6-8 November 2026

The Berry Writers’ Festival acknowledges the Dharawal and Dhurga language-speaking groups who are traditional owners of this area. We acknowledge their customs and culture, which have nourished, and continue to nourish, this land. And we extend our respects to Elders, past, present, and future.

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History, politics, extraordinary courage and epic adventure. If you love a great true story, we've got some cracking conversations lined up at the Berry Writers' Festival!

Join some of Australia's finest writers, journalists and thinkers as they bring remarkable stories and big ideas to life.

Paul Kelly - Advance Australia Where
One of Australia's most respected political journalists joins Amanda Tattersall to examine the forces shaping modern Australia, from exceptionalism and collectivism to the country's changing political landscape.

Mike Carlton - The Burning Blue
Discover the extraordinary stories of Australia's naval aviators, their courage in the skies and the remarkable history behind The Burning Blue. Mike joins Richard Glover for a fascinating conversation.

Peter FitzSimons - The Race to the Top of the World
Adventure, ambition and the ultimate test of human endurance. Join Peter FitzSimons and Richard Glover as they revisit the legendary race to conquer Mount Everest, and the extraordinary men who risked everything to reach the summit.

Three fascinating conversations. Three very good reasons to join us in Berry this November.

Sessions are selling fast, so don't leave it too late to secure your seats!

📅 7–8 November 2026
📍 Berry Writers' Festival
🎟️ Explore the program and book at berrywritersfestival.com.au

Because words matter.
Getting into the spirit of the festival, we put two of our favourite things together: books and a good glass of something special.

A huge thank you to @lebar.co for sponsoring the Berry Writers' Festival and helping us pair a few festival reads with some beautiful drops. Here's what we came up with:

🥂 'The Titanic Story of Evelyn' – Lisa Wilkinson
Paired with Sadi Malot Champagne
Opens with sparkling romance, deepens into notes of courage and survival, with a finish that lingers for over a century.

🥃 'The Burning Blue' – Mike Carlton
Paired with Fuji Japanese Whisky
Bold and smoky, with hints of salt spray, engine oil and quiet bravery. Best taken slowly, with a stirring finish.

🌸 'Mad Mabel' - Sally Hepworth
Paired with Bondar Rosé
Pretty in pink with a cheeky edge. Bright notes of longing and mischief, finishing a little wild, just as love should.

🍷 'How to Ruin a Child' – Richard Glover
Paired with Amato Vino Cabernet Sangiovese
Lively up front, with notes of tantrums, questionable expert advice and genuine warmth. A surprisingly reassuring finish for any parent.

🍷 'Stuff the British Stole' – Marc Fennell
Paired with Mada Syrah
Rich, mischievous and complex, with notes of plundered treasure and centuries of controversy. A bold finish guaranteed to spark debate at the table.

Swing by Le Bar for a pre-session drink. 

Berry Writers' Festival, 6–8 November
Purchase your tickets online today.
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#BerryWritersFestival #BerryNSW #WineAndBooks #ShoalhavenNSW
Do not miss three of Australia's most celebrated First Nations writers, together in Berry.

Dr Paul Callaghan (Leading from the Dreaming), Dr Amy Thunig-McGregor (Tell me Again) and Stella Prize winner Evelyn Araluen (The Rot) unpack what we can learn about  leadership from the oldest living culture. 

If you've heard Paul Callaghan on 'The Imperfects' - you know - he doesn't do small talk. A former TAFE CEO who hit rock bottom, Paul found his way back after walking Country with his Elders. The eight principles he has distilled for leading well comes from this hard won knowledge. These are big conversations for anyone leading teams, working in groups and wanting to live well from some of the wisest writers around.  The time to have these conversations is now. 

Join them in Berry on Saturday 7 November.

Our Authors Say…

MEET THE TEAM

the 2026 Berry writers festival team

BWF PRIMARY DEVICE

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

PRINCIPAL DONOR

PATRONS

Annie Crawford & Simon Buckingham

Justine & Damian Roche

Mrs Lee Schimann

Ms Felicity Youl

FOUNDING DONORS

Roger Allan & Kathryn Lovric

Fiona Beith & Ross McLean

Wendy & Chandu Bindhi

Ornella Botter & David Kearney

Suzanne & Steve Burdon

Lucy & Frank Calabria

Anna Cleary

Cherry & John Corr

Suzanne & Mike Daniel

Diana Eilert & Gary Schiller

 Alyson & Joseph Galea

Helen & Michael Gazal

Alex & Richard Harris

Joanna & Lee Hopperton

John Allan and Darren Howard

Caroline & Tony McDonald

Kate Mason

Jo Norman

Sally & Steve Paridis

Liz & Paul Parnell

Amelia Ramsden & Kamill Kreiser

Tynaya Redman

Isobel & James Robinson

Julie & Geoff Rosenberg

Emily Simpson

Henriette & Geoff Summerhayes

Lisa & Andrew Tracy

Kate Towey & Ross Drinnan

Louise Walsh & Dave Jordan

Anonymous

SUPPORT THE FESTIVAL

Berry Writers’ Festival is largely volunteer run, our generous sponsors and donors help make the festival happen. 

If you’d like to donate as an individual you can give a tax-deductible donation (via the Australian Cultural Fund) and become listed as one of our donors. 

If you’d like to talk about sponsorship opportunities please get in touch.

CONTACT US

To Contact the festival please

E-MAIL
info@berrywritersfestival.org.au

Ticket enquiries only: 0488 667707