Richard Flanagan, Bob Carr and Anthoinette Lattouf among authors revealed in final Byron Writers Festival line-up

FORMER NSW premier and foreign minister Bob Carr, human rights advocate Antoinette Lattouf and Booker Prize-winning author Richard Flanagan are among the latest additions to the 2026 Byron Writers Festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary this August.

They join a diverse lineup spanning politics, literature, media, sport and the arts, with more than 100 writers, thinkers and storytellers set to appear.

Lattouf will discuss her book Women Who Win, spotlighting women who challenged convention, while Flanagan presents Heresies, a collection of essays and speeches reflecting two decades of politically engaged and deeply humane writing.

ABC Conversations host Richard Fidler returns alongside author Kári Gíslason for a live podcast recording of Viking Lives: Ghost Stories, exploring the spectral world of Norse sagas.

Former NRL player, The Bachelor star and BookTok sensation Luke Bateman, who has built an audience of almost one million followers, will discuss identity, masculinity, literature and regional life while TV presenter and author Osher Günsberg will share insights into mental health, resilience and public life.

The inaugural Rhoda Roberts Oration will be delivered by playwright, theatre director and Creative Australia chair Wesley Enoch, while veteran broadcaster Kerry O’Brien will present the prestigious Thea Astley Address, examining lessons from history.

International guests include Australian-born, UK-based public philosopher Roman Krznaric, who will explore the need for long-term thinking in addressing global challenges, and Thai transnational writer Thammika Songkaeo, discussing her acclaimed debut novel Stamford Hospital.

Carr joins columnist Niki Savva and award-winning journalist Debbie Whitmont to assess the state of federal politics and the challenges facing government. He will also appear with Julianne Schultz and Amy Remeikis to examine Donald Trump’s second presidency and its implications for Australia. Sean Kelly, Louise Milligan and Jack Toohey contribute to discussions on housing, fossil fuels, public education and the future of democracy.

Addressing contemporary social issues, Fiona Wright brings her timely work Kill Your Boomers, examining generational inequality and housing affordability, while Steve Toltz explores love, family and artificial intelligence’s impact on creativity.

Antoun Issa presents his novel Rebirth: A Love Story from the Depths of War, and Australian rock icon and Go-Betweens founder Robert Forster discusses his fiction debut, Songwriters on the Run.

Indigenous knowledge and storytelling are also central to the program. Fire practitioner and author Victor Steffensen will discuss learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, while actor, author and Gunditjmara woman Tasma Walton presents I Am Nannertgarrook. NRL great Sam Thaiday, a Dally M Medal winner and member of the Indigenous Rugby League Team of the Century, will introduce his children’s book How the Fish Got Their Bones.

Environmental issues will be explored by Marian Wilkinson, Richard Denniss and Ben Roche in a discussion on ending fossil fuel dependence and the political and industrial forces shaping Australia’s energy future. Dakota Ferrier and Mark Smith will examine the intersection of climate and literature.

New Zealand author Ingrid Horrocks joins scientist Amanda Reichelt-Brushett to discuss swimming, nature and wellbeing, and Yorta Yorta broadcaster, journalist and storyteller Tom Forrest (Outback Tom), who has built a substantial online following, will present his latest book Gone Bush.

Children’s and young adult author Tristan Bancks will host the Kids Program, featuring Thaiday bringing a Torres Strait teaching story to life, Sarah Armstrong guiding aspiring young writers through suspense, and children’s music act Poppy Galactic closing the morning with song, dance and extraterrestrial fun.

The Byron Writers Festival will be held across venues including the Beach Hotel, Byron Bay Surf Club and Byron Community Centre from 14–16 August. Full program details and tickets are available at byronwritersfestival.com