Entertainment
1 August, 2025
Fifty authors to spin yarns
THE inaugural Douglas Shire Book Festival originally planned for Mossman will now feature in both Mossman and Port Douglas.
The two-day celebration of storytelling and local authorship, is taking place on Saturday August 2 at the Mossman Shire Hall, Mill St, Mossman and then on Sunday, August 3 at the Port Douglas Community Hall, 13-29 Mowbray St, Port Douglas. Doors will open at each venue from 9am to 3pm.
Douglas Shire’s very first book festival is expected to include up to 50 authors and will, not only showcase local book writers, but talent from all over North Queensland.
The event is designed to encourage a love of reading, while connecting the community with Far North Queensland literary talent and creating a fun and interactive experience for all ages.
Festival president Crystal Leonardi said each day was open to everyone, including locals, visitors, book lovers, families, market-goers and community supporters.
“This festival is for everyone, from avid readers to young kids discovering their love for stories,” she said.
“We’re proud to put authors in the spotlight and show that our region is full of incredible talent.”
The festival will feature a diverse line-up of talented authors from across Queensland. Among them will be internationally recognised writers and award-winning, best-selling authors, many of whom call Far North Queensland home, including Maddi Wright, Renee Cashman, Kirsty Nancarrow and Debra Gavranich, known for ‘The Girl Who Left: From Croatia to the Cane Fields’.
The festival will be a celebration of Queensland’s rich literary landscape, giving the public a rare opportunity to connect with authors in person and hear their stories firsthand.
Attendees can meet authors in person, buy and get their books signed, enjoy live panels and talks, plus other interactive experiences like face painting demonstrations. The book festival has been made possible through various sponsors, together with a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant.
Organisers expect the event to be well attended by both locals and visitors to the Douglas Shire.
