This blog post is all about the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
If you’re a book lover, a podcast junkie, or someone who simply loves a good story, the Sydney Writers’ Festival (SWF) is about to be your dream come true.
With some of the world’s best writers, thinkers, and storytellers gathering for a week of panels, talks, workshops, and signings, it’s one of the biggest literary events not just in Australia but globally.
Whether you live locally or you’re flying into Sydney for the festival, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know: what the event is about, the 2025 lineup, where it’s happening, where to stay, local bookstores to check out, and a few handy tips to make your trip unforgettable.
This blog post is all about the 2025 Sydney Writers’ Festival.
What is the Sydney Writers’ Festival?
The Sydney Writers’ Festival is a week-long celebration of books, ideas, and storytelling that usually takes place every May. It brings together a rich mix of international bestselling authors, debut novelists, journalists, poets, scientists, and political figures.
This festival is all about meaningful conversation. Whether it’s exploring climate change, diving deep into fiction, dissecting current events, or unpacking personal memoirs.
Since its beginning in 1997, the festival has grown to attract tens of thousands of attendees every year. There’s an incredible sense of community around the event: everyone there simply loves the written and spoken word.
When and Where is the Sydney Writers’ Festival Happening?
Dates: May 19–25, 2025
Main Venue: Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Carriageworks is one of Sydney’s most dynamic arts spaces, located just a short drive or a quick train ride from the city centre. It’s a stunning space — a former railway workshop that’s been transformed into a buzzing hub of creativity, with plenty of food options and cool industrial vibes.
Additional Venues: Events will also be held across Sydney, including the City Recital Hall, Sydney Town Hall, and suburban libraries.
2025 Sydney Writers’ Festival Lineup Highlights
This year’s lineup is absolutely stacked. Here are a few names you’ll definitely want to put on your must-see list:
- David Nicholls: Beloved author of One Day and Us, known for making us laugh and cry in the same paragraph.
- Liane Moriarty: The Australian queen of bestselling fiction (Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers).
- Marian Keyes: Iconic Irish author who mixes warmth, wit, and real-life struggles in books like Rachel’s Holiday and Grown Ups.
- Markus Zusak: Author of The Book Thief, coming home to Sydney to talk all things storytelling and memory.
- Colm Tóibín: Booker Prize-shortlisted author of Brooklyn and The Master, one of the finest literary minds of our time.
- Maggie O’Farrell: Bestselling author of Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait, bringing her emotional prose to the stage.
The festival also has events dedicated to debut authors, industry insider panels for aspiring writers, and lively discussions about everything from AI and literature to activism and memoir writing.
RELATED blog post to read: The 3 Best Liane Moriarty Books to Read: In Order
Where to Stay if You’re Attending the Sydney Writers’ Festival
If you’re coming from out of town (or you just want to be right in the heart of the action), here are some great Sydney hotels to consider:
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Sydney:
- Wake Up! Sydney Central: A highly rated hostel that’s close to Central Station.
- The Capsule Hotel: Affordable and quirky, located right in the CBD.
Mid-Range Hotels in Sydney:
- The Old Clare Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel located right next to Carriageworks! Perfect for quick festival access.
- Veriu Broadway: Apartment-style hotel rooms ideal for longer stays and small groups.
Luxury Hotels in Sydney:
- The Fullerton Hotel: Grand and elegant, a quick ride to most venues.
- Ace Hotel Sydney: Super trendy and perfect if you like a hotel with cool design and a great restaurant/bar scene.
Things to Note Before You Go
- Tickets: Book your tickets early! Some headline events sell out months in advance.
- Transport: Sydney trains and buses are generally reliable, but allow extra time for big events.
- Food: Carriageworks has some great onsite cafes, but also check out nearby places like Three Blue Ducks or Ester for a sit-down meal.
- Weather: May in Sydney can be crisp but sunny. Bring layers as it gets chilly at night!
- Book Signings: Bring your own copies to be signed, but many authors will have books for sale at the festival bookshop too.
Local Bookstores to Check Out
Sydney has a fantastic indie bookstore scene. Here are some must-visits if you’re in town for the Sydney Writers’ Festival:
1. Gleebooks (Glebe):
Legendary, sprawling, and always full of surprises. Gleebooks often hosts author talks during festival week, too.
2. Better Read Than Dead (Newtown):
Beautifully curated shelves with strong sections in fiction, LGBTQ+ writing, and politics.
3. Dymocks (CBD):
The OG. Massive flagship store. Multi-levels of bookish heaven. It’s basically impossible to walk out empty-handed.
4. Gertrude & Alice (Bondi):
Part bookshop, part cafe. Grab a coffee and browse to your heart’s content.
5. Title Bookstore (Surry Hills):
A smaller boutique store with a strong focus on art, design, film, and music books.
RELATED blog post to read: The 17 Best Sydney Bookstores to Visit
Your Perfect Sydney Writers’ Festival Itinerary
Below is an example of how you could spend a day at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
Morning:
- Grab a coffee and brekkie at Carriageworks’ onsite cafe.
- Attend a panel discussion on “Bringing the Past to Life.”
Midday:
- Hit up a workshop — maybe one of the “Make Your Own Comic” workshops if you’re a budding graphic novelist!
- Wander through the bookshop pop-up and snag a few signed copies.
Afternoon:
- Attend an Author Talk (Jeanette Winterson? Yes, please.)
- Chill in the courtyard area with some street food.
Evening:
- Catch a poetry slam, live podcast recording, or a literary trivia night.
- End your day with dinner at Ester or a nightcap at the Ace Hotel’s rooftop bar.
Fun Things to Do Around Sydney
Make the most of your trip by squeezing in some classic Sydney experiences:
- Walk from Bondi to Coogee: The coastal views are breathtaking.
- Visit the Art Gallery of NSW: Beautiful, and free entry to many exhibitions.
- Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge (if you’re feeling adventurous).
- Ferry to Manly: Perfect for a beach day with fish and chips.
Final Tips for the Sydney Writers’ Festival
- Bring a tote bag: you’re going to buy way more books than you expect.
- Stay hydrated and pack snacks.
- Don’t be shy! Chatting to fellow book lovers is one of the best parts of the festival.
- Follow the festival’s Instagram (@sydwritersfest) for live updates and surprise events.
The 2025 Sydney Writers’ Festival promises to be one for the ages, packed with talent, inspiration, and that magic feeling you get when you’re surrounded by people who just get your love of books.
Whether you’re planning to attend every day or just pop in for a few sessions, it’s going to be an unforgettable week.
I’ll be there with a coffee in one hand and an overstuffed tote bag in the other — hope to see you there!
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