Our Venues
National Library of Australia
Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Library of Australia is one of Canberra’s most iconic cultural institutions and a key venue for the Canberra Writers Festival. Home to one of Australia’s most significant collections of books, manuscripts and stories, the venue offers beautiful event spaces, stunning architecture and a central location just minutes from the Parliamentary Triangle.
Parking
Paid parking is available on-site at the National Library, including accessible parking spaces near the main entrance. Additional parking can also be found nearby throughout the Parliamentary Triangle and surrounding cultural precinct. Visitors are encouraged to allow extra time during peak festival periods.
Accessibility
The National Library of Australia is an accessible venue. Features include:
– Accessible toilets.
– Lift access between levels.
– Wheelchair-accessible seating areas.
– Accessible parking spaces near the entrance.
If you require additional accessibility support for your festival visit, please contact the Canberra Writers Festival team prior to your event.
Public Transport
The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with bus stops located nearby along King Edward Terrace and within the Parliamentary Triangle precinct.
Food & Amenities
The National Library Café will be open during selected festival hours, offering coffee, meals and light refreshments. Public bathrooms and seating areas are also available throughout the venue.
Map
King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
Events on at National Library of Australia
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
National Portrait Gallery
Located in the heart of the Parliamentary Triangle, the National Portrait Gallery strives to reflect the face of Australia, tell Australian stories and increase understanding and appreciation of Australian people through art. The venue is home to the national collection of portraits of Australians, and is a key location of Canberra Writers Festival.
Parking
Paid parking is available on-site, including parking spaces for people with mobility difficulties.
Additional parking can also be found nearby throughout the Parliamentary Triangle and surrounding cultural precinct. Visitors are encouraged to allow extra time during peak festival periods for parking.
Accessibility
The National Portrait Gallery is an accessible venue. Features include:
– Parking spaces for people with mobility difficulties.
– All public areas inside the Gallery are on a single level.
– Accessible bathrooms.
– Registered assistance and Guide Dogs are welcome.
– Hearing loops available in the Liangis Theatre and Terrace Rooms.
Public Transport
The venue is easily accessible by bus, with Transport Canberra bus routes running past the Gallery on a regular basis.
Food & Amenities
Public bathrooms and seating areas are available throughout the venue.
Map
Parkes Place West, Canberra ACT 2600
Events on at National Portrait Gallery
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Hyatt Hotel
The Hyatt Hotel was Canberra’s first hotel, established in 1924. This iconic building is located in the centre of the capital, and offers relaxing stays and luxurious event venues, including 10 meeting and event rooms.
Parking
There is off-street parking surrounding the Hyatt Hotel, with fees from Monday to Friday, and free parking on weekends. Accessible parking bays are located in the underground car park. Please call the Hyatt Hotel on (02) 6270 1234 before your visit to ensure an accessible car park is available for you.
Accessibility
The Hyatt Hotel features ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms. Service animals are welcome. If you require additional accessibility support for your festival visit, please contact the Canberra Writers Festival team prior to your event.
Public Transport
The venue is easily accessible by bus, with the Parliament House, Federation Mall Northbound and Southbound bus stops a short four-minute walk from the Hyatt.
Food & Amenities
Bathrooms and seating areas are available throughout the venue.
Bathrooms and seating areas are available throughout the venue.
Map
120 Commonwealth Ave, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Events on at National Portrait Gallery
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Verity Lane Market
Verity Lane Market brings a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere to the festival. This unique Kingston venue combines food, market stalls and event spaces, offering a relaxed setting for author conversations, book launches and family-friendly programming.
Parking
There is no onsite parking for Verity Lane. However, there are various nearby paid carparks including:
– Law Courts – four-minute walk.
– Canberra Centre – four-minute walk.
– Hobart Place – six-minute walk.
– Nangarri Street Multi Storey – six-minute walk.
Accessibility
Verity Lane Market is fully wheelchair accessible, with flat floor access from Northbourne Avenue and Verity Lane. There is also a lift to the upstairs level. Assistance animals are welcome.
