The Mind Swims: Words on the Waves Writers Festival 2023!

Immerse yourself in a festival of stories and ideas on the scenic Central Coast.

Now in its third year, in 2023, the Words on the Waves Writers Festival will once again welcome an impressive gathering of Australia’s best authors and journalists to the spectacular Central Coast from Wednesday, May 31 to Monday, June 5.

The 2023 theme is: the mind swims. This theme playfully gestures at the human urge to move and explore, considering how change is the only constant in life.

This really is a great festival for readers. Better Reading’s Director, Cheryl Akle, has been before and will be back this year to moderate ‘The Good Life’ panel featuring authors Todd Alexander, Rachael Mogan McIntosh and Pip Willims. These are just a few of the many wonderful writers you can expect at this festive weekend of stories. And, bonus: book signings will follow each talk, so you can meet and greet your favourite writers!

With that said, the Words on the Waves Day Program for 2023 has just been revealed, and you can purchase tickets for each day or the weekend here.

Saturday, June 3

Plunge into a day’s worth of probing inquiry and playful story-sharing with your Saturday June 3 Pass, entitling you to four talks across two venues.

Check out the Saturday program and get your tickets here.

Sunday, June 4

Steep yourself in essential conversation and ripping yarns over four talks in two locations. You are free to change venues at the lunch break. It’s a gorgeous 7-minute stroll, either along a quiet backlane or along the beach itself!

Check out the Sunday program and get your tickets here.

Will you be coming along? Submerge yourself in a weekend of life-changing conversations and roving exploration at this fantastic festival!