Hinterland Writers Festival 2025 unveils stellar program

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival is thrilled to announce the full program for its 2025 event, set to take place from Saturday, May 3 to Monday, May 5. 

This year’s festival promises an enriching experience for writers, readers and book lovers of all kinds, featuring over 60 award-winning authors and fresh voices, and more than 30 captivating events spread across the charming towns of Maleny, Nambour, Mapleton, and Montville.

Attendees can immerse themselves in a variety of genres, including crime, fantasy, romance, memoir, screenwriting and poetry. The three-day program offers an exciting lineup of workshops, panel discussions, book markets and signings, aiming to foster connections and ignite imaginations.  

In partnership with Storyfest, the festival presents an engaging children’s program. Young readers can dive into a world of imagination with interactive storytelling sessions, creative writing workshops, and fun-filled activities designed just for them. 

The festival boasts an impressive lineup of authors, including Rachael Johns, known as the “Undisputed Queen of Australian Women’s Fiction,” Dominic Amerena, whose upcoming novel ‘I Want Everything’ is highly anticipated, and Fleur McDonald, celebrated as the “Voice of the Outback.”  

The festival kicks off in Nambour on May 3 with a free entry Book Market at the Nambour Library Forecourt from 8am to midday followed by a memoir writing and screenwriting workshops while Maleny Showgrounds will host the children’s festival events. 

An exclusive Gala Opening celebration at Brouhaha in Maleny from 6pm features award-winning portrait artist Vincent Fantauzzo and the winners of the festival’s Micro-Fiction competition. 

May 4 features a host of author talks and panel discussions and a free entry Book Market at the Maleny Showgrounds and the final day of the festival is jam-packed with a variety of workshops focusing on writing craft and practice. 

• Explore the full program and grab your tickets at www.schwritersfestival.com.au