Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that Byron Writers Festival takes place on the traditional lands of the Arakwal Bumberbin Peoples of the Bundjalung Nation. We pay respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge them as the original storytellers of the lands and waterways of this Country.

Byron Writers Festival

14—16 August
 

Celebrating 30 years in the heart of Byron Bay

Byron Writers Festival has now revealed it's full 30th anniversary edition, bringing together more than 150 writers, thinkers, poets and storytellers from Australia and around the world for three days of ideas, stories and conversation on Bundjalung Country, Byron Bay, from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August 2026.

Presented at a moment of great global change, the festival embraces its theme of ‘sanctuary’, creating a place of solace and connection amongst some of the finest minds. With a new home in the heart of Byron Bay, more free programming than ever, and activations including ocean bathing and beach yoga, the 2026 program brings the community together and creates new rituals of shared connection.

Join us in Byron Bay this August, tickets are on sale now.

Where
Byron Bay, NSW 2481
When
14–16 August, 2026

Writers

Geetanjali Shree, Trent Dalton, Evelyn Araluen, Siang Lu, Steve Toltz, Zoe Terakes, Richard Denniss, Melissa Lucashenko, and many more

View All Writers
Alex Adsett
Sarah Armstrong
Evelyn Araluen
Cedar Anderson

Festival Events & Workshops

Join us for a special series of separately ticketed events and workshops featuring guests from the Byron Writers Festival '26 program.

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Key Information

Byron Writers Festival is held on Bundjalung Country in the township of Byron Bay, Northern New South Wales.


Eat & Drink
The Byron Bay township is full to the brim with restaurants, cafes, bars and eateries to experience during the Byron Writers Festival. Alongside this are local retailers and artisans offering unique keepsakes and gifts from the region.

Shop
Browse our marketplace of local artisans, and visit The Book Room, our festival bookshop, to grab your favourite festival titles and have them signed by authors after each session.
Our most frequently asked questions answered.
What is your ticket refund and exchange policy?

In the unlikely event that Byron Writers Festival 2026 does not proceed, you will be offered a refund for all passes including parking.

Unfortunately we are unable to swap or change passes once they have been issued.

Can I volunteer with the festival?

Yes, we love our volunteers, they are the heart and soul of our festival. Applications generally open in May each year.

For more information on how to get involved, see our volunteer page. Make sure to sign up to our mailing list and socials to stay in the know.

Festival Partners

Thanks to all our partners and supporters. Byron Writers Festival would not be possible without your passion and generosity.

Media

Media Kit
Social media, hi-res festival imagery, logos, key dates and media releases may be requested from our Festival Publicist.
Request Media Kit
Media Enquiries
For Byron Writers Festival '26 media enquiries, please contact our Festival Publicist.

Media accreditation is strictly reserved for members of the media – print, photo, radio, TV, film, news agencies and online – who represent a legitimate media organisation and must be committed to publishing event coverage.
Get in touch
Support us

Byron Writers Festival is a registered charity with DGR status. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Stay in the know

Stay in the know with the latest updates on Byron Writers Festival, year-round events, workshops, competitions and news.