Queenscliffe Literary Festival (Queenscliff)
The Queenscliffe Literary Festival brings the best of established and emerging Australian literary talent to the Borough of Queenscliffe and the greater Bellarine community. Its purpose is to curate a lively and intelligent season of events that stimulates discussion and to provide opportunities for engagement and participation. Its program aims to be inclusive, accessible, thought-provoking and diverse.
Queenscliffe Literary Festival October 2024
Between Friday 18 October 2024 and Sunday 27 October 2024
Queenscliffe Literary Festival is proud to present our 10th anniversary program!
Queenscliff (refer to program or ticket for session location)
Michael Robotham @ The QLF 2024 Program Launch
Thursday 5 September 2024
Michael Robotham @ The Queenscliffe Literary Festival Launch
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Brian Nankervis hosts a fun-filled QLF Trivia Night
Saturday 20 July 2024
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Queenscliffe Town Hall
Life Skills for a Broken World - Dr. Ahona Guha
Friday 8 March 2024
Dr Ahona Guha in conversation with Jill Stark
Shelter Shed
Jo Barrett - Sustaining the Food Chain 360Q
Monday 15 January 2024
GOOD FOOD GUIDE CHEF OF THE YEAR 2024 - JO BARRETT
Over an evening of scrumptious food and engrossing conversation, culinary visionary Jo Barrett will talk about her dedication to educating and inspiring food lovers to create meals and food systems that place sustainability front of mind. Food featuring delicious flavours and imaginative zero-waste solutions are at the forefront of Jo's professional practice, and this special evening will feature meals made by 360Q staff straight from Jo's new book Sustain: Groundbreaking Recipes And Skills That Could Save The Planet, Through experimentation, trial and error, and ultimately triumph, Jo has navigated a career path in hospitality that is unique and innovative. Come and experience what the future of food tastes like when zero-waste and a fearless imagination is at the foundation of food creation. In conversation with award-winning food journalist Dani Valent.
360Q
Clementine Ford - Something Borrowed, Something Blue
Wednesday 10 January 2024
Best-selling feminist author Clementine Ford is back with her dazzling new book 'I Don't: The Case Against Marriage', where she explains why she wants women to never marry, leave the marriages they're in, and be the hero of their own lives. In a fairytale-busting conversation, Clem will outline how the institution of marriage is in need of an overhaul and what a post-marriage future of alternative relationship-building could look like.
In conversation with Edwina Preston, Stella Prize-shortlisted author of 'Bad Art Mother'.
Wednesday 10th January 6pm at Queenscliff Town Hall
The QLF Cashless bar will be open from 5pm.
Come join us from 5pm, buy a drink beforehand and have a catch up before the 6:00pm start
Drinks will be at bar prices
Queenscliffe Town Hall
CANCELLED - Sustaining the Food Chain (CANCELLED)
Wednesday 8 November 2023
Over an evening of scrumptious food and engrossing conversation, culinary visionary Jo Barrett will talk about her dedication to educating and inspiring food lovers to create meals and food systems that place sustainability front of mind. Food featuring delicious flavours and imaginative zero-waste solutions are at the forefront of Jo's professional practice, and this special evening will feature meals made by 360Q staff straight from Jo's new book Sustain: Groundbreaking Recipes And Skills That Could Save The Planet, Through experimentation, trial and error, and ultimately triumph, Jo has navigated a career path in hospitality that is unique and innovative. Come and experience what the future of food tastes like when zero-waste and a fearless imagination is at the foundation of food creation. In conversation with award-winning food journalist Dani Valent.
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Hello, Queenscliffe! Encore Performance
Sunday 28 May 2023
Produced by creative duo Hannie Rayson and Michael Cathcart, this is a live show in which twenty local people share true stories.
You will hear funny stories, tragic stories, stories of romance and tales of courage
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Weekend Three - 27th & 28th May 2023
Saturday 27 May 2023
Buy and Save!
1 x Weekend ticket to ALL events Saturday 27th May & Sunday 28th May 2023 to the 2023 Queenscliffe Literary Festival.
Allocated seats to all Weekend Two buyers will be forwarded after purchasing weekend ticket.
Any enquires, contact us.
Refer Program for all venues 27th & 28th May 2023
Mirror, Mirror
Sunday 28 May 2023
Jacinta Parsons (A Question of Age) and Kate Legge (Infidelity and Other Affairs) bravely took stock of their lives and times to show us all ways to look forward.
Chair: Helen Elliott
Queenscliff Town Hall
Reconciliation and Truth Telling
Sunday 28 May 2023
In her very personal book Marrul, Inala Cooper weaves together her stories, the country she's connected to, and the elements that shape her path, none so prevalent as Marrul: the changing wind.
Inala Cooper in conversation Declan Fry
Queenscliff Town Hall
Life is Full of Downs and Ups
Sunday 28 May 2023
Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance by Kate Solly and The One and Only Dolly Jamieson by Lisa Ireland are joyous, warm Aussie novels that will make you smile.
Chair: Toni Jordan
Queenscliff Town Hall
A Brief Affair
Sunday 28 May 2023
Alex Miller's humour, sensitivity and wisdom shine through in his latest novel about the dangerous navigation of love in all its forms.
Alex Miller in conversation with Maria Takolander
Queenscliff Town Hall
Stereo Stories Concert
Saturday 27 May 2023
Laugh, cry and reminisce with songs and stories that have shaped our lives in this unique blend of music and words.
With guest storytellers Brian Nankervis, Jacinta Parsons, Toni Jordan and Katherine Kovacic - all backed by the sensational Stereo Stories six-piece band.
