In-Person Events and Workshops

After more than three decades nurturing Australia’s literary culture as a writers residency, Varuna is launching an exciting new public program in the Varuna Reading Room, our stunning new workshop and event space.

Meet your favourite author at an intimate book launch, or discover your next favourite author sharing works-in-progress at our literary salons; hone your craft in writing workshops with the best facilitators in the country, and sign up for in-depth weekend and week-long programs to dig more deeply into your manuscript.

Filtering by: “Drop-In Workshop”

July

Drop-In Workshop

Varuna Community Open Day

Friday 31 July 2026
2:00 pm 6:30 pm
Varuna, the National Writers' House (map)
Google Calendar ICS

Katoomba, NSW

Join us to celebrate the opening of a stunning new workshop and event space at Varuna, the National Writers' House.

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Workshops at Varuna

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Perfect Your Pitch with Cassie Gilmartin

26 September 2026

Join author, editor and publisher Cassie Gilmartin for this inside guide to perfecting your book pitch. The perfect chance to take your work that extra step.

Dialogue and Subtext with George Kemp

27 September 2026

Whether a character is asking for a cup of tea or a divorce, we want meaning to be buzzing underneath. Join George Kemp for a one day deep-dive into the fascinating space between what a character says and what they actually mean.

Nature Writing with Sophie Cunningham

10 October 2026

Join non-fiction writer, novelist and creative writing teacher Sophie Cunningham to explore what it means to write about nature, and how to do it well.

Objects, Artefacts and Talismans with Eleanor Limprecht

30 October 2026

In this full-day workshop, explore how objects, artefacts and talismans reveal character, using examples from fiction and non-fiction. Experienced teacher Eleanor Limprecht guides writing exercises and offers opportunities to share work in a supportive environment.

Strengthen Your Narrative Drive with Ashley Kalagian Blunt

31 October 2026

Learn practical tools and techniques to craft gripping scenes and a compelling story arc with bestselling author Ashley Kalagian Blunt. Whether fiction or memoir, discover how to grab readers from page one and finish with clear strategies for revising your manuscript into something irresistible.

Making Poems with Felicity Plunkett

14 November 2026

Join this in-person weekend workshop with award-winning poet Felicity Plunkett. Learn new techniques, hone your craft, and find a community of fellow poets ready to read, write and develop poetry together.

Character Arcs with Anthony Mullins

1 November 2026

Whether you're a novelist, memoirist, playwright or screenwriter, finding your character's unique arc is vital to understanding your story's heart. Join BAFTA-award-winning writer Anthony Mullins for a full-day workshop on crafting an authentic arc for your story.

Weaving Poetic Diamonds with Anne-Marie Te Whiu

28 November 2026

Join Australian-Māori (Te Rarawa) poet, weaver, editor, producer and educator Anne-Marie Te Whiu in a workshop of exchange and ideas. Discover what happens when we let go of creative silos and let one art form spark another.

Poetic Cartography with Jazz Money

28 November 2026

Join Wiradjuri poet Jazz Money to explore how poetry can reveal the world around us in exciting and surprising ways. A workshop for anyone seeking to write with more attention, more intention, and more connection.

Our Commonwealth (Wink, Wink) with Luke Patterson

28 November 2026

Join Luke Patterson in this workshop that raids the living archive of stories, rituals, songs, sayings and everyday objects, asking what becomes possible when words are treated less as property than as part of a commonwealth.