Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival 2026: A Literary Oasis in Autumn
When autumn leaves fall in Margaret River, they often flutter between the pages of books rather than on forest floors. Each May, this picturesque region becomes a magnet for book enthusiasts, who flock to the annual Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival. While the area is famed for its surf, wine, and natural beauty, for three days from May 15 to 17, 2026, the true intoxication comes from words.
A World-Class Program in a Regional Setting
Now in its 18th year, the festival, held at Nala Bardip Mia, the Margaret River Heart, boasts a program that rivals those in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne, yet retains a down-to-earth charm. Highlights include David Szalay, last year's Booker Prize winner, sharing the stage with Booker-shortlisted Susan Choi, Perth-based crime fiction bestseller Dervla McTiernan, and regular attendee philosopher A.C. Grayling. Grayling's new book, For The People, offers a timely defence of democracy against rising authoritarianism.
Diverse Sessions and Notable Guests
For a touch of continental sophistication, Grayling joins social philosopher Sarah Wilson in a session titled Table For Two At Cafe Les Deux Magots, a fitting name as both writers reside in Paris and often meet over coffee or wine. Environmental advocate Bob Brown teams up with Wilson and poet-oceanographer Prema Arasu for a panel on hope and action amid despair, adding depth to the lineup. The festival's diversity shines with comedian Shaun Micallef and journalist-human rights advocate Antoinette Lattouf, while actor and novelist Bryan Brown makes a notable appearance.
Showcasing Local and Interstate Talent
Regional writers like the brilliant Bernice Barry are featured alongside interstate and international guests. The festival expands its reach by returning to Busselton's Shelter Brewing Co hub, where McTiernan joins WA crime writer David Whish-Wilson and Heather Rose, whose memoir Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here explores grief and healing in Tasmania. Workshops in flash fiction, historical fiction, and speculative writing abound across both towns, with a new "4 for 3" pass encouraging weekend-long immersion. For those preferring to listen, Saturday and Sunday day passes offer a stimulating alternative.
The Perfect Autumn Getaway
Autumn in Margaret River is idyllic, with summer crowds gone and a soft pastel light gracing the Augusta coastline. A morning walk along the Cape to Cape Track in crisp air prepares attendees for engaging conversations and workshops. The Leeuwin Estate winery, integral to the festival's history, is a must-visit, while dinners at Vasse Felix or other cozy restaurants ensure both mind and body are nourished.
The 2026 Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival runs from May 15 to 17. For tickets and the full program, visit mrrwfestival.com.
