AUSTRALIAN FESTIVAL OF TRAVEL WRITING

Perhaps you’re one of those people, who should be busily working, but is instead daydreaming of travelling through South America, or Asia, or completely packing in your day job and selling your house to immerse yourself somewhere new.

If you’ve caught the bug and have a bad case of itchy feet, you don’t need an anti fungal cream, you need to check out the Australian Festival of Travel Writing, happening this weekend in Melbourne from March 22-24.

The excitement of travel is celebrated at this unique festival, with experts and industry leaders from all around the world, flying in to share their knowledge and insight.

Learn how you can potentially travel long term in your future, how to get the best bang for your buck, how to write and share your experiences and listen in on panels and debates which discuss the ethics of travelling.

At only $25 for a full day pass, or $50 for a VIP pass, where you can book all your seats in advance, you’ll be able to check out the following events/ panels and a whole lot more.

Opening Gala Night

See featured speakers spin amazing travel tales, and try to guess which are true and what’s been concocted.

When: Friday 22nd March
Where: Sidney Myer Asia Centre, 761 Swanston Street, Parkville
How much: Free, but make sure to book your tickets

Panel: Vagabonding – Making long term travelling a reality 

With more than sixty countries under his belt, Rolf Potts has all the credentials needed to answer your questions on how to make full=time travelling your job. Having written for The Guardian, National Geographic Traveller and The New York Times Magazine, he will help address issues regarding economics and ethics.

When: 10am-11am, Saturday 23rd March
Where: Kenneth Myer Auditorium, 30 Royal Parade at Genetics Lane, University of Melbourne, Parkville
How much: Day passes start from $25

Panel: Burma – The Shape of Things to Come

Whilst we have seen many countries slowly adapt their culture to tourism, and over time have been able to give themselves a distinct personality, Burma is a very unique case. Having only recently opened their doors to the wider world, Burma is being thrust into the headline and rushed to keep up with the demands of today’s traveller. Why all the intrigue? And once the excitement has died down, how will tourism continue to shape the country? Join a panel of speakers to discuss the future of this newly global country.

When: 2:30pm – 3:30pm, Saturday 23rd March
Where: Kenneth Myer Auditorium, 30 Royal Parade at Genetics Lane, University of Melbourne, Parkville
How much: Day passes start from $25

Food and Wine: Stuff Parisians Like

Why not start your Sunday and have breakfast with Olivier Magny, a Parisian native with a cheeky personality and penchant for French wine. Over delicate and delicious French pastries, and tea and coffee, let Olivier Magny amuse you with his tales of what Parisians are really like!

When: 8:30am – 9:30am, Sunday 24th March
Where: Dr Dax Kitchen, Melbourne Brain Centre, Genetics Place on Royal Parade, University of Melbourne
How much: $25, buy tickets here

Debate: Voluntourism – Good Deeds or Guilt Trips?

Voluntourism is a growing trend, where one can combine travel with volunteer work, and although it usually sounds good on paper, this discussion questions whether it is more damaging than beneficial.

When: 4pm – 5pm, Sunday 24th March
Where: Kenneth Myer Auditorium, 30 Royal Parade at Genetics Lane, University of Melbourne, Parkville
How much: Day passes start from $25