Brian Nankervis, Jacinta Parsons, Toni Jordan, Katherine Kovacic and the Stereo Stories band.
Queenscliff Town Hall
Tripping with Nathan The Hub Free Event
Saturday 27 May 2023
An epic journey of adventure, daring and love -
Valerie Runyan, wife of the late Robin Tait, reveals the extraordinary rewards and challenges of being parents caring for a child with severe cerebral palsy.
Valerie Runyan in conversation with Renee Price
The Hub Queenscliffe Information Centre
Murder Most Foul
Saturday 27 May 2023
Acclaimed local crime writers Katherine Kovacic (Seven Sisters) and S.D. Hinton (The Brothers) plumb dangerous secrets and family bonds in their heart-pounding new novels.
Chair: Jane Sullivan
Queenscliff Town Hall
The Back of the Painting
Saturday 27 May 2023
The detective work of art conservators like Linda Waters (The Back of the Painting) reveals intriguing stories sure to enhance your next gallery visit.
Linda Waters in conversation with Katherine Kovacic
Queenscliff Town Hall
The Power of Memory
Saturday 27 May 2023
Helen Elliott (Eleven Letters to You) pays homage to the wonderful 'ordinary' people who shaped her young self in the suburbs of Melbourne in the days before feminism.
Helen Elliott in conversation with Jane Sullivan
Queenscliff Town Hall
Workshop - The Art of Picture Books - An Introduction
Friday 26 May 2023
Award winning illustrator Mark Wilson will show you how to find a great idea, build believable characters and learn easy ways to illustrate your story.
Suitable for anyone 15 years and over
With Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House
The Hub Queenscliff Information Centre
Empire, War, Tennis and Me
Sunday 21 May 2023
Peter Doherty, Nobel Prize winner, reflects on the unique ways war and tennis have connected through his life and the lives of many others.
Peter Doherty in conversation with Robert Gott
Queenscliff Town Hall
Why Does It Still Hurt? Free Event
Sunday 21 May 2023
Science journalist and former doctor Paul Biegler shines a light on revolutionary new ways to treat persistent pain so that sufferers can take control and truly heal.
Paul Biegler in conversation with Peter Quarry
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival - Free Event
Queenscliff Town Hall
Weekend Two - 20th & 21st May 2023
Saturday 20 May 2023
Buy and Save!
1 x Weekend ticket (excludes dinner) to ALL events Saturday 20th May & Sunday 21st May 2023 to the 2023 Queenscliffe Literary Festival.
Allocated seats to all Weekend Two buyers will be forwarded after purchasing weekend ticket.
Any enquires, contact us.
Refer Program for all venues 20th & 21st May 2023
Reckoning with Australia's Troubled History
Sunday 21 May 2023
Acclaimed author Jock Serong evokes the endurance and dignity of Aboriginal resistance to God and guns in The Settlement, his third novel to grapple with the complexity of our colonial past.
Jock Serong in conversation with Angela Savage
Queenscliff Town Hall
The Big Teal
Sunday 21 May 2023
The story of how a group of inspired individuals overcame a relentless campaign of vilification and confusion to ultimately change Australian politics forever.
Simon Holmes à Court in conversation with Paul Barclay
Queenscliff Town Hall
Saving Our Culture
Sunday 21 May 2023
Hear Rebecca Giblin, co-author of Chokepoint Capitalism, Angela Savage and Jock Serong discuss how the creative sector can take back the power and profit from giant corporations.
Chair: Paul Barclay
Queenscliff Town Hall
August in Kabul
Saturday 20 May 2023
Walkley Award winning journalist Andrew Quilty shares his first-hand account of America's dramatic final days in Afghanistan through the
eyes of Afghans.
Andrew Quilty in conversation with Paul Barclay
Queenscliff Town Hall
Raised by Wolves
Saturday 20 May 2023
Growing up Cantonese in racist outer suburbia with a family that only made peace over food, the fierce and funny Jess Ho emerged with 'issues' and a kick-arse palate, fitting right in to Melbourne's messy restaurant scene.
Jess Ho in conversation with Mimi Kwa
Queenscliff Town Hall
A Comedy of Modern Mores
Saturday 20 May 2023
Robert Gott (Naked Ambition) channels the wit of Oscar Wilde and the absurdity of Yes Minister in his brand new novel about a junior minister thrilled to have his full-size nude portrait in the Archibald.
Robert Gott in conversation with Jock Serong
Queenscliff Town Hall
The Enchantment of Islands
Saturday 20 May 2023
Eliza Henry-Jones (Salt and Skin) and Rijn Collins (Fed to Red Birds) transport you to remote corners of both the world and the human heart in their latest novels.
Chair: Maria Takolander
Queenscliff Town Hall
This Devastating Fever
Saturday 20 May 2023
This Devastating Fever Sophie Cunningham discusses her heartfelt and utterly compelling novel about how delving into the past can make sense of the present.
Sophie Cunningham in conversation with Jayne Tuttle
Proudly supported by The Bookshop at Queenscliff
Queenscliff Town Hall
Karen Martini is in the House! 360Q Restaurant
Friday 19 May 2023
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Enjoy dinner with Karen Martini as she shares a lifetime of recipes and inspiration from her extraordinary book: COOK.
Karen Martini in conversation with Guy Grossi
360Q
Workshop Mining Your Own Life
Friday 19 May 2023
Psychologist Peter Quarry shares the skills and techniques he learned while writing his own bestselling memoir If I Were You, where he put himself on the couch.
The Hub Queenscliff Information Centre
How to be Stoic in Chaotic Times
Sunday 14 May 2023
Brigid Delaney (Reasons Not to Worry), explains how the wisdom of ancient philosophers can be a salve for modern life.
