Surf Coast Writers Festival: Why YA Matters

Young Adult fiction has the power to shape readers at a pivotal moment in their lives. In this panel, moderated by Christine Keighrey, YA authors Miranda Luby, Troy Hunter and Karen Connor discuss their novels, the characters and worlds they’ve created, and why they’ve chosen to write for young audiences. With insights into the craft and impact of YA storytelling, this conversation will particularly resonate with aspiring writers looking to explore the genre. Tickets are $35 and can…

Exhibition: Julie Blyfield: Silver is the Moon

Julie Blyfield has always worked with silver: sometimes palely shining, sometimes oxidised to black, always wrought with formidable skill. In India, though, during her first visit to the sub-continent in January 2025, Blyfield came to see silver with fresh eyes. In Silver is the Moon, she presents a new body of delicately wrought silver pieces. More information here. This exhibition will run from Wednesday 22 April until Saturday 3o May.

Tales of the Barossa: Potter Hoffmann and the End of the Medieval

Melding family oral tradition, archaeology and history, Dr Noris Ioannou traces the story of the Prussian potter Samuel Hoffmann. Arriving in South Australia in 1845, he transferred a medieval craft tradition to the Barossa, arguably the last place on earth where it was practised until it died out. His extant pots are now icons of the Barossa. More information here. This author talk is part of South Australia's History Festival 2026. Find the full program here.

How to Write a Crime Story with Troy Hunter

Do you love crime stories, especially Agatha Christie? Maybe you’re a budding mystery author yourself? Why not join bestselling YA crime author Troy Hunter as he talks about the nuts and bolts of whodunnits, and takes you through some practical tips on how to construct your own crime story. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased here.

Mystery at the Mansion

Join Agatha Christie expert Scott Wallace Baker, Sherlock Holmes expert Derham Groves, and crime authors Troy Hunter and Ilsa Evans for a day of cosy mystery and mayhem as we mark 50 years since Agatha Christie's death. With a special focus on Christie’s acclaimed The Body in the Library, a duelling detectives session and mysterious happenings in the Homestead, this is an event not to be missed! Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here.

Author Talk: Matthew Flinders, the Man Behind the Map of South Australia

Who was Matthew Flinders, one of the most famous men in South Australian history? Why was he in SA waters in 1802, and why did he meet Nicolas Baudin in Encounter Bay? In this talk, Gillian Dooley, author of Matthew Flinders: The man behind the map, explains his background, his dealings with the French, and what happened before and after the encounter. Register for this free event here. This author talk is part of South Australia's…

Author Talk: Rosamund Burton, Whispering Wire

Step into Australia’s past with Rosamund Burton as she discusses Whispering Wire, a memoir of her epic trek along the Overland Telegraph Line from Adelaide to Darwin. From cycling through the Flinders Ranges to navigating remote dirt tracks, her journey reveals forgotten stories and the spirit of the outback. Register for this free event here. This author talk is part of South Australia's History Festival 2026. Find the full program here.

Book Launch: Graham Loughlin, Paris Nesbit KC

Join us as the Honourable Michael Kirby launches Paris Nesbit KC: Quixotic counsel by Graham Loughlin. Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr William Brereton will also speak on mental health in the legal profession, and attendees will be invited to participate in a Q&A session on this theme moderated by William Boucaut KC. Register to attend here. This author talk is part of South Australia's History Festival 2026. Find the full program here.

Peter Goers Presents: Stories from Salisbury

Join Peter Goers, panel members from the Salisbury Storytelling Project and special guests, including Paula Nagel, as they share personal memories that bring local history to life. Enjoy selected short films from the project, a community postcard exhibition, and the chance to share your own Salisbury story. Register for this free event here. This author talk is part of South Australia's History Festival 2026. Find the full program here.

Author Talk: Don Loffler: The Dramatic Arrival of the Holden Car

Travel back to 1948 with Don Loffler as he explores life in postwar South Australia and the dramatic arrival of the Holden car. From rationing and austerity to the design in Detroit and the grand launch in Fishermen’s Bend, discover the story behind Australia’s first car. Register for this free event here. This author talk is part of South Australia's History Festival 2026. Find the full program here.