This article presents a list of the historical events and publications of Australian literature during 1973.
For an overview of world literature see 1973 in literature.
See also: 1972 in Australian literature, 1973 in Australia, 1974 in Australian literature.
Patrick White is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first, and so far only, Australian writer to be presented with the award.Kit Denton – The Breaker : A NovelHammond Innes – Golden SoakMorris Lurie – Rappaport's RevengeChristina Stead – The Little HotelMorris West – The SalamanderPatrick White – The Eye of the StormMurray Bail – "Zoeliner's Definition"Elizabeth Jolley – "Another Holiday for the Prince"Frank Moorhouse"The Airport, the Pizzeria, the Motel, the Rented Car, and the Mysteries of Life"The Illegal RelativesFay Zwicky – "Hostages"Children's and Young Adult fiction
James Aldridge – A Sporting PropositionMavis Thorpe Clark – WildfireMax Fatchen – The Spirit WindElyne Mitchell – Silver Brumby WhirlwindMary Elwyn Patchett – A Roar of the LionIvan Southall – Matt and JoEleanor Spence – Time to Go HomeColin Thiele – The Fire in the StonePatricia Wrightson – The Nargun and the StarsRosemary Dobson – Selected PoemsA. D. Hope"Hay Fever"Selected PoemsRoger McDonald – "Two Summers in Moravia"Peter Porter – JonahVivian Smith – "The Man Fern Near the Bus Stop"Judith Wright – Alice : Poems 1971-72John Power – The Last of the KnucklemenA list, ordered by date of birth (and, if the date is either unspecified or repeated, ordered alphabetically by surname) of births in 1973 of Australian literary figures, authors of written works or literature-related individuals follows, including year of death.
Unknown date
Max Barry, novelistChloe Hooper, authorA list, ordered by date of death (and, if the date is either unspecified or repeated, ordered alphabetically by surname) of deaths in 1973 of Australian literary figures, authors of written works or literature-related individuals follows, including year of birth.
20 April – Michael Dransfield, poet (born 1948)23 November – Francis Webb, poet (born 1925) 