By Liv Lorkin
As a storyteller, getting an invite to Storyfest is like receiving a golden ticket. You don’t need the chocolate because you’re about to embark on a career high that no amount of sugar can reproduce. Not only is Storyfest one of Australia’s most enduring literary festivals, but it’s also built a cohort of iconic, well-loved children's authors and illustrators, affectionately coined the Storyfest Squad.
This is your official behind-the-scenes peek into what a newbie can expect as a first-timer at Storyfest.
Have your documents in order
Cross those T’s and dot those I’s. Before we get to the fun stuff, all the dry but important admin work needs to be sorted. That means every storyteller signs off on policies that commit to children’s wellbeing, confirms their working with children approval, and fills out forms with their headshot and bio ready for promotion.
Make extra packing space
The Storyfest bookshop is iconic for a reason. It’s a wonderland of hardcovers and paperbacks. The shelves are packed with titles from the storytellers attending the festival. Rumour has it you can’t enter without adding to your to-be-read.
We strongly recommend leaving at least a shoebox's worth of space in your luggage for all the reading materials you plan to take home. It might even be a tax write-off, but we suggest checking in with an accountant, not an avid book enthusiast.
Bring comfortable clothes
There's a lot of ground to cover at our festivals. One minute you’re dancing at our Prologue Party with Nat Amoore, and the next you’re signing pages at the bookshop. Keep it comfortable and bring clothes and shoes you’re happy to walk, boogie and present in. You might have also noticed something new at our 2026 Storyfest Gold Coast: our Storyfest Squad shirts. Now making it even easier to spot our storytellers out and about. As a new member, you’ll be gifted your very own to wear throughout the festival, and of course, you can take it home with you.
Take notes
You didn’t think the thousands of kids that make their way through our events are the only ones learning? If you’ve got the time, make sure to drop into your fellow Squad members' sessions. This is your chance to learn from the best. See how a PowerPoint can take you into the world of books and gather little tidbits of sage writing advice. Bring a notebook and an open mind, you’re bound to leave inspired.
Prepare for fun
There are no guarantees, but we’re in the business of enhancing the lives of young people through transformative storytelling experiences. That comes with creating year-round events, festivals and activations that foster creativity, literacy and confidence. That means that fun is a priority. So, expect the unexpected, from celebrating alongside your fellow Storyfest Squad to the laugh-out-loud moments, prepare for memories that make you smile.
If you’re joining the 33-year legacy of Storyfest, we offer a warm welcome. Make sure to take plenty of photos, and we’ll see you around in that shiny new Squad shirt!
