She made her first appearance on TV in 1984 in Man of Letters, but is best known for playing Ruth Wilkinson in the soap opera Neighbours from 1996 until 1999.

This was first broadcast on ABC radio's Poetica programme, but has been adapted by Piper for live performance.

Ailsa Piper has written for ABC radio, for the theatre, and for The Age, The Australian, "Slow Living" magazine and Eureka Street, as well as various online journals.

Piper has directed for Red Stitch, the Melbourne Theatre Company, the VCA, WAAPA and Shy Tiger Productions.

Ailsa Piper is an accomplished moderator/interviewer and regularly hosts conversations at literary festivals or libraries.