Public Transport
Verity Lane Market is accessible via bus and light rail. The Civic Bus Interchange and Alinga Street Light Rail Spot are within very close proximity.
Food & Amenities
Bathrooms and seating areas are available throughout the venue.
Bathrooms and seating areas are available throughout the venue.
Map
14 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston ACT 2604
Events on at Verity Lane Market
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Smiths Alternative
This funky venue is located in the iconic Melbourne Building in the heart of Civic. Smith’s is known for celebrating local culture and providing a safe and comfortable place to develop, present and appreciate art. Filled with eclectic furniture and colourful decor, Smiths is home to all things interesting, unusual, entertaining and humorous.This funky venue is located in the iconic Melbourne Building in the heart of Civic. Smith’s is known for celebrating local culture and providing a safe and comfortable place to develop, present and appreciate art. Filled with eclectic furniture and colourful decor, Smiths is home to all things interesting, unusual, entertaining and humorous.
Parking
There is no parking onsite for Smiths Alternative. However there are various nearby paid carparks including:
– Hobart Place – four-minute walk.
– Law Courts – six-minute walk.
– Canberra Centre – eight-minute walk.
– Nangarri Street Multi Storey Car Park – 10-minute walk.
Accessibility
Smiths Alternative is wheelchair accessible. There is a small step at the entrance, but a removable ramp can be added. Accessible toilets are also available. Guide dogs and assistive dogs are welcome.
Public Transport
Smiths Alternative is within close proximity to the City Interchange bus station. Many Transport Canberra bus routes will stop in this vicinity. The light rail is also an option, with the Alinga Stop within two minutes walk of Smiths.
Food & Amenities
Bathrooms and seating are available in the venue.
Map
Smiths Alternative offers a full café menu, bar service and snacks. The venue has indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Events on at Smiths Alternative
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
National Gallery of Australia
Located on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Gallery of Australia is the country’s national visual arts institution dedicated to collecting, sharing and celebrating all sorts of art. The collection comprises over 155,000 works of art and represents the whole of Australian art, modern art worldwide, and art from across Asia and the Pacific. The building is heritage listed.Located on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Gallery of Australia is the country’s national visual arts institution dedicated to collecting, sharing and celebrating all sorts of art. The collection comprises over 155,000 works of art and represents the whole of Australian art, modern art worldwide, and art from across Asia and the Pacific. The building is heritage listed.
Parking
The main venue car park is paid underground and accessible from Parkes Place off King Edward Terrace, with above-ground parking on weekends. Limited free mobility parking is available in both car parks. Additional parking can be found throughout the Parliamentary Triangle.
Accessibility
The National Gallery of Australia is committed to making its building and events accessible. Wheelchairs, motorised scooters, wheelie walkers and walking sticks are available, with the site being wheelchair accessible. All assistance animals are welcome. Accessible toilets are located on the ground floor and level one.
Public Transport
The National Gallery of Australia is accessible via bus. Bus routes 2 and 6 travel via the vicinity, with the closest stop being a six-minute walk away at John Gorton Building, Parkes Place. More information can be found on the Transport Canberra website.
Food & Amenities
Public bathrooms and seating are available in the venue.
Map
Parkes Pl E, Parkes ACT 2600
Events on at Smiths Alternative
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
MOAD
The Museum of Australian Democracy, known as MOAD to locals, is found in Old Parliament House. This iconic building – which once housed Australia’s Parliament from 1927 to 1988 – is now home to exhibitions, events and education programs. MOAD continues to stay true to the original goal of exploring big ideas and sharing the story of the country’s democracy.The Museum of Australian Democracy, known as MOAD to locals, is found in Old Parliament House. This iconic building – which once housed Australia’s Parliament from 1927 to 1988 – is now home to exhibitions, events and education programs. MOAD continues to stay true to the original goal of exploring big ideas and sharing the story of the country’s democracy.