Brigid Delaney in conversation with Elizabeth McCarthy
Queenscliff Town Hall
Weekend One - 13th & 14th May 2023
Saturday 13 May 2023
Buy and Save!
1 x Weekend ticket (excludes luncheon) to ALL events Saturday 13th May & Sunday 14th May 2023 to the 2023 Queenscliffe Literary Festival.
Allocated seats to all Weekend 1 buyers will be forwarded after purchasing weekend ticket.
Any enquires, contact us.
Refer Program for all venues 13th & 14th May 2023
The Coast Watchers of WW2
Sunday 14 May 2023
Michael Veitch reveals the compelling and vivid history of Australia's Secret Army - heroes who risked their lives and formed one of history's most successful spy rings.
Michael Veitch in conversation with Michael Cathcart
Queenscliff Town Hall
Lockdown
Sunday 14 May 2023
Walkley Book Award winner Chip Le Grand discusses the complexity, humanity and consequences of Melbourne's journey through COVID.
Chip Le Grand in conversation with Elizabeth McCarthy
Queenscliff Town Hall
A Road We All Travel Free Event
Sunday 14 May 2023
Sally Cant (Conversations About Death) and Vivien Stuart (Acacia House) share ways to ensure the last days of life are as precious and peaceful as possible.
Chair: Dr David Brumley
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Free Event
With Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine
Proudly supported by Saltbush Fine Foods
Queenscliff Town Hall
Hello, Queenscliffe!
Saturday 13 May 2023
Produced by creative duo Hannie Rayson and Michael Cathcart, this is a live show in which twenty local people share true stories.
You will hear funny stories, tragic stories, stories of romance and tales of courage
Queenscliff Town Hall
Life, Death, Love and Art
Saturday 13 May 2023
Humorous, poignant, sexy: Jayne's first two books in The Paris Trilogy will plunge you headlong into the fragility of being and into her beloved Paris.
Jayne Tuttle in conversation with Helen Garner
Queenscliff Town Hall
Why Do Birds Do That?
Saturday 13 May 2023
Gráinne Cleary will fascinate you with her knowledge of bird behaviours, characteristics and survival skills.
Gráinne Cleary in conversation with Margaret Lacey
Queenscliff Town Hall
Illustrated Adventures in Melbourne
Saturday 13 May 2023
The incomparable Oslo Davis (Oslo's Melbourne) shares his funny, poignant and clever observations of the world's most tolerated city.
Oslo Davis in conversation with Hannie Rayson
Queenscliff Town Hall
Making Australia's Zero-Carbon Future
Saturday 13 May 2023
In The Superpower Transformation, Ross Garnaut shows how Australia could become a leading economy in the post-carbon world.
Ross Garnaut in conversation with Kitty Walker
With Queenscliffe Climate Action Now
Queenscliffe Town Hall
The Italian Art of Living Well - Basil's Farm
Friday 12 May 2023
Enjoy a delicious lunch prepared from Jaclyn Crupi's recipes as she shares wisdom from her heart-warming books:
Nonna Knows Best and Garden Like A Nonno.
Jaclyn Crupi in conversation
Chair: Cara Waters
BASIL'S FARM
Tom Ballard @ the 2023 Program Launch
Tuesday 21 March 2023
Queenscliffe Literary Festival 2023 Program Launch
I, MILLENNIAL
One Snowflake’s Screed Against Boomers, Billionaires & Everything Else
Comedian Tom Ballard takes a crack at understanding why things are weird, bad and massively unfair for his generation while rich ghouls keep getting richer
It’s time for a revolution, goddamit.
Tom Ballard in conversation with Osman Faruqi, The Age Culture Editor
5:00pm - 5:45pm
Join us for drinks on the lawn beside the Town Hall as we celebrate the 2023
Program Launch. Wine/Soft drink can be purchased, and you get first
look at the 2023 Program before our special event with Tom Ballard
Tickets also available at the Queenscliff Information Centre
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Dr Norman Swan live in conversation with Jacinta Parsons
Thursday 12 January 2023
Dr Norman Swan live in conversation with Jacinta Parsons at a one-off QLF event
The QLF is proud to present Dr Norman Swan live in conversation about his latest book, So You Want to Live Younger, Longer? at a one-off event on Thursday January 12, 2023.
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Queenscliff in Truth and Fiction
Saturday 15 October 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Hannie Rayson and Michael Cathcart take you on a literary journey through Queenscliff’s past and present,
from the story of William Buckley, and The Fortunes of Richard Mahony, through to more recent tales of crime and romance.
Hannie Rayson, Michael Cathcart
Kindly supported by Kerleys Coastal Real Estate.
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Workshop - Writing Your Own Story
Friday 14 October 2022
An introduction for anyone wanting to write a memoir or tell family stories.
Michael Cathcart and Hannie Rayson
Kindly supported by The Breeze Point Lonsdale
The Breeze
Kate Langbroek - Living the Dream
Sunday 29 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
6.00pm Kate Langbroek – Living the Dream
Beloved media personality Kate Langbroek (Ciao Bella!) shares the sublime joys and utter chaos of life in Bologna with her family of six, and how she fell in love – with a country.
Kate Langbroek in conversation with Jayne Tuttle
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Weekend 3 - 28th & 29th May 2022
Saturday 28 May 2022
Buy and Save!
1 x Weekend ticket to ALL events Saturday 28th May & Sunday 29th May 2022 to the 2022 Queenscliffe Literary Festival.
Allocated seats to all Weekend 3 buyers will be forwarded after purchasing weekend ticket
Any enquires, contact us.
