Upstairs at 360Q

Lunch with George Georgievski and Gabriel Gaté

Over an outstanding two-course lunch prepared from his latest cookbook, George Georgievski, aka the Lunchbox Dad, shares with host and legendary chef Gabriel Gaté how he cooks easy, stylish and affordable weeknight meals, and gives them a makeover to create fresh meals for the following day. George will share his secrets for creating stylish, flavour-packed fare that is easy enough for busy weeknights, while championing smart cooking and zero food waste along the way. With Gabriel in the interviewer seat, George will elaborate on his journey from Geelong dad frustrated by his daughters’ food choices, to becoming a global hit and Jamie Oliver Food Ambassador with half a million social media followers. 

Presented in partnership with 360Q

Queenscliff Town Hall

An Evening with Bob Carr

Former Foreign Minister of Australia and Premier of NSW Bob Carr reflects on his political career, his lifelong love of literature, and his latest book, Bring Back Yesterday: on losing the love of my life and doing what it takes to survive, which deals with finding his footing again after the death of his wife. With Louise Adler.

Presented in partnership with Geelong Regional Libraries.

Wirrng Wirrng (Queenscliffe Hub)

Madeleine Gray’s Chosen Family

Hear author Madeleine Gray discuss the meteoric success of her debut novel, Green Dot, winner of the Russell Prize for Humour Writing and the Australian Book Industry Awards’ New Writer of the Year, before turning to her acclaimed new novel, Chosen Family—a witty, moving exploration of queer friendship, love and the messy entanglements of modern relationships. With Charlotte Guest. 

Queenscliff Town Hall

Three Decades of the Cook’s Companion

Australian restaurateur, writer and food icon Stephanie Alexander takes us inside the remarkable legacy of The Cook’s Companion—the beloved kitchen bible that has shaped generations of Australian home cooks. Thirty years, and 550,000 copies, after the book’s first publication, Stephanie reflects on its enduring influence and cultural impact and its place in Australia’s culinary history.  With Lisa Wilkinson.

Queenscliff Town Hall

Michelle de Kretser: A Master at Work

One of Australia’s most acclaimed and celebrated writers, Michelle de Kretser, offers a rare glimpse into her craft, career and creative inspirations. She discusses her Stella Prize–winning Theory & Practice, the novels that earned her two Miles Franklins and three Christina Stead literary awards, and the recent republication of The Hamilton Case. With Maria Takolander. 

Queenscliff Town Hall

Witnessing the Destruction of Gaza

Palestinian-Australian surgeon Dr Bushra Othman shares powerful insights into the extraordinary work of Australian volunteer medics on the ground in Palestine. She discusses The Weight of Witness, the new book she has edited documenting 40 medics’ experiences in Gaza, and explores how the IHRA definition of antisemitism will affect healthcare workers’ ability to speak openly about their service. With Bob Carr. 

Queenscliff Town Hall

The Titanic Story of Lisa Wilkinson

Veteran journalist Lisa Wilkinson reveals what drew her to history and the compelling story behind her bestselling work of historical non-fiction, The Titanic Story of Evelyn. She will take us behind the headlines of her extraordinary career, reflecting on the defining moments and remarkable stories that have shaped her life in journalism. With Sophie Black. 

Queenscliff Town Hall

When Extremes Go Mainstream

With the Victorian election just a month away, what does Australia’s rapidly shifting political landscape—at both federal and state levels—tell us about the issues voters believe the major parties are failing to address? We’ll explore why increasing numbers of voters are looking beyond the traditional political parties, the role of media and tech in amplifying extreme voices, what the rise of minor and populist parties signals about the electorate, and whether Australia’s two-party system still reflects the political realities of a rapidly changing country. Join us for a robust and thought-provoking discussion about power, protest, populism and the future of Australian politics, with former politician Bob Carr, journalist Antoun Issa, populism expert Dr Imogen Richards, and others. Moderated by journalist Nicole Chvastek. 

Presented in partnership with the Peter Blazey Fellowship.

Ziggy + Kit cafe

Book Doof (Silent Reading)

Ninety minutes of silent reading under a live ambient DJ set, followed by thirty minutes of low-key chat. Bring a book or any quiet activity. Drop in, ticket/RSVP optional. Meet someone new and enjoy the atmosphere

Queenscliff Town Hall

Herstory: Hidden, Forgotten, Reclaimed

Three remarkable women share three extraordinary stories of courage, discovery and resilience. Lisa Wilkinson introduces Titanic survivor Evelyn Marsden; Diana Thorp reveals the secret world of Australian women code breakers in WWII; and Micaela Sahhar explores her inheritance as the daughter of a Nakba survivor. With Hilary Harper. 

Queenscliff Town Hall

Li Cunxin: From Mao’s Last Dancer to The Lucky Son

Acclaimed Chinese-Australian ballet dancer, artistic director and bestselling author Li Cunxin talks about his extraordinary life, from rural China to the world stage. He discusses The Lucky Son, the powerful sequel to his award-winning memoir Mao’s Last Dancer, and the experiences that have shaped his unique story. With Hilary Harper.

Queenscliff Town Hall

What a Classic!

What makes a book a ‘Classic’—and can a 21st-century work make the cut? Authors Lisa Wilkinson, Michelle de Kretser, Moreno Giovannoni and Maria Takolander each champion a favourite Australian or international work, and put their reps on the line debating, defending and challenging one another’s choices. Expect bold opinions, surprising picks and spirited bookish banter. With Michael Cathcart. 

Queenscliff Town Hall

From Memory to Manuscript

Micaela Sahhar, winner of the 2026 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Find Me at the Jaffa Gate, Moreno Giovannoni, 2026 Age Book of the Year winner for The Immigrants, and Antoun Issa, author of Rebirth, explore their parents’ experiences in Palestine, Italy and Lebanon—and the extraordinary personal stories, memories and histories that compel them to put family life onto the page. With Louise Adler. 

Presented in partnership with The Bookshop at Queenscliff.

Venue TBA

ABC Radio National's Top 100 Books

Join us for a listening party for the final leg of ABC Radio National's Top 100 Australian Books countdown. The program will cross live to the festival where a QLF guest author will announce one of the books. Keep an eye on QLF socials and website for venue!