Stories are about to shine brighter than ever under the vast Sunshine Coast hinterland skies.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival returns for its third year from May 2-4 with the theme: ‘A Constellation of Stories – a celebration of diverse voices, ideas and imaginations coming together beneath one shared sky’.
With the region’s Dark Sky status as inspiration, festival artistic director Lea Dodd is collating an inspiring festival program that invites readers and writing enthusiasts to explore how narratives, such as stars, gain brilliance when seen in connection with one another.
This year’s author line-up is a standout blend of literary depth, storytelling warmth and international acclaim.
Uncle Bruce Pascoe, whose groundbreaking Dark Emu reshaped Australia’s understanding of its past, will headline a gala dinner speaking about his new book Big Sky: a powerful and timely reflection that resonates with the festival’s theme.
International bestseller Cathy Kelly brings her trademark emotional intelligence and warmth to the hinterland, pairing with beloved Australian author Natasha Lester, known for her immersive historical fiction, at a Devonshire tea overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains – a match made in literary heaven. Meanwhile, acclaimed author Frances Whiting will feature in the main author program at Maleny Showgrounds, discussing her upcoming novel The Nocturnals: a story rich with atmosphere and emotional nuance.
Across three days and multiple picturesque venues, the festival promises conversations that spark curiosity, connections that linger and stories that illuminate. Like a living constellation, audiences are invited to chart their own path through a sky full of ideas, perspectives and voices.
The full program is out today. Head to schwritersfestival.com.au.
