FAQ's
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We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to make your festival experience as smooth as possible. If you have any uncertainties, browse through our FAQs to find quick and helpful answers. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Don’t hesitate to contact us for further assistance.
FAQ's
Where can I get a hard copy of the 2024 festival program?
A downloadable schedule will be available from 17 February 2024 on our website.
What are the dates for the 2024 Cairns Tropical Writers Festival?
Friday 8 — Sunday 10 March 2024. Schools’ programming and workshops will be held the week prior from Monday 4 March.
Where will the 2024 festival be held?
Most events will take place in the Festival Hub, which comprises Crystalbrook Flynn on the Cairns Esplanade and Crystalbrook Bailey and the Cairns City Library in Abbott St.
Where can I view the 2024 Festival Program?
The program will be released 1 December 2023. The full 2024 program will be available on 17 February on our website. We are not printing the traditional full-colour booklet. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and given the uncertainty of organising an event during a pandemic, there are likely to be program changes leading up to the festival. Updates are more easily communicated via our website.
Where can I get a hard copy of the 2024 festival program?
A downloadable schedule will be available from 17 February 2024 on our website.
Where can I get a hard copy of the 2024 festival program?
A downloadable schedule will be available from 17 February 2024 on our website.
Are there any free events at the festival?
Yes! We offer about 30% of our program for free. Admission to the free events is provided on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Bookings are not taken for these events. You are encouraged to arrive early as free events are extremely popular and seats are limited.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Tickets are available at the door, though we encourage you to allow plenty of time to visit the main festival box office. Tickets can also be bought online on our website when they become available.
Are there any events for children?
Our Schools Program will be held in the week leading up to the event. A wonderful lineup of writers and illustrators will be announced early in 2024 so stay tuned for updates.
Will you have Covid-safe measures in place?
 For the safety and wellbeing of all customers, you must not visit our venues if you:
- Feel unwell with or are displaying any Covid symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of smell or loss of taste
- Have tested positive for Covid in the past seven days
- Are awaiting the results of a Covid test
- Are currently required to self-isolate.
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Please maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from those who are not part of your household.
We strongly encourage guests to wear facemasks indoors.
All volunteers have undertaken Covid-safe training. Please be amenable to any directions you receive from volunteers regarding physical distancing.
Please use hand sanitiser at venues, especially in the main festival bookshop in NUspace.
Sit in your allocated seat. Just before the session begins, you may be invited to spread out if seats are available.
Can I volunteer at the festival?
We would love you to volunteer at CTWF2024. Please register your interest at THIS LINK: https://ctwf.com.au/volunteer/Â
How do I get to the festival?
Major and regional airlines have regular, daily flights to Cairns. Buses are available from most suburbs and the Northern beaches.
Will there be an information desk at the festival?
Yes. There will be information desks in the main Festival hub inside the Crystalbrook Flynn.
Where can I get a hard copy of the 2024 festival program?
A downloadable schedule will be available from 17 February 2024 on our website.
How long do the sessions last?
Most events last one hour. Some special events are 90 minutes to two hours long. End times for each event will be included in the program.
Can I buy books at the festival?
The festival has its own dedicated bookseller – Cairns Books – who will be located in the Festival Hub.
Can I get my books signed at the festival?
Yes. Book signings will take place immediately following events in the key venues. There will be dedicated book signing locations.
Will any festival events be recorded?
This year, we will be live-streaming some events. These are clearly marked in the program. Tickets are available for these sessions at a reduced price. You will be emailed a link a couple of hours prior to the start of the session and you will be able to access the live stream. Please check your spam folder if the link hasn’t arrived.
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There will be film and sound recordings of some of the events for archival and publicity purposes. It is possible that audience members’ images will be included from time to time in the filming. Should you wish not to be filmed, please advise an usher. No flash photography or recording by attendees is permitted.
What provisions will be in place at the festival for those with disabilities?
All main venues are accessible by wheelchair. Please refer to our Accessibility information. Auslan Interpreters will be available by request for pre-arranged sessions, or you can bring your own.
Where can I enquire about lost property?
All lost property from the festival will be available at the Information Desk in the NUspace foyer. If you find later that you have lost an item, please email program@ctwf.com.au and include the following details:
- What did you lose?
- Where did you lose it?
- When did you lose it?
- What event were you attending?
- Anything else that might help locate your property
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