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Watermark Literary Muster

The Watermark Literary Muster is a biennial gathering that brings together writers and readers who share a passion for the literature of nature and place.  It is recognised internationally as a unique literary event on the Australian cultural calendar where writers share their work directly with readers, talk about the places that inspire them, exchange ideas on writing about nature and place, explore the role literature plays in environmental understanding and inspire others to write about the natural landscape. 

The Muster takes place at Kendall in the Camden Haven on the NSW Mid North Coast.

Watermark seeks to advance the professional interests of Australian writers by providing the sort of environment that prompts comments such as these from participating writers:

It's the right size for genuine engagement, there is a great sense of communication and involvement...a forum for renewed energy and for true insight...an inspiring, focussing week.  Martin Harrison, 2005, poet.

I felt at home for the first time in any such event, found it exciting and inspiring, and came away feeling nurtured and appreciated.   A/Professor Margaret Somerville, 2005, University of New England.

The event

• Promotes literature as a medium for cultural development and environmental awareness;
• Fosters the "Australian-ness" of writers by inspiring them to write about Australian nature and place;
• Continues the development of a program that embraces cultural diversity and supports and promotes the presentation of indigenous and ethnic culture and traditions through literature;
• Fosters excellence in Australian writing by providing direct access for academics, students, writers and readers to leading Australian and overseas writers;
• Provides a learning opportunity for aspiring and emerging writers;
• Provides a forum for academic writers to enhance their literary skills;
• Engages the reading community with Australian literature, particularly of nature and natural history;
• Exposes a regional community to literature and raise community awareness of environmental issues;
• Is a much appreciated ‘niche’ event on the Australian literary calendar with regional, national and international significance and reach;
• Attracts an audience of readers and writers from Australia and New Zealand as well as around the world;
• Contributes to the cultural and social development of the Camden Haven and the NSW Mid North Coast;
• Brings economic benefits to the Camden Haven community and make a small profit that can be used as seed funding for the next Muster.