Refer Program for all venues 14th & 15th May 2022
Funny As …
Sunday 29 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Hear from brilliant Melbourne writers Toni Jordan (Dinner with the Schnabels), Katherine Collette (The Competition) and Jacquie Byron (Happy Hour) on how they mine modern life for comedy.
Toni Jordan, Katherine Collette, Jacquie Byron
Chair: Lyn Yeowart
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
The Lingering Power of Great Fiction
Sunday 29 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Tony Birch (Dark as Last Night) and Miles Allinson (In Moonland) capture the emotional complexity of our primal need for human connection.
Tony Birch, Miles Allinson
Chair: Maria Takolander
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
A Rich Inner Life
Sunday 29 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Charlotte Wood (The Luminous Solution) shares what artists can teach us about inspiration and hard work, and how to find courage during difficult times.
Charlotte Wood in conversation with Sophie Cunningham
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Diary of a Writer
Saturday 28 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Helen Garner (How to End a Story) shares insights into her extraordinary diaries.
Helen Garner in conversation with Charlotte Wood
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Scary, Wild, Subversive Fiction
Saturday 28 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Last gasp capitalism, the thrill and terror of young adulthood and the repercussions of displacement, all demand our attention in new novels from Michelle de Kretser (Scary Monsters) and Emily Bitto (Wild Abandon).
Michelle de Kretser, Emily Bitto
Chair: Sophie Cunningham
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Solace, Wisdom and Pleasure
Saturday 28 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Michael McGirr (Ideas to Save Your Life) and Chloe Hooper (Bedtime Story) on life, death, the enchantment of stories and making sense of a perplexing world.
Chloe Hooper, Michael McGirr
Chair: Maria Takolander
Queenscliffe Town Hall
The Knowledge Holders
Sunday 22 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival - Free Event.
Duane Hamacher (The First Astronomers) and Stephanie Skinner, Wadawurrung Language expert, will spark wonder and awe as they reveal how early First Nations people read the sky and made connections with land, fauna and language.
Duane Hamacher, Stephanie Skinner
Chair: Samala Cronin
Proudly supported by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund and Regional Arts Victoria.
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
The Untold Story of Point Lonsdale
Sunday 22 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Diana Sawyer (The Point Lonsdale Story) has a trove of remarkable stories about the town, while Charlie Wilson reveals his discovery of a mysterious WW2 flight. With archival footage and photos.
Diana Sawyer in conversation with Lesley Alway
Guest: Charlie Wilson
With the Queenscliff Historical Museum
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
We're All In This Together
Sunday 22 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Harry Saddler (Questions Raised by Quolls) and Favel Parrett (Wandi) share incredible stories that remind us how animals and nature make us whole.
Harry Saddler, Favel Parrett
Chair: Jock Serong
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Hysterica – A Theatrical Production
Saturday 21 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Discover the stories of Elizabeth Gould, Alice Anderson, Joy Hester and Dawn-Faizey-Webster, who carved out space to create and succeed in a man’s world.
Presented by Skin Of Our Teeth Productions
Proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria
Queenscliffe Town Hall
The Sprawling, Messy Shortest History of China
Saturday 21 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
From kung-fu to tofu, tea to trade routes, China has influenced the world for thousands of years. China expert Linda Jaivin (The Shortest History of China) distils its history and influence.
Linda Jaivin in conversation with Jock Serong
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Our Love Affair with the Venice Biennale
Saturday 21 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Kerry Gardner (Australia at the Venice Biennale) explores 100 years of Australian modern art through the prism of the world’s greatest art event.
Kerry Gardner in conversation with Alison Inglis
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Hidden Histories of Melbourne
Saturday 21 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Troubadour historian Robyn Annear (Adrift in Melbourne) shares engaging stories about places and people that will appeal to the flaneur in all of us.
Robyn Annear in conversation with Jock Serong
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Julia Busuttil Nishimura – Dinner
Friday 20 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Enjoy a superb meal cooked from recipes in Julia’s modern classic cookbooks – Ostro and A Year of Simple Family Food.
Julia Busuttil Nishimura in conversation with Barry Iddles
360q
WORKSHOP – Character Creation
Friday 20 May 2022
The Artistic Director of Skin of Our Teeth theatre company, Christine k. Davey presents a fun and interactive workshop on how to develop authentic characters in all forms of storytelling.
Christine k. Davey
Proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria
Uniting Church
The Unauthorised History of Australia
Sunday 15 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
David Hunt’s three volumes (Girt) trample the familiar tall poppies of schoolroom history to tell hilarious true tales of the criminals, snobs,
wowsers and feminists who weren’t going to take it anymore.
David Hunt in conversation with Sarah L’Estrange
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Weekend 1 - 14th & 15th May 2022
Saturday 14 May 2022
Buy and Save!
1 x Weekend ticket (excludes luncheon) to ALL events Saturday 14th May & Sunday 15th May 2022 to the 2022 Queenscliffe Literary Festival.
Allocated seats to all Weekend 1 buyers will be forwarded after purchasing weekend ticket
Any enquires, contact us.
Refer Program for all venues 14th & 15th May 2022
Poetry Alive to Its Time
Sunday 15 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
When nothing else makes sense, listen to the poets.
Maria Takolander (Trigger Warning) and Lisa Gorton (Empirical) in conversation with Sarah L'Estrange
In partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Saving the ABC
Sunday 15 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
The ABC is besieged by budget cuts, board-stacking, relentless criticism, and crises. Media expert Matthew Ricketson (Who Needs the ABC, with Patrick Mullins) explains why taking it for granted is no longer an option.