Parking
Paid parking spaces are located behind MOAD on Queen Victoria Terrace and next to the Treasury and John Gorton Buildings, which are a five-minute walk from the front entrance. Free accessible parking is available at the front of the museum.
Accessibility
MOAD is an accessible venue. Features include:
– Step-free access to every level of the museum.
– Accessible street entry.
– Accessible parking spaces near the entrance.
– Accessible toilets.
If you require additional accessibility support for your festival visit, please contact the Canberra Writers Festival team prior to your event.
Public Transport
MOAD is accessible via bus routes. Several routes are available and stop various distances away from the venue.
From Canberra city
Routes 57 and 58 stop near the Treasury Building on Langton Crescent, a five-minute walk.
Rapid routes 2 and 6 stop at the John Gorton Building on Parkes Place, a six-minute walk.
Rapid routes 4, 5, 7 and 10 stop opposite Albert Hall on Commonwealth Avenue, a 12-minute walk.
From Woden, Molonglo and south
Routes 57 and 58 stop opposite the Treasury Building on Langton Crescent, a five-minute walk.
Rapid route 6 stops opposite the John Gorton Building on Parkes Place, a six-minute walk.
Rapid routes 4, 5, 7 and 10 stop at Albert Hall on Commonwealth Avenue, a 12-minute walk.
From Kingston, Queanbeyan and east
Rapid routes 2 and 6 stop opposite the John Gorton Building on Parkes Place, a six-minute walk.
CDC Canberra route 830 stops at the Barton Bus Station on National Circuit, an eight-minute walk.
Food & Amenities
Public bathrooms and seating are available throughout the venue. Public bathrooms and seating are available throughout the venue.
Map
18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600
Events on at Smiths Alternative
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
National Archives
The National Archives of Australia (NAA) exists to preserve Australian history and records safely. A need to protect World War II records paved the way for archiving all Commonwealth records, with the NAA being created as a part of the National Library before it developed into an independent agency in 1961. The Archives houses several permanent exhibitions exploring aspects of Australian history.The National Archives of Australia (NAA) exists to preserve Australian history and records safely. A need to protect World War II records paved the way for archiving all Commonwealth records, with the NAA being created as a part of the National Library before it developed into an independent agency in 1961. The Archives houses several permanent exhibitions exploring aspects of Australian history.
Parking
There is a small paid carpark next to the main entrance of the Archives and a large car park at the rear entrance, both with designated accessible spaces. More paid parks can be found at the John Gorton Building East multi-level car park, which is a seven-minute walk.
Accessibility
National Archives of Australia is an accessible venue.
Features include:
– Designated accessible parking spaces.
– Accessible toilets.
– Wheelchair entrance.
National Archives of Australia is an accessible venue.
Features include:
– Designated accessible parking spaces.
– Accessible toilets.
– Wheelchair entrance.
Public Transport
Several regular bus routes run past the National Archives. The closest stops are:
– Barton Bus Station (National Circuit).
– John Gorton Building (Parkes Place).
– Federation Mall near Parliament House.
Food & Amenities
Public bathrooms and seating are available throughout the venue.
Map
Kings Ave, Parkes ACT 2600
Events on at Smiths Alternative
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
National Library Lawns
The National Library Lawns are expansive and look out onto the water. The location is connected to the National Library and offers visitors a place to relax and enjoy the sunshine.The National Library Lawns are expansive and look out onto the water. The location is connected to the National Library and offers visitors a place to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Parking
Paid parking is available on-site at the National Library of Australia, including accessible parking spaces near the main entrance. Additional parking can also be found nearby throughout the Parliamentary Triangle and surrounding cultural precinct. Visitors are encouraged to allow extra time during peak festival periods for parking.
Accessibility
Public Transport
The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with bus stops located nearby along King Edward Terrace and within the Parliamentary Triangle precinct.The venue is easily accessible by public transport, with bus stops located nearby along King Edward Terrace and within the Parliamentary Triangle precinct.
