre-maker, commentator and author, Van Badham.
On Saturday June 4, Margaret Pomeranz will host an evening of conversation and a film screening of 2006 film Candy at the much-loved Cinema Paradiso, Ettalong. Joined by Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winning screenwriter Luke Davies (who also wrote the novel by the same name), we will revisit this Australian classic starring Heath Ledger and Abbie Cornish and then enjoy a lively discussion between these two greats of cinema.
On both Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5 we are pleased to offer two practical and inspiring workshops with master writers Darcy Coates (Self Publishing 101) and Kate Forsyth (Bringing Characters to Life).
And on Monday June 6, we are putting words and ideas afloat in a memorable Literary Cruise up the Hawkesbury River. Hosted by historian Ian Hoskins, we will hear from lauded poet Robert Adamson, and literary wordsmith Delia Falconer, as the magic waterways drift by.
We look forward to welcoming you to the scenic Central Coast for a Words on the Waves experience.