Queenscliffe Literary Festival 2026
Lunch with George Georgievski and Gabriel Gaté
12.30pm
Upstairs at 360Q
Over an outstanding two-course lunch prepared from his latest cookbook, George Georgievski, aka the Lunchbox Dad, shares with host and legendary chef Gabriel Gaté how he cooks easy, stylish and affordable weeknight meals, and gives them a makeover to create fresh meals for the following day. George will share his secrets for creating stylish, flavour-packed fare that is easy enough for busy weeknights, while championing smart cooking and zero food waste along the way. With Gabriel in the interviewer seat, George will elaborate on his journey from Geelong dad frustrated by his daughters’ food choices, to becoming a global hit and Jamie Oliver Food Ambassador with close to a million social media followers.
This is the opening event for QLF 2026, presented in partnership with 360Q.
An Evening with Bob Carr
7.30pm (bar from 6.30pm)
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
The former Foreign Minister of Australia and Premier of NSW Bob Carr reflects on his political career, his lifelong love of literature, and his latest book, Bring Back Yesterday: on losing the love of my life and doing what it takes to survive, which deals with finding his footing again after the death of his wife. With Louise Adler.
Presented in partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries.
Madeleine Gray’s Chosen Family
9.30am
Wirrng Wirrng (Queenscliffe Hub)
Hear author Madeleine Gray discuss the meteoric success of her debut novel, Green Dot, winner of the Russell Prize for Humour Writing and the Australian Book Industry Awards’ New Writer of the Year, before turning to her acclaimed new novel, Chosen Family—a witty, moving exploration of queer friendship, love and the messy entanglements of modern relationships. With Charlotte Guest.
Three Decades of the Cook’s Companion
11.15am
Queenscliff Town Hall
Australian restaurateur, writer and food icon Stephanie Alexander takes us inside the remarkable legacy of The Cook’s Companion—the beloved kitchen bible that has shaped generations of Australian home cooks. Thirty years, and 550,000 copies, after the book’s first publication, Stephanie reflects on its enduring influence and cultural impact and its place in Australia’s culinary history. With Lisa Wilkinson.
Michelle de Kretser: A Master at Work
1.00pm
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
One of Australia’s most acclaimed and celebrated writers, Michelle de Kretser, offers a rare glimpse into her craft, career and creative inspirations. She discusses her Stella Prize–winning Theory & Practice, the novels that earned her two Miles Franklins and three Christina Stead literary awards, and the recent republication of The Hamilton Case. With Maria Takolander.
Witnessing the Destruction of Gaza
2.45pm
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
Palestinian-Australian surgeon Dr Bushra Othman shares powerful insights into the extraordinary work of Australian volunteer medics on the ground in Palestine. She discusses The Weight of Witness, the new book she has edited documenting 40 medics’ experiences in Gaza, and explores how the IHRA definition of antisemitism will affect healthcare workers’ ability to speak openly about their service. With Bob Carr.
The Titanic Story of Lisa Wilkinson
4.30pm
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
Veteran journalist Lisa Wilkinson reveals what drew her to history and the compelling story behind her bestselling work of historical non-fiction, The Titanic Story of Evelyn. She will take us behind the headlines of her extraordinary career, reflecting on the defining moments and remarkable stories that have shaped her life in journalism. With Sophie Black.
Presented in partnership with Queenscliffe Historical Museum
Book Doof (Silent Reading)
7.00-8.30pm
Ziggy + Kit cafe, 77A Hesse Street
Ninety minutes of silent reading under a live ambient DJ set, followed by thirty minutes of low-key chat. Bring a book or any quiet activity. Drop in, RSVP optional. Meet someone new and enjoy the atmosphere.
When Extremes Go Mainstream
7.30-8.45pm (bar from 6.30pm)
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
With the Victorian election just a month away, what does Australia’s rapidly shifting political landscape—at both federal and state levels—tell us about the issues voters believe the major parties are failing to address? We’ll explore why increasing numbers of voters are looking beyond the traditional political parties, the role of media and tech in amplifying extreme voices, what the rise of minor and populist parties signals about the electorate, and whether Australia’s two-party system still reflects the political realities of a rapidly changing country. Join us for a robust and thought-provoking discussion about power, protest, populism and the future of Australian politics, with former politician Bob Carr, journalist Antoun Issa, populism expert Imogen Richards, and others. Moderated by journalist Nicole Chvastek.
