The Blue Mountains Fellowship
This two-week fellowship will be awarded to a writer who has applied for a Varuna Residential Fellowship and is currently living in the Blue Mountains LGA. This fellowship is generously supported by David Hammon, who was previously Chair of Varuna’s Board.
Applications open: 17 March 2026
Applications close: 5pm AEST 15 May 2026
Residency dates: The fellowship can be taken between January - August 2027
Places: One writer is selected every year as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships program.
Who should apply: Writers who live in the Blue Mountains LGA
FAQ: Please read the FAQ before you apply.
ABOUT THIS FELLOWSHIP
The Blue Mountains Fellowship is part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships.
Each recipient will receive:
A two-week residency at Varuna, with full board and accommodation including a prepared evening meal, uninterrupted time to write in your own private studio, and the companionship of your fellow writers.
A one-hour consultation with a Varuna mentor, Carol Major, Mary Anne Butler or Tegan Bennett-Daylight.
A Gold Pass for the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival.
For more information about staying at Varuna, visit our Residencies page.
TESTIMONIALS
“After working on my manuscript for five years, I felt lost and uninspired before my Varuna Fellowship, almost ready to put it in a drawer and never think about it again. But being surrounded by other writers at all stages of their journey, the beauty of the mountains, time, space, creative energy... I felt renewed within 24 hours of my stay. I completely rewrote my manuscript, from scratch, in two weeks, reaching a level of creativity, inspiration and focus that I hadn’t felt in years. If I had a million dollars, I’d donate it straight to Varuna. Thank you for everything.”
HOW TO APPLY
The Blue Mountains Fellowship is awarded to a writer who is currently living in the Blue Mountains LGA and submits an application for a Varuna Residential Fellowship. There is no separate application process.
Please refer to Varuna’s general submission guidelines for any questions on formatting your work.
UPCOMING COURSES, FELLOWSHIPS AND EVENTS