Matthew Ricketson in conversation with Van Badham
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Reckoning With Risk (CANCELLED)
Sunday 15 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
When the New York Times’ Damien Cave (Into the Rip) saw his kids leap into the surf at Nippers, he realised Australians have a unique approach to risk and wondered if that’s a good thing.
Damien Cave in conversation with Mark Smith
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
The Good Fight
Saturday 14 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Trailblazing feminist Wendy McCarthy (Don’t Be Too Polite, Girls) on how she learned to navigate bias, barriers, and boys' clubs.
Wendy McCarthy in conversation with Grace Jennings-Edquist
Queenscliffe Town Hall
The Uncaged Sky
Saturday 14 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Hear the extraordinary true story of Kylie Moore-Gilbert’s fight to survive 804 days imprisoned in Iran.
Kylie Moore-Gilbert in conversation with Paul Barclay
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Clear and Present Danger
Saturday 14 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Journalist Van Badham (QAnon and On) delves into the short and shocking history of internet cults and how they threaten democracy itself.
Van Badham in conversation with Paul Barclay
Queenscliffe Town Hall
The Anatomy of a Thriller
Saturday 14 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Novelist and screenwriter Christian White (Wild Place) and actor turned writer Anna Downes
(The Shadow House) explore suspense writing for page and screen.
Christian White, Anna Downes
Chair: Mark Smith
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Matt Preston’s World of Flavour - Luncheon Basil's Farm
Friday 13 May 2022
A Queenscliffe Literary Festival Event
Enjoy lunch with our favourite cravat-wearing cook as he takes us on a delicious food journey.
Matt Preston in conversation with Alice Zaslavsky
BASIL'S FARM
Jon Faine @ The QLF Program Launch
Tuesday 29 March 2022
Queenscliffe Literary Festival 2022 Program Launch with special guest Jon Faine in conversation with Robyn Annear
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Clementine Ford - How We Love
Wednesday 12 January 2022
The QLF is proud to present Clementine Ford in conversation about her new memoir: How We Love, Notes on a Life with local writer Maria Takolander.
Queenscliffe Town Hall
History Belongs to Humanity
Sunday 30th May 2021 2:00pm
Two of our finest novelists discuss the turmoil left by war and its secrets.
Favel Parrett's There Was Still Love is a love letter to women who bind families together, despite dislocation and distance.
Steven Conte's The Tolstoy Estate, is set in Russia during the doomed German invasion.
Favel Parrett, Steven Conte
Chair: Maria Takolander
Pont Lonsdale Primary School Hall
The Original Storytellers
Sunday 30 May 2021
A descendant of the planet's oldest living culture, Susan Moylan-Coombs share ancient knowledge and wisdoms passed down orally through the generations.
Susan Moylan-Coombs
Proudly supported by the Australian Governments Regional Art Fund and Regional Arts Victoria.
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
A Life Freed by Dance
Sunday 30 May 2021
From the backblocks of Perth to international stardom, David McAllister (Soar) reflects on his triumphant life in ballet and in love.
David McAllister in conversation with Pauline Nunan
Pont Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Love, Trust and Control
Sunday 30 May 2021
Celebrated author of Unpolished Gem, Alice Pung (One Hundred Days) and Gina Wilkinson (When Apricots Bloom - inspired by her own experiences in Iraq) confront the complexities of friendship and love in their outstanding new novels.
Alice Pung, Gina Wilkinson
Chair: Maria Takolander
Pont Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Judith Lucy - Turns Out I'm Fine
Saturday 29 May 2021
For beloved comedian Judith Lucy, a broken heart became the catalyst for a complete existential meltdown.
Nearly fifty, suddenly alone and unsure about every aspect of her life, she decided to figure out what went wrong and then turn her attention to finding out what her life might look like if it went right.
Judith Lucy in conversation with Kaz Cooke
Kindly supported by Provenance Wines
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Reset: Restoring Australia After the Pandemic Recession
Saturday 29 May 2021
Our nation's most prophetic economist shows how the COVID-19 crisis offers Australia the opportunity to reset its economy and build a successful future - and reveals why the old approaches will not work.
Ross Garnaut in conversation with Kitty Walker
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Alex Miller's Max: A Conversation with History
Saturday 29 May 2021
Max is Alex Miller's widely acclaimed tribute to friend and Jewish Nazi-Resistance figure Max Blatt.
Alex Miller in conversation with Tom Griffiths
Queenscliffe Town Hall
A Journey of Love, Snow, Fire and an Enchanted Beer Can
Saturday 29 May 2021
Award-winning science reporter Jonica Newby (Beyond Climate Grief) explores the emotional turmoil brought on by climate change in her often funny and deeply moving personal story.
Jonica Newby in conversation with Josie Horne
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Meeting My Mother
Sunday 23 May 2021
The accidental discovery of a mother's secret makes a daughter rethink everything she knows.
A dramatised reading of a powerful new one act play by local writer Pip Kainey, followed by a Q&A with Pip, director Nic Velissaris and performer Jenny Seedsman
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY CREATIVE VICTORIA AND REGIONAL ARTS VICTORIA
Pont Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Australian Noir
Sunday 23 May 2021
Join former journalist Chris Hammer, now an award-winning and internationally acclaimed author of Scrublands, Silver and Trust, for the story behind our new favourite thrillers.
Chris Hammer in conversation with Christian White
Pont Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Encounters with Love, Death and Faith
Sunday 23 May 2021
In The Believer, multi-award-winning author of - The Trauma Cleaner Sarah Krasnostein brings her trademark blend of curiosity and empathy to explore the power of belief to shape our lives.