Presented in partnership with the Peter Blazey Fellowship.
Herstory: Hidden, Forgotten, Reclaimed
9.30am
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
Three remarkable women share three extraordinary stories of courage, discovery and resilience. Lisa Wilkinson introduces Titanic survivor Evelyn Marsden; Diana Thorp reveals the secret world of Australian women code breakers in WWII; and Micaela Sahhar explores her inheritance as the daughter of a Nakba survivor. With Hilary Harper.
Li Cunxin: From Mao’s Last Dancer to The Lucky Son
11.15am
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
Acclaimed Chinese-Australian ballet dancer, artistic director and bestselling author Li Cunxin talks about his extraordinary life, from rural China to the world stage. He discusses The Lucky Son, the powerful sequel to his award-winning memoir Mao’s Last Dancer, and the experiences that have shaped his unique story. With Hilary Harper.
What a Classic!
1.00pm
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
What makes a book a ‘Classic’—and can a 21st-century work make the cut? Authors Lisa Wilkinson, Michelle de Kretser, Moreno Giovannoni and Maria Takolander each champion a favourite Australian or international work, and put their reps on the line debating, defending and challenging one another’s choices. Expect bold opinions, surprising picks and spirited bookish banter. With Michael Cathcart.
From Memory to Manuscript
2.45pm
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
Micaela Sahhar, winner of the 2026 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Find Me at the Jaffa Gate, Moreno Giovannoni, 2026 Age Book of the Year winner for The Immigrants, and Antoun Issa, author of Rebirth, explore their parents’ experiences in Palestine, Italy and Lebanon—and the extraordinary personal stories, memories and histories that compel them to put family life onto the page. With Louise Adler.
Presented in partnership with The Bookshop at Queenscliff.
ABC Radio National's Top 100 Books
4pm
The Royal Queenscliff, 34-36 King Street
FREE
Join us for a listening party for the final leg of ABC Radio National's Top 100 Australian Books countdown. The program will cross live to the festival where a QLF guest author will announce one of the books. Keep an eye on QLF socials and website for venue!
Book Swap!
6:00pm
Bookshop at Queenscliff
Bring a book to pass on, hand it over on arrival to be wrapped, and get a note card in return to describe its genre and vibe. Browse the cards, pick a mystery book, unwrap it, and mingle over what you got. New or secondhand, any condition. Come solo or bring a friend.
The Fitzroy Diaries Live!
7.30pm
Queencliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
Join in the fun as the beloved ABC podcast series is performed like an old-fashioned radio play: script-in-hand, in front of a live audience. Performed by original cast members and narrated by writer and Fitzroy Diaries creator Lorin Clarke. Featuring cameos from Judith Lucy, Kaz Cooke and Shaun Micallef. Audience participation on a hands-up basis!
WORKSHOP: Writing Memoir with Lorin Clarke
9.30am – 1pm
Wirrng Wirrng (Queenscliffe Hub), 49-55 Hesse Street
What makes a memoir unforgettable? Join broadcaster, best-selling memoirist, podcast creator and filmmaker Lorin Clarke for an inspiring, hands-on workshop exploring the art of turning lived experience into compelling stories. Discover how to find the moments that matter, shape your voice, unlock your memories and transform personal experience into powerful, engaging memoir.
Shaun Micallef is Talented as Hell
9.30am
Queenscliff Town Hall
Comic virtuoso and master interviewer Shaun Micallef has the spotlight turned back on himself for once, taking us on a lively romp through his extraordinary career, his reading life and two very different 2026 releases: the madcap vampire novel De’Ath Takes a Holiday and a work of non-fiction, Matthew Flinders: a definitive and indisputable history of the man who mapped Australia. With Francis Leach.
First Knowledge, First Inventors
11.15am
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
Leading Indigenous thinkers Tristan Kennedy and Billy Griffiths explore their powerful new books, Nothing About Us Without Us and The First Inventors, revealing the extraordinary depth of 65,000 years of Indigenous innovation, knowledge and ingenuity. Together, they explore how First Nations knowledge has endured and thrived in a world shaped by Western ways of thinking. With Francis Leach.
