11am – 1pm

Literary Cruise

Lisa Wilkinson and Chris Hammer

Host and Moderator: Suzanne Leal

$65 (inside seating only) + booking fee

Welcome aboard the annual Words on the Waves Literary Cruise, where the currents slide by and stories wash over you in a celebration of literature and the beauty of our waterways.

In 2026 this much-loved event is back better than ever. Our storytelling sailors include Lisa Wilkinson AM, who will share the never-before-told true history of the only Australian-born survivor of the sinking of the Titanic. She will be joined by Chris Hammer – a man known for his compelling crime fiction – who has turned his attention to the allure of Eastern shores of Australia in his book The Coast.

It promises to be a truly salty affair you won’t want to miss. Secure your spot on the good ship now.

The cruise will leave at 11am sharp from Patonga Wharf and will cruise through Broken Bay before returning to Patonga Wharf at 1pm.

Unfortunately, due to serious health issues, Prema Arasu will no longer be participating in this event.

Lisa Wilkinson

Lisa Wilkinson AM is one of Australia’s most well-known, admired and respected media identities. An early ground-breaking publishing career – Lisa was the youngest-ever editor of a national magazine, Dolly, at the age of twenty-one, then spent ten years as editor of the iconic and bestselling Cleo magazine – led to a stunning television success story for one of Australia’s most accomplished journalists. Following over a decade as co-host of the Nine Network’s Today Show, in 2017, Lisa accepted a new challenge by agreeing to join the Ten Network as host of its prime-time award-winning news and current affairs program, The Project.

Currently focused on her writing, Lisa is married to journalist and bestselling author Peter FitzSimons. They have three children.

Chris Hammer

Chris Hammer is a best-selling, award-winning Australian crime fiction author. He has written eight crime fiction novels, with Scrublands and Silver both adapted for television. A former journalist, his non-fiction books The River and The Coast have recently been republished. His latest book crime book is Legacy.