Sarah Krasnostein in conversation with Sarah L'Estrange
Pont Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Dwellers of Fisherman's Flat
Saturday 22 May 2021
Maggie Stowers tells previously untold stories of Queenscliff's fishing families, from the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to fishing folk of the 1930s.
With the Queenscliffe Historical Museum
Maggie Stowers in conversation with Lesley Alway
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Infinite Splendours
Saturday 22 May 2021
Sofie Laguna, multi award-winning author of The Choke, discusses her latest novel, Infinite Splendours. Set in the Grampians, this is a wise and compassionate portrait of a man finding meaning in art and nature after a catastrophic boyhood betrayal.
Sofie Laguna in conversation with Jason Steger
Queenscliffe Town Hall
The Queen, the Governor-General and the Dismissal
Saturday 22 May 2021
The Queen, the Governor-General and the Dismissal of a Prime Minister
Hear from Jenny Hocking (The Palace Letters) on her fight for access to hidden correspondence about the greatest constitutional crisis in our history.
Jenny Hocking in conversation with Pauline Parker
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Workshop - Writing Your Own Story
Monday 17 May 2021
An introduction for anyone wanting to write a memoir or tell family stories.
Michael Cathcart and Hannie Rayson
Kindly supported by The Breeze Point Lonsdale
The Breeze
Remembering Clive James
Sunday 16 May 2021
ABC Radio presenter Michael Cathcart and playwright Hannie Rayson delve into the extraordinary treasure-house mind of the 'Kid from Kogarah' with readings, stories and more.
Hannie Rayson and Michael Cathcart
Pont Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Hope is at the Heart of Love
Sunday 16 May 2021
Kate O'Donnell (This One is Ours) and Nina Kenwood (It Sounded Better in My Head) discuss why today's YA readers respond to age-old romance despite the complexity of their lives. In conversation with internationally renowned local romance writer Marion Lennox.
Kate O'Donnell, Nina Kenwood
In conversation with Marion Lennox
Pont Lonsdale Primary School Hall
My Year of Living Vulnerably
Sunday 16 May 2021
Rick Morton, author of the acclaimed memoir One Hundred Years of Dirt, discusses his recent journey to rediscover love and show how we can't live without it - even if, as Rick did for many years, we think we can.
Rick Morton in conversation with Misha Ketchell
Pont Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Shipwrecked Women
Sunday 16 May 2021
Nikki Gemmell (the Ripping Tree) and Meg Keneally (The Wreck) embark on very different fictional paths to tell tales of immense courage and survival in colonial Australia.
Meg Keneally, Nikki Gemmell
Chair: Jock Serong
Pont Lonsdale Primary School Hall
The Kindness Revolution
Saturday 15 May 2021
Revolutions never start at the top. If we dare to dream of a more loving country, we must each live as if we already inhabit that country.
In his wise and inspiring new book, Australia's most respect social psychologist, Hugh Mackay, dares to think of a more loving country.
Hugh Mackay in conversation with Hilary Harper
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Animals Make Us Human
Saturday 15 May 2021
Strong bonds with nature bring humanity, love and compassion to the fore. Proceeds from book sales go to the Australian Marine Conservation Society and Australian Wildlife Conservancy.
Meg Keneally (co-editor)
Emma Viskic (contributor)
Chair: Jill Swanson
Queenscliffe Town Hall
What's News?
Saturday 15 May 2021
Misha Ketchell, editor of The Conversation (ANZ), Nikki Gemmell, author and columnist for - The Australian Magazine, and Rick Morton, author and journalist, discuss the rapid changes in the media landscape.
Nikki Gemmell, Rick Morton
Chair: Misha Ketchell
Queenscliffe Town Hall
Breathless Prose
Saturday 15 May 2021
Emma Viskic (Darkness for Light) and JP Pomare (Tell Me Lies) discuss why edgy, scary fiction is so enjoyable and why a Melbourne setting suits the genre so perfectly.
Emma Viskic, JP Pomare
Chair: Jock Serong
Queenscliffe Town Hall
In Praise of Veg - Luncheon Basil's Farm
Friday 14 May 2021
Enjoy a fabulous meal cooked from recipes in Alice Zaslavsky's superb new book and hear from Alice herself in conversation with Matt Preston
BASIL'S FARM
Pip Williams In conversation with Maria Takolander
Wednesday 7 April 2021
Queenscliffe Literary Festival 2021 Program Launch
with special guest author, Pip Williams.
Join Australia’s newest literary sensation, Pip Williams as she talks about her celebrated novel The Dictionary of Lost Words and shares stories from her charming memoir: One Italian Summer.
In The Dictionary of Lost Words, Pip Williams delves into the archives of the Oxford English Dictionary to find tales of missing words and the lives of women lived between the lines.
Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall
Superpower - Presented with Deakin University (CANCELLED)
Sunday 24 May 2020
Ross Garnaut, Australia’s leading thinker on climate and energy policy offers a road map for a low carbon future.
Ross Garnaut in conversation with Susan Moylan-Coomb
Ticket: $30.00
Queenscliff Town Hall
Weekend 3 - 23 & 24 May 2020 (CANCELLED)
Saturday 23 May 2020
Buy and Save!
1 x Weekend ticket to ALL events Saturday 23rd May & Sunday 24th May 2020 to the 2020 Queenscliffe Literary Festival.
Refer Program for all venues 23rd & 24th May 2020
The Allure Of Romance (CANCELLED)
Sunday 24 May 2020
Marion Lennox (local internationally renowned romance author), and Rachel Givney (Jane in Love) discuss romance in fiction, and romantic fiction in the lives of readers.
