THE inaugural Dunkeld Writers Festival will bring some of Australia’s best-known literary personalities to the Southern Grampians over the weekend of August 26–28.

The weekend will see a range of themed sessions, with over a dozen writers entertaining, conversing with, inspiring and educating visitors in a collection of venues in Dunkeld.

Eight sessions over three days are planned for the festival. Sessions include: The Country Advantage, chaired by Tony Wright and featuring Rick Morton, Colin King and Trace Bella; The Mountains have a Secret, chaired by former Sydney Writers Festival artistic director Michael Williams, featuring Mark Brandi, Chris Hammer and Marg Hickey; and Play Up, Play Up and Play the Game, chaired by Samantha Lane, and featuring Gideon Haigh and Dan Eddy.

There are also sessions planned covering indigenous affairs, food and wine and news of the day, and a special guest is Australian Living Treasure, Barry Jones AC.

“It’s been a long-held dream to bring a writers festival to Dunkeld, and thanks to an enthusiastic committee and some generous sponsors and community volunteers, it’s happening this winter,” Dunkeld Writers Festival Committee chair, Mary-Ann Brown said.

“We hope to see many visitors to Dunkeld at this traditionally quiet time of year, to not only enjoy the festival, but explore the attractions of the area, from the mountain walks to galleries to the great food and wine.”

Festival tickets are now on sale, ranging from $25 per session to $350 for a full festival ticket.

Festival sponsor, Royal Mail Hotel, have a range of two-night-stay Festival packages available.

For more information, visit dunkeldwritersfestival.com.au