Stella Day Out Hobart, Byron Bay, Perth, Ballarat & Aireys Inlet
Stella Day Out continues to expand across the country, returning to familiar places in Hobart and Ballarat, and debuting in new spaces in Byron Bay, Perth and Aireys Inlet. Stella Day Out connects Australia’s brightest women and non-binary writers with readers via free literary events.
A gentle reminder that entries for the 2026 Stella Prize close Sunday, October 5th, 2025. For the first time, published books can now be self-entered by authors, as well as by publishers. For details, visit our website.
Hobart – September 26 2025
The Salon – Hedberg Building, 19-27 Campbell St, Hobart TAS 7000
Session 1: Theory, Practice, and the Spaces They Meet
1PM – 2PM
Join 2025 Stella Prize winner Michelle de Kretser as she sits down to discuss her seventh novel Theory & Practice, and how she blurs the line between fiction and non-fiction, moderated by Kate Kruimink.
Session 2: The Language of the Living
3PM – 4PM
How do we find words for the loss and transformation of the natural world in a time of climate crisis? 2024 Shortlisted author Hayley Singer explores this in conversation with Erin Hortle.
Book your tickets via the Theatre Royal here.
Byron Bay – October 17 2025
Byron Community Centre, 69 Jonson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Session 1: Michelle de Kretser In Conversation
11AM-12PM
Join 2025 Stella Winner Michelle de Kretser in conversation with Annie O’Rourke, as they discuss Michelle’s award-winning seventh novel, Theory & Practice and everything in between.
Book your tickets via Eventbrite here.
Session 2: Quiet Resilience
1PM-2PM
Join Stella authors Fiona Wright and Josephine Rowe as they discuss their books and examine the female experience and fragility. Moderated by Byron Bay Writers Festival Director Jessica Alice.
Book your tickets via Eventbrite here.
Perth – Sunday October 26 2025
State Library of Western Australia, Theatre, 25 Francis St, Perth WA 6000
Session 1: Growing Up On The Margins
11AM – 12PM
2024 Longlisted Stella author Laura Elizabeth Woollett discusses navigating desire, violence, and limited choices in suburbia. Moderated by Megan McCracken.
Session 2: Finding Erased Stories
1PM – 2PM
2025 Shortlisted Author Santilla Chingaipe discusses her novel Black Convicts with Sisonke Msimang.
Book your tickets via the State Library here.
Book sales and signings provided by the State Library of Western Australia on the day.
Ballarat – November 5 2025
Ballarat Mechanics Institute, 117-199 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central VIC 3350
Session 1: Katia Ariel ‘The Swift Dark Tide’ In Conversation with Kelly Gardiner
6pm – 6:45pm
Join Stella shortlisted author Katia Ariel for an intimate conversation with Kelly Gardinerabout her 2024 Stella shortlisted debut The Swift Dark Tide and her second novel Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch. Moving between love and loss, memory and myth, Ariel’s work navigates the deep waters of human connection with lyricism and courage.
Session 2: Dr Samah Sabawi In Conversation with Fatima Measham.
7:15pm – 8pm
2025 Stella shortlisted author Dr Samah Sabawi is joined by Fatima Measham to discuss art, activism, and storytelling that crosses borders – of place, politics, and the heart.
Aireys Inlet – November 15 2025
Aireys Inlet Community Centre, 6 Great Ocean Rd, Aireys Inlet VIC 3231
Session 1: Katherine Brabon In Conversation with Angela Savage
11AM – 12PM
Stella Prize-listed author Katherine Brabon returns with Cure, a moving novel exploring the complexities of illness, identity and the mother-daughter bond. She joins award-winning author and advocate Angela Savage for an intimate conversation about writing the body and much more.
Book your free tickets here.
Session 2: Jacinta Halloran In Conversation with Inala Cooper
1PM – 2PM
Jacinta Halloran, a local author and former GP, will discuss resistance, responsibility, and what it means to care – both personally and politically – with writer and advocate Inala Cooper. Jacinta will be discussing her new book Resistance, which will be available for sale and signing on the day.
Stick around for light refreshments served after each session, as well as book signings and a pop-up shop from Great Escape Books.
Book your free tickets here.