Marion Lennox and Rachel Givney facilitated by Kate Cuthbert
360Q
The Marvellous Glimpsed (CANCELLED)
Sunday 24 May 2020
Vicki Hastrich is happiest in her tinny on the Brisbane Waters.
In her captivating memoir (Night Fishing) this philosopher scientist shares aspects of her life through a mesmerising watery lens.
Vicki Hastrich in conversation with Charlotte Wood
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Thrillers With A Twist Of Truth (CANCELLED)
Sunday 24 May 2020
Presented in conjunction with Queenscliff Library and Geelong Regional Library Corporation
Heather Rose (Bruny) and JP Pomare (In the Clearing) look to reality in these superb works of imagination.
Heather Rose and JP Pomare facilitated by Maria Takolander
Queenscliff Town Hall
The Original Storytellers (CANCELLED)
Saturday 23 May 2020
A descendant of the planet’s oldest living culture, Susan Moylan-Coombs shares ancient knowledge and wisdoms passed down orally through the generations.
Susan Moylan-Coombs
Queenscliff Uniting Church
Messy Impossible Love (CANCELLED)
Saturday 23 May 2020
Novelists Nina Kenwood (It Sounded Better in My Head) and Lisa Ireland (The Secret Life of Shirley Sullivan) on passion, desire and the thorny path to happiness.
Nina Kenwood and Lisa Ireland facilitated by Jodi McAlister
Queenscliff Town Hall
How Should We Grow Old? (CANCELLED)
Saturday 23 May 2020
One of Australia’s finest writers, Charlotte Wood (The Weekend), discusses her latest novel about friendship, growing older and the comforting lies we tell ourselves.
Charlotte Wood in conversation with Maria Takolander
Includes the announcement of the winners of the QLF Secondary School Writing Prize.
Queenscliff Town Hall
Victoria - The Place To Write (CANCELLED)
Saturday 23 May 2020
Presented with Writers Victoria and dedicated to the memory of Beverley Farmer.
The panel will discuss the ways our beautiful state inspires and informs settings for their novels.
JP Pomare, Nina Kenwood, Lisa Ireland and Katherine Kovacic facilitated by Angela Savage
Queenscliff Town Hall
Workshop For Young Writers - All About Genre (CANCELLED)
Saturday 23 May 2020
Whether it’s fantasy, romance, crime, or sci-fi you’ll learn about genre expectations and when to break them, how to combine different genres, and why genre fiction is fun. (For ages 12-18).
Jodi McAlister
Queenscliff Neighbourhood House
Workshop - Using Place To Enhance Your Story (CANCELLED)
Friday 22 May 2020
Whether you are writing fiction or non- fiction, an authentic sense of place helps bring your story to life. Learn how to use setting to engage readers and enhance your story.
Angela Savage
The Point Community Hub
Never Lose Sight Of The Trees (CANCELLED)
Sunday 17 May 2020
Sophie Cunningham (City of Trees) and Kate Legge (Kindred, A Cradle Mountain Love Story) on love, need and the enduring power of nature to inspire and nurture all of us.
Kate Legge and Sophie Cunningham facilitated by Sarah L’Estrange
Queenscliff Town Hall
Weekend 2 - 16 & 17 May 2020 (CANCELLED)
Saturday 16 May 2020
Buy and Save!
1 x Weekend ticket to ALL events Saturday 16th May & Sunday 17th May 2020 to the 2020 Queenscliffe Literary Festival.
Refer Program for all venues 16th & 17th May 2020
Meeting My Mother (CANCELLED)
Sunday 17 May 2020
Meeting My Mother explores the stories we tell each other as a family and the secrets that we keep from each other. This new play by Barwon Heads playwright, Pip Kainey, is performed by Australian veteran actor, Jenny Seedsman and directed by Nic Velissaris.
An audience Q&A session with the actor, director and playwright will follow the 1-hour performance.
Queenscliff Uniting Church
William Buckley (CANCELLED)
Sunday 17 May 2020
Writer Garry Linnell (Buckley’s Chance) and local artist David Beaumont, who walked in Buckley’s footsteps in 2019, discuss this remarkable Australian survival story.
Garry Linnell and David Beaumont
SALT Contemporary Art
The Many Surprises In the Life Of Penny Wong (CANCELLED)
Sunday 17 May 2020
Margaret Simons, acclaimed journalist and author, shares scintillating insights from her biography of a politician without precedence.
Margaret Simons in conversation with Garry Linnell
Queenscliff Uniting Church
What We Hold Dear (CANCELLED)
Sunday 17 May 2020
Novelists, Favel Parret (There Was Still Love) and Meg Mundell (The Trespassers)
explore the ties that bind despite exile and dislocation.
Favel Parrett and Meg Mundell facilitated by Sarah L’Estrange
Queenscliff Town Hall
Sex and Power (CANCELLED)
Saturday 16 May 2020
Virginia Trioli discusses her ground- breaking book Generation F written 25 years ago and revised in 2019.
Virginia Trioli in conversation with Sophie Cunningham
Ticket: $30.00
Queenscliff Town Hall
A Singular Life (CANCELLED)
Saturday 16 May 2020
Melbourne writer Donna Ward in conversation about She I Dare Not Name, her riveting memoir about the courage
to live alone in a world made for couples and families.
Donna Ward in conversation with Angela Meyer
Point Lonsdale Bowling Club
The White Girl (CANCELLED)
Saturday 16 May 2020
Tony Birch discusses his novel of good, evil and the legacy of Australia’s colonial past, with strong black women at its core.