Food & Amenities
The National Library Café will be open during selected festival hours, offering coffee, meals and light refreshments. Public bathrooms and seating areas are also available throughout the venue.
Map
Parkes Pl W, Canberra ACT 2600
Events on at Smiths Alternative
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Dendy Cinemas
Located within the Canberra Centre shopping complex, Dendy Cinemas is the territory’s largest cinema with 15 screens, including an IMAX theatre.
Alongside screening blockbusters, Dendy hosts viewings of theatre and opera performances, major film festivals and other events.
Parking
Dendy Cinemas is located within the Canberra Centre, which has several underground paid parking options. Accessible parking bays are located within the Centre car parks.Dendy Cinemas is located within the Canberra Centre, which has several underground paid parking options. Accessible parking bays are located within the Centre car parks.
Accessibility
Dendy’s cinemas are all wheelchair accessible with wheelchair spaces available. Accessible bathrooms on site are available. Wheelchair car parking is available with lift access to the cinema.Dendy’s cinemas are all wheelchair accessible with wheelchair spaces available. Accessible bathrooms on site are available. Wheelchair car parking is available with lift access to the cinema.
Public Transport
Dendy is easily accessible via bus and light rail. The Civic Bus Interchange and Alinga Street Light Rail Spot are within walking distance of Dendy Cinemas.
Food & Amenities
The cinema’s kiosk will be open for snacks before and after CWF events. Public bathrooms and seating are available throughout the venue.
The cinema’s kiosk will be open for snacks before and after CWF events. Public bathrooms and seating are available throughout the venue.
Map
Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2601Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2601
Events on at National Museum of Australia
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Gorman House
Gorman House, also known as Gorman Arts Centre, is a significant heritage complex adapted for arts use. Originally constructed in the 1920s as a hostel for government workers, it is now home to small arts groups, individual artists and arts organisations. Gorman House offers intimate spaces and larger workshops, all within a short distance of Canberra city.
Parking
Limited paid parking is available on site. Paid parking is also available at the Canberra Centre shopping complex, located 500m away. Free on-site parking is available in surrounding areas, with some time-limited spots. Accessible parking is available at Gorman House.Limited paid parking is available on site. Paid parking is also available at the Canberra Centre shopping complex, located 500m away. Free on-site parking is available in surrounding areas, with some time-limited spots. Accessible parking is available at Gorman House.
Accessibility
Gorman House has wheelchair accessible entrances, accessible toilets and accessible parking options. Registered service animals are permitted onsite.
Public Transport
Gorman House is accessible via two bus stops in Braddon. These are Ainslie Avenue and Doonkuna Street. The venue is also 500m from the Canberra Centre, with the Civic Bus Interchange and Alinga Street Light Rail Spot within the area.
Food & Amenities
There is no established food venue at Gorman House. Public bathrooms and seating are available throughout the venue.
Map
Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Ave, Braddon ACT 2612
Events on at Australian National University
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Botanic Gardens
Nestled just a short distance away from the city is the Australian National Botanic Gardens, full of native plants from all parts of Australia. The Gardens are home to the world’s most comprehensive display of living Australian native plants. Visitors are invited to relax and learn more about the flora and fauna that inhabits our country.
Parking
The Botanic Gardens has onsite paid parking, via the main entrance. Accessible parking spots are free of charge. Visitors are encouraged to allow extra time during peak festival periods.
Accessibility
The Botanic Gardens is an accessible location. Features include:
– A main path that starts at the Visitor Centre and goes past the cafe and highlights of the gardens.
– Seven disabled access car parking spaces.
– Accessible bathrooms.
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Public Transport
The nearest bus stop is a 1.3km walk to the Gardens. The stop is located on Barry Drive off Clunies Ross Street.
Food & Amenities
Limited bathrooms and seating are available throughout the venue.
Map
Clunies Ross St, Acton ACT 2601
Events on at National Portrait Gallery
Susan Choi: Flashlight
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
David Szalay: Flesh
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm
Poetry Slam Finals
Friday 22 May
12-12.55pm