Rapturous applause for Saturday headliner
In only six years Words on the Waves Writers Festival has helped establish the scenic Central Coast as an important destination in the Australian literary calendar. In 2026 it charted huge growth, with the addition of a third venue for its Day and Weekend Pass holders, as well as numerous new Highlight Events. This resulted in a 40% increase in core ticket sales and the platforming of more Australian authors, with more than 115 guest speakers up from 100 in 2025. Total attendances for the public program sat at 6,205 with an additional 3,305 tracked to date for the free Juvenilia Exhibition, held parallel to the festival (and running until 20 July). Furthermore, 2,280 attendances were logged across the Ripples Primary School and Secondary School Programs.
The 2026 program, themed Take the Time, took place May 27 – June 1, 2026 and included 75+ sessions across the festival period, including 24 author talks as part of the Day/Weekend Pass ticket, as well as writing workshops, a poetry night, storytelling soiree and an opening address, a free family fun day, free book launches, and a literary cruise. Guest speakers travelled to the region from across Australia and included former Governor General Dame Quentin Bryce, screen legend Bryan Brown, founder of the Greens Party Bob Brown, political commentator Niki Savva, and Indigenous fire knowledge leader Victor Steffensen.
“Here on Central Coast soils, we should not have to travel one and a half hours or more to access arts and culture. It can and should be on our doorstep. Words on the Waves takes pride in offering an extremely high calibre of programming, on par with festivals in urban centres the world over. But, we think we go one better, with the benefit of a stunning coastal setting and the warmth and hospitality of a regional area. The success and exponential growth of this year’s festival shows that the Central Coast and broader book-loving community feel the same way.” – Angela Bennetts, Festival Director
A rousing keynote address from Bob Brown
Bryan Brown in conversation with Candice Fox
FESTIVAL BESTSELLERS
The festival’s top ten book sales, according to festival bookseller BOOKFACE Erina were:
- Sarah Wilson – I Eat The Stars (Penguin Random House)
- Bob Brown – Defiance (Black Inc)
- Bryan Brown – The Hidden (Allen & Unwin)
- Darren Rix & Craig Cormick – Warra Warra Wai (Simon & Schuster)
- Amy Remeikis – Where It All Went Wrong (Simon & Schuster)
- Antoun Issa – Rebirth (Hachette)
- Heather Rose – Great Act of Love (Allen & Unwin)
- Bob Carr – Bring Back Yesterday (Allen & Unwin)
- Louise Milligan – Shelleybanks (Allen & Unwin)
- Lisa Wilkinson – The Titanic Story of Evelyn (Hachette)
Festival number one bestseller, Sarah Wilson
NEW & NOTABLE
- The festival was kicked off with a rousing keynote event at The Art House Wyong delving into environmentalism, neoliberalism, optimism and community thanks to Sarah Wilson (on her international tour), Bob Brown, Steve Toltz, Victor Steffensen and Jack Toohey.
- New event formats in 2026 included a Historic Walking Tour through Gosford in partnership with The University of Newcastle, as well as publisher and literary agent pitch sessions for aspiring writers.
- For the first time, Central Coast secondary schools were offered a full day of programming, culminating with a slam poetry intensive. “After an inspiring and energising presentation [by local poet Will Small], over 100 Central Coast students wrote their own poems and performed them in an open mic session in front of their peers. I was blown away by the enthusiasm of the students to get involved and the beautiful, insightful and honest words they shared. We all walked away understanding that poetry is for everyone and real connections can be made through sharing our unique stories and voices.” Pip Harry, children’s author
- Darren Rix concluded the session How Indigenous Australians Discovered Captain Cook with a special didgeridoo performance.
- In 2026, the festival’s short-form, fun-filled author talks, The Dip found its new home at Jasmine Greens Park Kiosk. Speakers included Osher Gunsberg, local Gardening Australia star Tammy Huynh, Romantasy author Lily Crozier, and investigative journalist Charlotte Grieve.
- The festival’s free Family Fun Day (Saturday May 30) moved to Gosford Regional Library and offered free storytimes, craft and performances – with highlights including the Epic Illustrator Battle between Mo Davey and Sarah Davis, the sensory craft room provided by Best Start ELC, and tote workshops and roving mascot provided by University of Newcastle.
Lisa Wilkinson and Chris Hammer boarding the Literary Cruise
Kathleen Butler speaking on the Invisible Gosford: History Walk at University of Newcastle, Gosford Campus
TESTIMONIALS
“Thank you for a beautiful festival. It was a pleasure to take part.” – Tara Moss, author
“The list of speakers was amazing, the volunteers enthusiastic and supportive, and artists were made to feel at home from the moment we arrived. It felt like we were part of the community.” – Mark Smith, author
“Words on the Waves was simply the best! Fun, super friendly and a fantastic crowd of deeply engaged readers. I loved it!” – Virginia Hausegger, author
“A wonderful opportunity to reignite in kids the love of reading and writing – Ann Hall, St John the Baptist Woy Woy
VIEW MORE
Hi-res photos via the 2026 Festival Gallery. Please note photo credit.
FOR ALL FURTHER MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Angela Bennetts – program@wordsonthewaves.com.au
ABOUT WORDS ON THE WAVES FESTIVAL
Words on the Waves is a not-for-profit organisation proudly supported by NSW Government through Create NSW and Central Coast Council, and is made possible with thanks to our partners. Words on the Waves, and its children’s program Ripples, aims to enrich the cultural landscape for residents of the Central Coast year-round, delivering a program that is thought-provoking, and has a commitment to place and community for all ages.
SUPPORT WORDS ON THE WAVES WITH A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION
Via GiveNow: givenow.com.au/wordsonthewaves
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Words on the Waves acknowledges the Darkinjung People as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on which these gatherings will take place.
Maame Blue leading a writing workshop about family at Galleria Ettalong
Leaders & Their Legacies with Sean Kelly, Amy Remeikis and Mark Kenny
Darren Rix concluding a session about book Warra Warra Wai with didgeridoo performance
Open mic performer at Ebb & Flow Poetry Slam
Sparkling Company with Heather Rose in conversation with Michaela Kalowski, supported by Upstairs Wines
