Literary Fest heads off the beaten track

Story by Katy Andrews
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"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step – Lao Tzu"
 
Your journey with the Queenscliffe Literary Festival will lead you along many roads, starting with the beach and the bush, travelling via the escapades of William Buckley, the archaeology of the Middle East, on pilgrimage along the Camino, exploring France and India, going back in time to view Australian war history, as well as discovering our rich architectural heritage, and a dash of crime along the way. Plus there’s a piano concert and foodie treats.
 
We open the festival on Saturday 7 May at 6pm with Keynotes; highly acclaimed authors Don Watson and Robert Drewe discussing both their personal and public journeys with the ever ebullient Michael Williams, Director of the Wheeler Centre. 
 
Sunday 8 May at 12pm a light lunch features Festival Keynotes, Don Watson and Robert Drewe discussing “the beach and the bush” with Ben Ball, Publishing Director at Penguin Books.
 
Be captivated by Dr Peter Hill with tales from a former lighthouse keeper’s story on Friday 13 May at 5:30pm.
 
Take a detour on Saturday 14 May at 1pm with a gripping performance by Jan Wositzky on the epic adventures of William Buckley. Then dig into the past at 3.30pm, with Adam Ford and Mark Dapin discussing both archaeology and war. At 6.30pm acclaimed concert pianist and author Anna Goldsworthy will entrance you with a piano performance and talk on her book “Piano Lessons”.
 
On Sunday 15 May at 1.30pm cross over to crime as Gideon Haigh and Garry Disher discuss fact and fiction with Mary Dalmau, General Manager of Reader’s Feast.
 
Get lost between the pages on Saturday 21 May at 1pm as rising star authors Sally Hepworth and Jennifer Down discuss their fiction with Louise Ryan, General Sales Manager of Penguin.

At 3pm be led through a rich tapestry of ideas with Gregory Day and Joshua Funder, as they talk with Bernard Ryan, radio host, about identity, war and nationhood.

​At 6pm Richard Allen and Kara Rosenlund will open your eyes to a voyage of imagery with Victoria’s western district homes and Australia’s forgotten cherished homes, with author Lisa Gorton.
 

 

Don Watson (above) and Robert Drewe (below) are among the impressive line-up of guests for this year's Queenscliff Literary Festival

Venture off course in a flight of fancy with poetry and prose on Sunday 22 May at 2pm with acclaimed poet and debut author Lisa Gorton.
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On Friday 27 May at 2.30pm head off to a very special masterclass with acclaimed Australian chef and author Christine Manfield (limited numbers).
 
The festival is now done…. but the end is well worth the journey. Travel to India, the Camino de Santiago and Melbourne on Saturday 28 May at 1.30pm with Christine Manfield and award-winning journalist and author Dee Nolan, with travel writer, Dale Campisi.
 
And finish, as with all journeys with tastings of lovely food, wine and friends, on Saturday 28 May at 5. 30pm. Award-winning food writer Richard Cornish, journalist, author Dee Nolan and chef, author and acclaimed restaurateur Christine Manfield as they celebrate culinary, curated and community: food, books and people, with local identities Matt King and Jordan Berry.
 
To travel on this journey please view the program online at www.queenscliffeliteraryfestival.com.au 
Ticket sales will be available from 1 April at www.trybooking.com.