2025 Fishy Stories Festival
15 November 2025
Fishy Stories festival is a vibrant, one-day celebration of children's storytelling, featuring a variety of engaging activities for families. Located in Fish Creek, the day includes continuous events and activities.
The 2025 program is shaping up to our biggest yet and includes Author & Illustrator Workshops and Interactive Activities.
2025 Writing Challenge
Opening date: 21 July 2025
Closing date: 19 September 2025
Interactive Activities including storytelling and roaming performers.
Fun for all ages with the return of amazing cardboard creations, "Box Wars." Continuous storytelling sessions and opportunities to create your own stories in various formats and with the experts from MyLi Libraries.
Roaming performers will keep you entertained between sessions including the beat of the Invy Horn Jam Band and wondering story sensations.
Author and Illustrator Workshops
Free workshops are offered by internationally renowned children's authors and illustrators. The program caters for all ages and interests from the adventures of the Real Pigeons to our own Alison Lester’s Magic Beach. In 2025 we will see:
Real Pigeons – Andrew McDonald & Ben Wood
Andrew McDonald is the author of the Real Pigeons and Hello Twigs series, known for stories that make kids laugh and think. Illustrator Ben Wood has brought these characters to life in over 50 titles.
Alison Lester
Alison Lester AM is one of Australia’s most beloved authors and illustrators, with more than 25 picture books and two novels. Her iconic Magic Beach was recently adapted into a film, and she continues to inspire readers across generations.
Andrea Rowe
A passionate voice for nature and children’s storytelling, Andrea is the award-winning author of Jetty Jumping and In the Rockpools. She’s a 2024 May Gibbs Literature Trust Fellow and advocate for Aussie kids enjoying the outdoors.
Jane Godwin
Jane has written over 40 children’s books and was awarded the 2024 Pixie O’Harris Award. Her works span novels and picture books, including A Life Song and Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree?
Anna Walker
A Melbourne-based author and illustrator, Anna’s gentle, artful stories have earned widespread acclaim. Her titles include Florette, Mr Huff, and A Life Song. She often collaborates with Jane Godwin – they’ve co-created nine books so far.
Jess Racklyeft
Jess is an award-winning illustrator of 35+ picture books, known for her vibrant watercolours and mixed media. Her work celebrates whimsy, nature, and emotion, and she is based in inner-city Melbourne.