Tony Birch in conversation with Meg Mundell
Point Lonsdale Bowling Club
How Banking Went Rogue (CANCELLED)
Saturday 16 May 2020
Investigative journalist Adele Ferguson (Banking Bad) discusses what’s safe when
it comes to your money.
Adele Ferguson in conversation with Michael Rowland
Point Lonsdale Bowling Club
Paris Or Die - A Memoir (CANCELLED)
Sunday 10 May 2020
Join local writer and bookseller, Jayne Tuttle for a headlong plunge into not just life in Paris, but life itself.
Jayne Tuttle in conversation with Alice Barker
Vue Grand
Weekend 1 - 9 & 10 May 2020 (CANCELLED)
Saturday 9 May 2020
Buy and Save!
1 x Weekend ticket to ALL events Saturday 9th May & Sunday 10th May 2020 to the 2020 Queenscliffe Literary Festival.
Refer Program for all venues 9th & 10th May 2020
Familiar Yet Entirely Strange (CANCELLED)
Sunday 10 May 2020
Melbourne poets Thuy On (Turbulence) and Michael Crane (Poems from the 29th Floor) read works on everything from place to unrequited love.
Michael is also writing new works inspired by Queenscliff and its rich musical heritage.
Michael Crane and Thuy On facilitated by Jayne Tuttle
Queenscliff Railway Station Platform
History Has A Pulse (CANCELLED)
Sunday 10 May 2020
Neal Drinnan (The Devil’s Grip) and Bob Marmion (Murder at the Fort) reveal
the menacing and powerful forces that led to murder and tragedy in these true local crimes.
Neal Drinnan and Bob Marmion facilitated by Katherine Kovacic
Lighthouse Arts Collective Point Lonsdale
Growing Up With Books (CANCELLED)
Sunday 10 May 2020
Jane Sullivan (Storytime), journalist and author, on the rapture, delight and power of literature throughout our lives.
Jane Sullivan in conversation with
Marylou Gilbert
Lighthouse Arts Collective Point Lonsdale
HRT: Husband Replacement Therapy (CANCELLED)
Saturday 9 May 2020
Celebrated comic writer Kathy Lette introduces her latest novel which features 50 yo Ruby, who, with a terminal diagnosis, decides to speak her truth, blow her savings and take her two sisters cruising until she dies. But, do they want to go with her?
Kathy Lette
Ticket:$35 - Includes wine and cheese
Queenscliff Town Hall
The Joy of Discovering Who We really Are (CANCELLED)
Saturday 9 May 2020
Respected social psychologist and researcher Hugh Mackay (The Inner Self) on how acknowledging our true selves will lead to a happier life.
Hugh will also discuss his new novel, The Question of Love, exploring the same themes.
Hugh Mackay in conversation with Hilary Harper
Queenscliff Town Hall
Degrees of Difficulty (CANCELLED)
Saturday 9 May 2020
Queenscliffe Literary Festival
Novelists, Elliot Perlman (Maybe the Horse Will Talk) and Sonia Henry (Going Under) bring personal experience to their compelling workplace fiction.
Elliot Perlman and Sonia Henry facilitated by Debi Enker
Queenscliff Town Hall
Cosmic Chronicles (CANCELLED)
Saturday 9 May 2020
Are we alone in the Universe?
How do we know what stars are made of?
Could there really be a future in asteroid mining?
Fred Watson, Australia’s Astronomer at Large will keep you looking upwards.
Fred Watson in conversation with
Alicia Sometimes
Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
Showcasing Historic Queenscliff (CANCELLED)
Saturday 9 May 2020
QR Codes, storylines and rare images.
How historic Queenscliff is showcasing its fascinating past in a contemporary way.
Diana Sawyer, Maggie Stowers, Lesley Alway and Teagan Clough
Lighthouse Arts Collective
Workshop - Join Your Book Community (CANCELLED)
Friday 8 May 2020
Do you aspire to become a writer, a reviewer, a blogger or start a book group? Writer, journalist and literary expert Jane Sullivan will inspire and advise you on ways to become part of our vibrant literary scene.
Jane Sullivan
Queenscliff Neighbourhood House
Eat, Grow, Love - Luncheon - BASILS FARM (CANCELLED)
Friday 8 May 2020
Queenscliffe Literary Festival presents:
Enjoy a fabulous lunch cooked from recipes in Paul West’s latest book
– The Edible Garden and hear his tips on how to grow your own tucker.
Paul West from River Cottage Australia in conversation with Felicity Thyer
NB: Any guests with dietary requirements, please email: info@basilsfarm.com.au
Basils Farm
TONY JONES - TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR NOW
Thursday 5 March 2020
TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR ONLY
To launch our bumper 2020 Program - Tony Jones, one of Australia's most admired journalists, blurs the lines between fiction and worldwide political reality in his second page-turning thriller, In Darkness Visible.
In conversation with Melbourne crime writer, JP Pomare
Queenscliffe Literary Festival 2020 Launch
Queenscliff Town Hall
Titus O'Reily - Please Gamble Irresponsibly
Friday 10 January 2020
Titus O'Reily in conversation discussing his new book
PLEASE GAMBLE IRRESPONSIBLY, the Rise, Fall and Rise of Sports Gambling in Australia
Queenscliff Uniting Church
What the hell am I doing here?
Saturday 11 May 2019
Queenscliffe Literary Festival presents -
The ABC's science broadcaster, Robyn Williams (Turmoil) and Nobel Prize winner Peter Doherty (The Incidental Tourist, reflect on their crowded lifetimes of observation.
Facilitator: TBA
Queenscliffe Literary Festival - Point Lonsdale Bowls Club