Let’s Get Criminal
1.00pm
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
Get inside the minds of two of Australia’s bestselling crime writers. Chris Hammer and Sarah Bailey reveal the secrets behind gripping plots, unforgettable characters and atmospheric settings, as they reveal their latest page-turners Full Circle and Click. They’ll also lift the lid on the thrills—and the risks—of seeing a story brought to life on screen. With Mark Smith.
Well Well Well, it's Judith Lucy!
2.45pm
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
Comedy legend Judith Lucy takes a hilarious, irreverent look at our complicated obsession with wellness. After burnout left her feeling ‘like a used nappy’, Judith embarked on a quest to feel better. From wellness fads to questionable remedies, she shares the misadventures and hard-won insights behind her riotous new book Well, Well, Well, asking: in our relentless pursuit of wellbeing, are we actually making ourselves feel worse? With Elizabeth McCarthy.
Presented in partnership with The Wheeler Centre and supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.
Celebrating Spooky Ladies with Kaz Cooke
4.00pm
TARRA Queenscliff, 1 Wharf St E, Queenscliff
Get ready for an early Halloween with writer and chronicler of women’s lives Kaz Cooke, as she reveals the rebellious women featured in her new book Spooky Ladies: Rebels, Witches, Mediums and Magic. From séances to prophecies, miracle work to mind-reading, discover the women who harnessed wit, spectacle and the supernatural to defy convention, court scandal and captivate the world. With Lorin Clarke. Ticket includes a welcome drink.
Dress up — prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed spooky ladies!
STELLA: A New Australian Musical—a night of song with the artists
7.30pm
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
In June 2026, composer/lyricist Monique diMattina brought the extraordinary life story of Stella Miles Franklin to the stage in the acclaimed World Premiere of STELLA: A New Australian Musical. In this intimate concert, Monique and cast/band members share selected songs from STELLA, with behind-the-scenes gossip on the making of the show. Why did Miles Franklin hate her debut novel, My Brilliant Career? Did Banjo Paterson really invite her to Fiji? How many hats can five people wear in a two-hour musical? Join us for the songs, the stories and the glorious chaos of turning Stella’s life into a musical.
Presented in collaboration with Queenscliff Music Festival.
Join in the Chorus
9.30am
Queenscliff Town Hall
Come along for a joyful, feel-good singalong with Monique DiMattina, creator of STELLA: A New Australian Musical. Monique will lead everyone through a fun mix of familiar songs you already know and love—so there’s no need to rehearse or worry about getting the words right. Just bring your voice and join in! Everyone welcome.
Presented in collaboration with Queenscliffe Music Festival.
Provocations: Has Australia’s Social Media Ban for Children worked?
11.15am
Queenscliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
One year on, our expert panel will weigh the wins, the drawbacks and what comes next. Has the world-first social media ban for children delivered on its promise, or should it be scrapped, strengthened or fine-tuned? Tackling one of the most contentious issues facing families and children today will be our panel Virginia Trioli, Dr Lelia Green, and Dr Lisa Given. With Dr Dylan Bird.
Presented in partnership with RMIT University.
Small Town, Big Story
1.00pm
Wirrng Wirrng (Queenscliffe Hub), 49-55 Hesse Street
Authors Chris Hammer, Allee Richards and Leah Swann explore the dark side of Australia’s coastal towns, where stunning landscapes conceal secrets, violence and buried truths. Their gripping novels take us from idyllic seaside communities to sinister discoveries, asking why these remote coastal places make such perfect spots to bury bodies and uncover secrets. With Bella Lloyd.
In a Class of His Own: It’s Andy Griffiths!
2.45pm
Queencliff Town Hall, 50 Learmonth Street
For our final 2026 festival event, get ready for a big, bookish burst of fun! Australian Children’s Laureate Andy Griffiths is passionate about connecting children to the power of books, reading and literacy. He’ll bring his unstoppable energy, wild imagination and signature humour to this lively, interactive session for kids, families and passionate readers of all ages. Expect hilarious stories, brilliant ideas, creative chaos and plenty of audience participation!
Presented in partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries.