Behold the 2026 Festival Program is here!

Browse below or download it here: 2026 Festival Program and Planner !

• Over 20 formal workshops for 5-18y – book your Golden Ticket and save your seats today!

• Author panels on the Main Stage starting with former Australian Children’s Laureate Sally Rippin at 10.30am. Hear from a huge selection of our authors and illustrators on topics close to every writers heart

• Story times, crafts and songs for younger kids running all day under the Faraway Tree

• All day drop-in creative spaces for book making, collage, cartooning and drawing, with special guests 

• Snag some fab new books from Squishy Minnie festival book shop

• Pick up or order your festival T-shirt/Tote

• Meet some of our presenters and get your books signed

• Chill out and read, chat, daydream, romp or relax in the Red Gum School teepee 

• Face painting, clowning, bubbles, hot food and drinks, bbq, ice cream, water refill station

• End the day with the announcement of our John Marsden Story Prize winners at 3.30pm on the Main Stage