Hosts of SBS' Gourmet Farmers Matthew Evans, Nick Haddow and Ross O'Meara tantalised a crowd of about with tales of food and philosophy, friendship and commitment.

The popular trio were joined on stage by food critic and writer Dani Valent for a conversation savoured by all in the 500-strong audience.

It was the first time Bendigo's state-of-the-art theatre had been used for a writer's festival event.

The venue is tipped to be jam-packed on Saturday night for a talk featuring British Pakistani writer, journalist, and filmmaker Tariq Ali.

Festival director Rosemary Sorensen hailed the appearance of Ali as a watershed moment for the festival.

The novelist and activist is the festival's first international guest.

"For him to be coming to Bendigo is a real big step for us," Ms Sorensen said.

"He's flying in from the Byron Bay Writer's Festival and in a couple of weeks he'll be going on the Melbourne festival.

"We're very lucky he's agreed to be part of a big tour."

Ms Sorensen said festival organisers were rapt with the level of bookings to the more than 70 shows to be held across the weekend.

"We are really punching above our weight when it comes to this festival," she said.

"We're putting on a festival as good as any in the country - and all from our special part of the world."

Also part of opening night, former Australian Greens leader Bob Brown enchanted a capacity audience at The Capital theatre with his philosophy for happiness and his vision for a magnificent future.

Mr Brown, who quit politics in 2012 after a stellar 29 career in federal and Tasmania parliament, came with a simple message for those who are worried: "Get active rather than depressed".

In a question and answer session with Melbourne Writers Festival director Lisa Dempster, Mr Brown spoke of his fondness for Bendigo.

"It has a special place in my heart as a Franklin (River) campaigner," he said.

"Bendigo was huge - in fact the leading regional city in Australia - when it came to saving the Franklin back in 1983.

"That includes the Bendigo Advertiser and the community in general.

 "As Dame Edna (Everidge) would say, it's great being back here in the Bendigo Opera House."

The festival continues Saturday and Sunday.

For a full program of events, visit http://www.bendigowritersfestival.com.au/program/