Best of Australian Poems 2026

Best of Australian Poems is an annual anthology collecting previously published and unpublished poems to create a poetic snapshot of the year. Capturing the richness and diversity of Australian poetry across a timeframe of July 2025 June 2026, the series explores how poetic responses to the contemporary moment develop with each passing year.Now in its sixth year, the anthology opens with an introduction by 2026 editor Michael Farrell. Farrell is a long-established and respected poet, with extensive book publications and an international profile. The volume displays the range of contemporary work coming out of the vibrant, active and broad spectrum of poetry being created right now.The Best of Australian Poems series is published by Australia's peak body for poetry, Australian Poetry and features new guest editors each year. It is funded by Creative Australia and other patrons, in support of this important and compelling showcase.