For Writers
Varuna offer writers time and space to write in the ‘big yellow house’ in the Blue Mountains, with six writers-in-residence staying each week, benefiting from one-on-one mentorship, and the support of their peers. Writers can apply to stay at Varuna via one of our residency programs.
We also offer an extensive program of online masterclasses and intensives, designed to support writers to develop their craft, finish their project, and build connections. Unlike many other writing courses, Varuna masterclasses are by application, so that each of our online course groups is carefully curated with our expert facilitators.
Finally, we offer in-person workshops in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, throughout the year as well as during the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival.
Whitlam Essay Residency
Applications are now closed
This program is presented in partnership with the Whitlam Institute with support from Western Sydney Creative, Western Sydney University’s arts and culture decadal strategy.
Writers SA Fellowships
Applications are now closed
A one-week residency, including travel subsidy and manuscript consultation, is open to Writers SA members who are emerging writers and poets who live in South Australia.
Shanghai Western Sydney Writing Exchange
Applications are now closed
A prestigious two-month international residency in Shanghai, China that will run from September to October 2025. Alumni from Western Sydney University and Alumni from Varuna, the National Writers’ House, are invited to apply in 2025 for the 2027 program.
From Poem to Manuscript: an extended program with Felicity Plunkett
Applications are now closed
Expand and nurture your practice as a poet in this 4-month program. We’ll create an encouraging and inspiring community, and support the development of original work, from single poems to sequences, and explore how to build a collection for publication.
Writing NSW Fellowships
Applications are now closed
Writing NSW awards a single one-week Varuna residency to members of Writing NSW for manuscripts, plays or poem collections ready for the next stage of development.
Scribe Varuna Fellowship
Applications are now closed
In partnership with independent press Scribe Publications, four fellowships will be awarded, with writers invited to participate in an intensive residency with Scribe editors.
The Henry Handel Richardson Fellowship for Short Story Writing
Applications open March 2026
Offered in partnership with the Henry Handel Richardson Society, this short story writing fellowship promotes the life and legacy of Henry Handel Richardson, and is offered to an outstanding short story submission as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships.
The Next Chapter Residencies
Applications are now closed
Residencies are awarded to recipients of The Wheeler Centre’s Next Chapter program, where four outstanding writers are provided with a year’s mentorship and $15,000 to develop their work.
Varuna Trans and Gender Diverse Fellowship
Applications are now closed
Trans and Gender Diverse writers are invited to apply for a week-long residency at Varuna, 4 - 11 August 2025, benefiting from one-on-one mentorship and and group reading sessions, supported by community.