Sydney’s May 2025 Literary Lineup: Festivals, Awards, and Storytime Fun!
Books are taking center stage this May, and Sydney is right in the heart of the action. With world-class festivals, prestigious literary prizes, and nationwide story time moments on the calendar, there’s something for every kind of reader. Whether you’re into deep-dive author talks or cozy picture book readings, this month offers countless ways to connect with stories and the people who tell them. Here’s a roundup of standout literary events happening in and around Sydney—plus a few book recommendations to match.
Sydney Writers’ Festival
One of Australia’s most celebrated literary events returns May 19th-27th, bringing acclaimed local and international authors to stages across the city. This year’s lineup features thought-provoking conversations, book launches, panels, and workshops. From memoirs to poetry to climate fiction, this program highlights the must-see names and genres for any reader.
NSW Premier’s Literary Awards
On the same day the Sydney Writers’ Festival kicks off, the literary world will turn its eyes to the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, celebrating the best in Australian writing. The 2025 nominees list includes diverse voices across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, scripts, and children’s literature. This event will take place on May 19th at the State Library of NSW, Sydney.
ALIA National Simultaneous Storytime
Each year, a single picture book is read simultaneously across the country—and this year’s title is The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and Danny Snell. You can take part by joining a local library session or read the book at home on May 21st, explore previous NSS story picks, and celebrate Australian kids’ literature.
Words on the Waves Writers Festival
A short trip from Sydney brings you to Words on the Waves, a festival set by the sea that’s fast-gaining national attention. This takes place on the Central Coast (just north of Sydney) from May 28-June 1.
Whether you’re browsing festival tents at the Sydney Writers’ Festival, tuning into award announcements, or reading The Truck Cat with your little ones, May 2025 is shaping up to be a stellar month for readers in Sydney!
Our Highlighted Titles
In a brutal, post-apocalyptic landscape, Juice tells the story of a desperate man and child seek refuge in a desolate mine site, only to find that survival may demand more than endurance—it may cost their humanity.
A wild, soul-stirring memoir of survival, self-discovery, and surrender, We Are the Stars follows Gina Chick from a chaotic childhood through heartbreak and healing in the wilderness, revealing the raw, mystical beauty of a life fully felt and fiercely lived.
In I’d Rather Not, Robert Skinner hilariously chronicles his misadventures in chasing meaning—from sleeping rough and running a literary magazine in a dog park to navigating love, odd jobs, and existential absurdity—with wit, heart, and a healthy dose of beagles.
Always Was, Always Will Be serves as a powerful call to action and a hopeful roadmap for those committed to justice, offering guidance and inspiration for continuing the fight for Indigenous recognition and a fairer Australia beyond the referendum.
No Way Yirrikipayi is a charming bilingual tale of a hungry crocodile’s comical search for food on Melville Island, celebrating Tiwi culture through playful storytelling and vibrant illustrations for readers of all ages.
Finally, our highlighted Kanopy film is set on the coastline of Southern Australia and based on a novella by Colin Thiele. A Storm Boy shares about a grandfather, a successful retired businessman, shares with his granddaughter how he raised and rescued a pelican when he was a young boy.
Keep up with World Literary Tour!
Whether you’re exploring the works of literary giants or discovering fresh new voices, Rio continues to inspire and enrich the world’s literary scene.
Visit the World Literary Tour page in the OverDrive Resource Center get a sneak peek into our upcoming stops, shop past language collections, and plan engaging programming for your library with free marketing kits. Enjoy exploring our exciting stop in Sydney, Australia as part of the World Literary Tour!
