Best of the Festivals

Astronomers and astrophysicists are looking for exoplanets, that orbit around stars beyond our solar system in what is known as the Goldilocks Zone — the zone with conditions that might be just right for creating life. A fascinating discussion from the 2023 World Science Festival in Brisbane.

At the 2023 Sydney Writers Festival, Kate Evans discusses historical fiction with the celebrated authors — Geraldine Brooks, Pip Williams and Sally Colin-James.

At Perth Festival's Writers Weekend, Claire Nichols talks mothers & motherhood with Alice Pung author of 100 Days, Larissa Behrendt who's latest book is After Story, and Chloe Hooper who examines parenting in her memoir Bedtime Story.

At Melbourne's inaugural Now or Never Festival in 2023, Roman Coppola talks about how he grew up in the industry, his love of collaboration and setting up a fund to develop new talent in the industry.

At the 2023 Sydney Writers Festival, Kate Evans hosts a discussion featuring: Pulitzer Prize winning writer Colson Whitehead, Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton, Man Booker Prize winner Richard Flanagan and acclaimed debut novelist Tracey Lien.

At the 2023 Melbourne Writers Festival, writers speak about of how travel shapes our identity and gives us a better understanding of other cultures. Features Richard Fidler, Kris Kneen, chef Adam Liaw and artist & researcher Vicky Shukuroglou.

Two-time world debating champion Bo Seo and former High Court judge Michael Kirby, discuss how we might better listen to and disagree with each other, and Seo's new book, Good Arguments.

Since 2016 Jane Harper has published five bestselling novels, including The Dry and The Lost Man, and her latest Exiles. We'll hear why she's finishing up with one of her most popular characters in this conversation with Sarah L'Estrange, at the 2023 Melbourne Writers Festival.

A session hosted by Adam Liaw and Annabel Crabb at the 2023 Sydney Writers Festival, which features well known chefs revealing how an extraordinary meal had a huge impact on who they've become.

Best-selling author Lauren Groff's is in conversation with Kate Evans at the 2023 Canberra Writers Festival. Lauren Groff’s books include Arcadia, Fates and Furies, Matrix, and her latest novel The Vaster Wilds.

At the 2023 Sydney Writers Festival, writer Sarah Krasnostein is in conversation with veteran journalist and podcaster Hedley Thomas, and the renowned author Helen Garner.

Sarah L'Estrange speaks to Tracey Lien about her book All That's Left Unsaid, which tells of the aftermath of a shocking murder; and to Nina Wan's - who's novel The Albatross, explores love, duty and belonging.

Australia's first female Prime Minister talks about the infamous Misogyny Speech, how she feels about it ten years on, and what the future look like for the next generation of female leaders.

Paul Barclay hosts a panel that asks can science save the world and does the world actually need saving? Hear from four big thinkers that are transforming extraordinary ideas into life changing discoveries.

Simon Holmes a Court hosts a challenging but ultimately optimistic panel discussion. He asks the panel for their insights into where we are at with climate change, and what are their hopes are for the future?

The 2022 Booker Prize winning author Shehan Karunatilaka, in an entertaining conversation with Kate Evans, at the 2023 Melbourne Writers Festival.

Claire Nicholls in conversation with Japanese American author Sequoia Nagamatsu, about his debut novel How High We Go in the Dark, at Perth Festival's Writers Weekend.

In front of a huge crowd at the 2023 Sydney Writers Festival, Brian Brown interviews his old friend and fellow actor Sam Neill, about Sam's memoir, Did I ever tell you this?

Geoffrey Robertson KC, a legendary barrister and human rights judge, poses hypothetical questions to a panel of high-profile guests, guiding them through the scenarios with interrogative questioning. 

Geoffrey Robertson KC, a legendary barrister and human rights judge, poses hypothetical questions to a panel of high-profile guests, guiding them through the scenarios with interrogative questioning.