The inaugural Nipaluna / Hobart Readers and Writers Festival will be a vibrant five-day celebration of literature, story-telling and creating connection, taking place in the heart of Hobart from 28 May–1 June 2026. 

Produced by Island, Tasmania’s leading literary organisation since 1979, in collaboration with key cultural and education partners, this new festival will feature a mix of in-conversations, panels, workshops, readings and performances.

From established authors to emerging voices, from graphic storytellers to poets, the festival will reflect the diversity and creativity of Australian literary culture.

Catch Magabala creator Julie Janson at the below sessions:

Secrets & Lies: Finding the truth when history hides it

Saturday May 30 | 1:00 PM

The Salon, The Hedberg, 19 Collins Street, Nipaluna/Hobart

Every author of historical fiction faces the same question: is it OK if I make things up? Whether it’s wondering about the worries of Henry VIII for Wolf Hall or investigating an emperor’s ailment for I, Claudius, eventually the archive will come up short. The gaps are even greater when you’re writing about events and people that mainstream society would rather forget. Did a lesbian collective really get pregnant without men? Did a First Nations ancestor honestly turn outlaw? Keely Jobe and Julie Janson tell Neika Lehman how they answered the question: when you’re faced with untrustworthy history, what story do you tell?

Dive into crime writing

Saturday May 30 | 2:30 PM

The Salon, The Hedberg, 19 Collins Street, Nipaluna/Hobart

If you’ve got a hankering to write about murder, mystery, investigations and deep, dark conspiracies, you’ve come to the right place. Julie Janson’s plucky investigator, Aunty June, uncovered corruption, bikie gangs and dodgy cotton farmers in the Miles Franklin-shortlisted Madukka the River Serpent. Bringing her skills from a successful career as a playwright, poet and novelist, in this workshop Julie will lead you to begin a new crime genre novel or short story. The workshop is hands-on with the focus on developing basic skills as a crime writer and vivid story teller. You will be challenged to unlock deep motivations that often stem from political or personal places. Cultural diversity will be an asset.

Tickets can be found at the link below.

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