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.
Poetic Potentialities at Superposition Festival
28 November 2026
Experiment with form and process in poetic workshops with three of the most exciting poets in the country, Jazz Money, Luke Patterson and Anne-Marie Te Whiu. Sign up for one workshop, or more, then join us for readings and reflections at the end of the day.
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.
Memoir Writing with Benjamin Law
30 November 2026
A five-day intensive workshop with Benjamin Law for writers who are ready to share their life story, outside of friends and family.
Masterclass Equity Scholarships
Applications open early 2027
Varuna’s Masterclass Equity Scholarships are for writers for whom the cost of a course or masterclass would be prohibitive. 10 participants will be selected for this scholarship.
Finish Your Memoir with Kris Kneen
Applications open Dec 2026
Commit to your writing and make 2027 the year you finish your memoir. In this in-depth online masterclass, award-winning author Kris Kneen will lead a small group of writers over 9-months, with structured exercises, readings and feedback designed to help you finish a draft of your memoir.
From Poem to Manuscript with Felicity Plunkett
Applications open in early 2027
Expand and nurture your practice as a poet in this 4-month program. We’ll create an encouraging and inspiring community, and support the development of original work, from single poems to sequences, and explore how to build a collection for publication.
Kickstart Your Writing Project with Ashley Hay
Applications open early 2027
This six-session intensive masterclass offers the opportunity to get started on a new writing project or breathe life into a project you have abandoned or are struggling with.
Mastering Structure with Anthony Mullins
Applications open early 2027
Designed for writers of all levels, genres and narrative art forms, this 16-session masterclass with BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and author Anthony Mullins will show you how to craft an authentic and powerful narrative structure.
Manuscript Development Masterclass with Jane Messer
Applications open early 2027
A deep-dive writer development program designed for writers with a manuscript substantially underway, or with a draft completed, this 5-month masterclass provides a unique opportunity to receive feedback on your manuscript and the guidance and support to take it to the next level.
Recharge Your Poetry Practice with Felicity Plunkett
Applications open mid 2027
In this five-week masterclass you’ll have the opportunity to read a lot, write a lot, receive written and verbal feedback, explore a trove of original prompts and diverse forms, explore and enhance aspects of your creative practice and have a one-to-one consultation about your work.
Deep Reading with Emily Maguire
Applications now closed
Energise your writing and deepen your critical reading with Emily Maguire. This 10-week course will develop your writing craft through close reading and applied writing practice.
Weaving Memoir with Kris Kneen
Applications open mid 2027
A memoir doesn’t need to go from A to B in a timeline that marches with a calendar. In this innovative workshop, Kris Kneen will take you through a different process of structuring your memoir, weaving different stories across multiple timelines, organised by a unifying theme.
Write the Perfect Crime with Jack Heath
Applications now closed
This 6-week course with Jack Heath is designed to help you refine the elements of crime and thriller writing and finish your novel, with discussions of key writing techniques and feedback on your work.