Writing Your First Bush Poem Creative Workshop

Bush poetry is one of Australia’s most loved and accessible art forms — a way of capturing the land, the people, and the moments that matter most. In just two enjoyable, creative hours, you’ll learn how to craft your very own bush poem from scratch. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with a completed poem, a spark of inspiration, and the confidence to write many more.

This workshop is designed for absolute beginners, returning writers, and anyone who has a story, a memory, or a loved one they’d like to honour. Everyone can be a bush poet — all you need is curiosity and a willingness to have a go.

Your poem will come from your own voice (no use of AI), shaped by your memories, humour, and imagination. The joy of writing a bush poem is only matched by the pleasure of standing up and delivering it aloud.

What You’ll Learn

• What makes a poem a bush poem
• How rhythm, structure and rhyme work (in simple, friendly terms)
• How to find your topic — people, places, memories and moments
• How to build verses that tell a story
• Tricks to make your poem lively, funny, heartfelt or descriptive
• How to perform a bush poem with confidence

What You’ll Do

• Warm-up writing exercises to loosen your imagination
• Guided step-by-step poem creation
• Craft your own poem during the class
• Finish with a complete first draft ready to read aloud
• Leave with tools to keep writing long after the workshop

Why Bush Poetry?

Bush poetry is Australia’s simplest and most inclusive form of poetry. It doesn’t require fancy language or literary training — just honesty, heart and a story to share. It’s a wonderful way to give a gift to someone you love, to describe a place that means something to you, or to capture a moment in your life.

About the Trainer

Rodney has been writing bush poems for several years and brings warmth, humour, and encouragement to every class. His passion for storytelling inspires even the most hesitant beginners to find their voice.