This April, the charming seaside town on the Mornington Peninsula will transform into a literary haven, welcoming over 6000 visitors to take part in more than 160 events.
With 220 speakers from across Australia’s literary, artistic, and creative world, this year’s festival promises to be a cultural feast for the mind—and the soul.
Sorrento Writers Festival
- When: Thursday 24 April to Sunday 27 April
- Where: Mornington Peninsula
- Tickets here
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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Since its inception, the Sorrento Writers Festival has quickly grown into a must-attend event on the national festival scene, now proudly holding the title of Victoria’s largest literary festival.
“Our mission—bringing writers and readers together—remains at the heart of everything we do,” says Festival Director, Corrie Perkin. “In 2025, we are excited to present four-and-a-half days of inspiring discussions with some of Australia’s finest talent.”
Expect a star-studded line-up, with Pulitzer Prize and Miles Franklin Award winners, Walkley Award-winning journalists, and some of the country’s most influential thought leaders taking the stage. From former politicians and scientists to poets, chefs, filmmakers, and musicians, there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re passionate about politics, history, the environment, or art, the 2025 Sorrento Writers Festival has you covered.
A Feast for the Curious Mind
What’s more, the festival continues to honour its commitment to accessibility with a series of free sessions, including daily favourites like The Morning Feed, hosted by Tom Wright, Shakespeare Unpacked, and the Writers on Writing series. These sessions will offer access to a stellar array of authors, including Jessica Stanley, Kylie Mirmohamadi, Samah Sabawi, Anita Heiss, and more. Whether you’re a budding writer or simply a book lover, these sessions are an absolute must.
At a time when the world feels more divided than ever, Perkin reflects on the importance of writers’ festivals in fostering unity and understanding. “We need these events now more than ever to remind us that it’s possible to gather in a spirit of mutual respect and open-heartedness,” she says. Writers festivals provide an opportunity to take time out to listen to others, to think about the world around us, to discuss, reflect and even act in ways that make the world a better place.”
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Headline Conversations to Look Out For
This year’s program promises some unmissable headline events, with high-profile speakers taking the stage for deep-dive conversations. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks will sit down with Santilla Chingaipe for a conversation, while legendary writer Helen Garner will share the stage with David Leser. Additionally, the Between Us series will feature thought-provoking talks with Marcia Langton and Stan Grant, as well as Thomas Mayo and Kerry O’Brien.
Politics and current affairs will also be front and centre, with discussions on the upcoming Australian Federal Election and global political affairs featuring panellists like Rick Morton, George Megalogenis, Julianne Schultz, and Greg Sheridan. And let’s not forget about the return of Donald Trump’s first 100 days—again! Expect lively debates and sharp analysis from some of Australia’s best journalists and political commentators.
A Walk Through History and Culture
The festival doesn’t just tackle the present; it also takes a look back at significant moments in history. In 2025, we’ll mark 50 years since the dramatic dismissal of Gough Whitlam in 1975, a year that also saw the release of Anne Summers’ groundbreaking book Damned Whores and God’s Police. Anne herself will be there, discussing this pivotal moment in Australian history.
Music lovers will also find plenty to celebrate, as the festival honours the 50th anniversary of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album and the launch of Countdown. A special musical celebration, Words & Music, will feature performances by Rebecca Barnard, Andrew Ford, Red Symons, and Peter Wilmoth, followed by a live performance from The Screamin’ Eagles. If you’re a fan of both music and literature, this is one event you won’t want to miss!
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The Barry Jones Oration: A Sought-After Event
Every year, the Barry Jones Oration is a highlight of the festival, and this year it promises to be extra special. Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard will deliver the highly anticipated lecture, which sold out in a mere two hours. Talk about popularity!
Get Your Tickets Before They’re Gone
With so much on offer, it’s no surprise that tickets are flying fast. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience the best of Australian writing, culture, and conversation. Be sure to check out the full 2025 Sorrento Writers Festival program online, and start planning your perfect weekend of literary exploration.
Whether you’re a local or travelling from afar, Sorrento’s stunning coastal beauty and vibrant creative scene will make this festival an unforgettable experience – check it out here.
