Mountain Writers Festival returns to Wurundjeri Country (Macedon) Friday 13 – Sunday 15 November

Celebrating stories that deepen our relationship with place through our enduring theme ‘Nature. Place. Story,’ the festival brings acclaimed Australian writers into conversation with local and regional voices across three days of immersive conversations, workshops, and performance featuring over 60 artists and storytellers in more than 30 sessions

Our interstate guests this year include legendary activist Bob Brown, author and academic Debra Dank, writer, filmmaker, musician and consultant Victor Steffensen, author Mirandi Riwoe, author, poet, rapper, visual artist and winner of the 2026 Miles Franklin Award Omar Musa, cellist Mariel Roberts Musa, poet and midwife Lulu Houdini, YA writer Josh Hortinela, writer and producer Johanna Bell, and critic and writer Neha Kale.

This year’s program continues our commitment to climate resilience and the craft of storytelling. Opening with a Gala performance event radically reframing our relationship with the natural world, Wilder asks what our might look like if we paid closer attention to complex ecologies surrounding us.

We are also celebrating the vital voices of regional writers and offering programs for young people – including our first-ever schools day and an exciting partnership with Kyneton’s Squishy Minnie Bookshop. Plus, an evening of free performances and networking for writers – including The Wheeler Centre’s Next Big Thing: Regional, and an open mic presented in partnership with Writers Victoria.

Check out the full program of events and lineup of guest artists on our website: https://mountainfestival.com.au/program

Mountain Writers Festival is supported by Creative Australia, Melbourne Airport, Creative Victoria, Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Community Bank Gisborne & District.

⛰️ Mountain Writers Festival

🗓️ Friday 13 – Sunday 15 November

🎟️ Free events | Sessions from $25 | Weekend and Day Passes