5 September 2026

Practice tried-and-true techniques for generating ideas and getting words on the page quickly in this hands-on workshop with Stella Prize-nominated author  Emily Maguire. 

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.

27 September

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Applications open early 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.

Applications open Jan 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.

Applications open Feb 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.

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.

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.