Australian poetry has a long and notable history, and contemporary Australian poets continue to produce work that is original, engaging, diverse and at times formally experimental. Yet for emerging and established writers alike, finding pathways to publication can be daunting. Many established journals accept limited submissions, small presses operate with scarce resources, and competition is intense.
A growing network of poetry websites now offers publication opportunities, submission calls, reviews, poetry prizes, and communities of encouragement. The guide below briefly explores some of the best known Australian poetry websites, arranged alphabetically. Sadly, the Australian Poetry Library, a major research resource curated by the University of Sydney, is currently unavailable.
Australian Poetry
The national peak body for Australian poets publishing journals, hosting residencies, and much more. Explore the drop-down menus for extensive content. https://www.australianpoetry.org
Australian Poetry Journal
A leading national journal dedicated entirely to poetry, including essays and criticism. https://www.australianpoetry.org/australian-poetry-journal/
Cordite Poetry Review
Influential online journal with a scholarly section bridging creative and academic work. http://cordite.org.au
Griffith Review
Major quarterly publication with poetry alongside essays and cultural analysis. https://www.griffithreview.com
Island Magazine
A not-for-profit premium Australian literary magazine of fiction, poetry, nonfiction and arts features. https://islandmag.com
Meanjin
Historically one of Australia’s most important literary journals, closely tied to academic culture. Currently transferring to a new publisher with relaunch expected late 2026. https://meanjin.com.au
Overland
Politically engaged literary journal publishing poetry alongside essays and criticism. Seeks to foster writing exploring the relationship between politics and culture. https://overland.org.au
Rabbit Poetry Journal
Publishes all things poetry — poems, reviews, essays on poetry and poetics, interviews with poets, and visual art by poets. https://rabbitpoetry.com
Red Room Poetry
Describes itself as Australia’s leading organisation for commissioning, creating, publishing and promoting poetry in meaningful ways. https://redroompoetry.org
Southerly
Long-running journal publishing fiction and poetry, reviews and criticism, from and about Australian and New Zealand authors. https://southerlylitmag.com.au
StylusLit
A bi-annual online literary journal publishing poetry, short stories, creative non-fiction, novel excerpts, interviews and reviews. https://styluslit.com
Westerly Magazine
University-based publication combining poetry, criticism, and scholarly essays with a Western Australian-based focus. https://westerlymag.com.au
Rev Dr Rod Benson is General Secretary of the NSW Ecumenical Council and a minister of the Uniting Church in Australia serving at North Rocks Community Church in Sydney. Among other literary activities, he enjoys reading and writing poetry.
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