Frequently Asked Questions
Will this event be podcast? When?
Many events are recorded each year for podcasts, but at this time there has been no decision made on which events will be published on the website. The best this to do is to keep an eye on our e-newsletter and follow SWF on your podcast app.Podcasts will be released throughout the year and there is a large library of past podcasts available at online or through various podcasts apps.
What is the booking/transaction fee?
A booking/transaction fee is a flat fee added to every order. This is not a credit card fee. The booking/transaction fee for 2023 is $6.00.
Who is able to get a concession ticket?
Concession tickets are available to all children under the age of 16, full-time students, Health Care Card holders and Pensioners Concession Card Holders. You may be required to give proof of this when at the venue. Please make sure you have a government/Centrelink pension or health care card, or a student card.
How do I get a printed program?
If you have missed out, you can find the full program including any updates on our website. The festival schedule is also subject to change. If you would like a copy of the program sent out to you, please let us know and we will accommodate this request.
Where do I park?
There is limited on street parking around Carriageworks so we do recommend accessing the venue via public transport. A limited number of disabled access spots are available for sticker holders via Carriageworks Drive and Wilson Street. These are used on a first come first serve basis and are unable to be held for anyone.
How do I organise disability access?
All venues are accessible and have wheelchair and level access if required. Please let the staff know on your arrival and we will accommodate your entry into the venue. To book accessible seats for events at Carriageworks and Sydney Town Hall (including for Auslan-interpreted and open captioned events), please contact the Sydney Writers’ Festival Box Office on (02) 9256 4200 or email ticketing@swf.org.au.
What does GA/General Admission mean?
GA/General Admission means that there is no allocated seating into the event. You can go in and sit where you please to get the view of the event that you desire. At the 2023 Festival, all paid events are allocated seating. The majority of free events are General Admission.
I have a complaint about tickets – who do I contact?
If you want to complain or discuss your tickets with someone, please email ticketing@swf.org.au or call the box office on 02 9356 4200. We will then discuss your complaint and aim to find a resolution.
Will SWF be releasing digital events for online use?
Sydney Writers’ Festival will be releasing a limited number of digital events that will be streamed live from the Festival. The digital event program will be announced early in May. Please subscribe to our e-news or check the website to receive more information.
When will I receive my E-Tickets?
All E-Tickets purchased prior to 15 May 2023 will be sent out in the week leading up to the festival. If you do not receive your E-Ticket 48 hours out from your first event, please email ticketing@swf.org.au or call the box office on 02 9256 4200 to get your ticket(s) arranged immediately.
How late can I purchase tickets to events online?
Tickets are available to book online up to 30 minutes before to an event commences. After this you will have to purchase a ticket at our Carriageworks or Sydney Town Hall Box Office.
I am attending the Festival as a companion with somebody that has accessibility requirements, what information do I need to know?
Companion Card holders qualify for a complimentary ticket for their companion. Please call our box office on 02 9256 4200 to arrange a Companion ticket.
Is there a cost to an accessibility seat?
Accessibility seats are charged at a concession rate in all events and venues.
Is my information private?
Our current privacy policy can be found here: www.swf.org.au/privacy. All data provided to us is used for the reasons it was provided. We may use this information for marketing purposes. This information may also be provided to our partners, but without personal details included in that information. If you would like to opt-out of your information being used for marketing purposes please let us know and we can accommodate your wishes.
My credit card has been charged twice.
Please email ticketing@swf.org.au or call the box office on 02 9256 4200 and inform us of your Order Number. We will then be able to work out what has occurred and refund the double-charge.
Can I refund my tickets?
Once a ticket purchase is final and has been paid for, refunds are unavailable unless due to an exceptional circumstance. If you believe you are entitled to a refund, please email ticketing@swf.org.au or phone the box office on 02 9256 4200 and we will discuss your order with you.
What should I do if I can no longer attend the Festival and want to cancel my tickets?
If you are unable to attend the festival and want to cancel your tickets, please contact us on ticketing@swf.org.au or 02 9256 4200 and we will discuss your options with you.
What time should I arrive?
Doors open for our events 30 minutes before it is due to start. Please ensure you arrive with plenty of time to allow yourself to get into the venue and your seat. Some of our events are expected to be at full capacity and therefore it will take time for you to get to your seat.
I’ve already purchased tickets and I want to buy additional tickets so that my friends can sit next to me.
If you are looking to purchase additional tickets, and guarantee they are next to your current tickets, please call the box office on 02 9256 4200 and we will discuss with you what is possible to get the best outcome for you and your friends.
Will there be food and beverages available onsite?
Yes! At the 2023 Festival we will have two main café and bar operators in the Carriageworks Foyer and Festival Hub locations.
Blacksmith’s Workshops will have a range of food trucks, food vendors and coffee options. On Saturday 27 May, Carriageworks Farmers Markets will be open at Blacksmith’s Workshops.
Food and Drink are permitted in Bays 22-24. Only drink is permitted into Track 8, 12 and Bays 17 and 20. Glass is not permitted in any venue.
Gluten free, vegetarian, Vegan and Dairy Free and organic options available.
Do we have Auslan Interpreted Events?
We have 14 Auslan interpreted events throughout the festival. The information on these 14 events can be found HERE. If you would like to sit in a seat with the right view of the interpreter, please contact the box office on 02 9256 4200 and that request will be looked after.