Best-selling lineup for 17th Readers & Writers Festival

Organisers of the 2025 Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival say there’s something for everyone to be found in this year’s program, with a huge lineup of international and Australian authors, journalists, filmmakers and presenters gearing up to roll out interviews, panel discussions and workshops across the South West.

“This festival isn’t just about celebrating a love of literature-it’s about championing big ideas, challenging our perspectives, and creating a space to think and reflect,” Creative Director Sian Baker explained.

“At a time when book bans and censorship threaten the free exchange of ideas, literary festivals are vital in upholding the transformative power of words and championing free speech.

“We invite everyone to come, to think, to question, and to be inspired.”

The international line-up features 2024 Booker Prize Winner Samantha Harvey (UK), beloved award-winning writer Marian Keyes (Ireland), journalist and former war correspondent Peter Godwin (USA) and rockstar philosopher Professor A.C Grayling (UK), who is back for his second festival.

The weekend kicks off at midday on Friday 2 May with a free program of events on the Main Stage at Nala Bardip Mia – Margaret River HEART.

Festival favourites Julia Baird and Jane Caro return this year to host main stage sessions alongside Claire Nichols from ABC Radio National’s The Book Show.

Jane also features in a session about her new release Lyrebird, and will host the Official Festival Launch on Friday at the HEART.

Across the weekend on the Main Stage award winning journalist and author, Stan Grant will discuss his powerful new book, Murriyang: Song of Time, while Hannah Kent explores themes of belonging, displacement, and the search for home in her evocative new literary memoir, Always Home, Always Homesick.

Acclaimed Australian author Charlotte Wood will chat about her novel, shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize, Stone Yard Devotional, and bestselling author Markus Zusak discusses Three Wild Dogs and the Truth, his new heartfelt memoir of chaos, comedy, and love.

The Main Stage program continues with Dr Anita Heiss and award-winning WA actress Tasma Walton for the launch of Anita’s new imprint, Bundyi Publishing, which debuts Tasma’s novel I Am Nan’nert’garrook.

In the north of the region, the Busselton Book Festival returns with a new name and a packed program of author talks, workshops and storytelling activities on Thursday 1, Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May.

Busselton Library will host The Romantasy Realm with authors Madeline Te Whiu and Nattie Kate Mason as they delve into the art of blending romance and fantasy, and at Shelter Brewing on Saturday, Megan McCracken hosts the WA Launch of Orpheus Nine by bestselling author Chris Flynn.

In The Book Thief at 20, Markus Zusak reflects on the incredible journey of this beloved novel on its 20th anniversary, with 17 million copies sold, translated into over 63 languages, and adapted into a feature film.

Festival highlights include an intimate dinner with 2024 Book Prize Shortlisted author Charlotte Wood, an in-conversation event with Marian Keyes and Sunday breakfast with Chris Hammer.

An expanded Augusta program will see Centennial Hall host The Making of Silver with Chris Hammer and Jock Serong, an insightful conversation about the television adaptation of Silver which was filmed in the town.

Other highlights include Dinner at Voyager Estate with 2024 Booker Prize Winner Samantha Harvey and 65,000 Years A Short History of Australian Art at the Holmes à Court Gallery at Vasse Felix.

This year, the festival will open The Discovery Tent – a dynamic hub featuring a programme of free activities for children and families, including interactive storytelling sessions, writers’ workshops, and engaging talks.

There will also be sessions on mental health and neurodiversity with Grace Koelma, author of The ADHD Focus Friend, as well as an opportunity to learn about caring for Country with the Undalup Rangers.

The Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival runs from May 1-4. For the full program, lineup and all ticketing and event information, visit mrrwfestival.com