From Melbourne to a suburb outside Perth, find out why these 26 Australian bookshops are the top destinations for readers across the nation.
Australia’s literary landscape is one that flourishes through sharp wit and multicultural influences, making for a slew of bookstores and literary hotspots like no other.
Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore
Craving home-baked treats while surrounded by books? Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore might just have what you’re looking for. Located in Bondi Beach, this beloved literary hub blends a cozy café with a bookshop, selling volumes both secondhand and new.
Visitors can browse an eclectic selection, join book clubs, or simply relax in armchairs with a cup of coffee and a good read. The shop is also active in local literary events and is regarded as a “home away from home” among many local readers.
Address: 1/46 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 6AM – 6PM
Paperback Bookshop
Known for being the perfect night owl’s retreat, the Paperback Bookshop in Melbourne has been open since 1969. This independent bookshop is compact yet atmospheric, with stacks of thoughtfully curated books covering fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and Australian titles. Its exterior is a bit old school grunge, but that does nothing to dampen the passion of its readers and staff.
Paperback also organizes regular events, notably its Salon Series, which is free to attend. It even partners with Eclipse Cinema for special evening screenings—just note that for those, you do have to book a ticket in advance to attend!
Address: 60 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Thursday: 9:30AM – 10PM
– Friday: 9:30AM – 11PM
– Saturday: 11AM – 11PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 6PM
Ampersand Café & Bookstore
Skipping over to Sydney, you’ll find a three-story literary haven in Ampersand Café & Bookstore, ranked as the sixth most beautiful book café in the world by the 1000 Libraries community. Filled with 30,000 pre-loved books and cozy reading nooks (love me a good rhyme scheme), Ampersand offers a heaping helping of straightforward style, vintage charm, and a simple, hearty menu including Mediterranean-inspired dishes and specialty coffee.
This bookstore and café-bar both buys and sells books, and has been known to put up a Christmas tree made from a massive, cone-shaped stack of books. It’s a great place to enjoy a variety of beverages while paging through a new book.
Address: 78 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 7AM – 4PM
– Saturday & Sunday: 8AM – 4PM
Mostly Books
Mostly Books is the oldest independent bookstore in Torrens Park, Adelaide, having been established in 1977. Despite its age, though, it doesn’t feel outdated, with simple but stylish decor that’s welcoming to sit in and relax.
The store carries a wide selection of books, serving up excellent service with perks like book ordering, recommendations, book clubs, and regular author events. So, no surprise that it’s earned a reputation for passionate, personalized service.
Address: GF Mitcham Square Shopping Centre, 119 Belair Rd, Torrens Park SA 5062, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Wednesday & Friday: 9AM – 5:30PM
– Thursday: 9AM – 9PM
– Saturday: 9AM – 5PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 4PM
Abbey’s Bookshop
This independent bookstore pulls its weight in books, offering up a huge range of genres and subjects, not discriminating for a second whether it’s a mystery thriller, a children’s book, or a down-to-earth history text. It really is, as its slogan states, an “Aladdin’s cave for readers,” filled to the brim with more treasures than you can count.
The shop has been around since 1968 and has a clean vibe with blue carpeting, white ceiling tiles, and walls you’ll barely see a glimpse of because there are bookshelves stretching across from corner to corner.
Address: 131 York St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Wednesday & Friday: 9AM – 5PM
– Thursday: 9AM – 6PM
– Saturday & Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
The Book Cellar
Just off the coast of continental Australia is the island of Tasmania, where you can find the Book Cellar, located in the convict cellars of a historic inn. Outside, a Queen of Hearts cutout will point you in the right direction, and inside, this bookshop gets a huge atmospheric boost from its heritage setting, complete with stone-and-brick archways and bronze statuettes.
The collection on offer includes new, secondhand, and antiquarian books, with a notable focus on Tasmanian authors and subjects. The shop doubles as a coffee bar, making it a popular stop for locals and travelers of all sorts.
Address: 132/132 High St, Campbell Town TAS 7210, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 4PM
– Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Potts Point Bookshop
Established in 2004, Potts Point Bookshop is the winner of the 2025 Australian Book Industry Awards. It offers a curated selection of both fiction and non-fiction titles, with special mention of their cookbook section and their art and photography books.
On top of that, Potts Point hosts a ton of different events, from a regular Story Time geared towards kids to book launches and author signings highlighting local authors. It also has a notable book club that meets up three times a month (as of this writing) that helps foster a great sense of community among readers.
Address: 14 Macleay St, Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9AM – 6PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
Dillons Bookshop
Noted as Adelaide’s largest independent bookshop, Dillons Bookshop spans over 700 square meters and stocks a broad range of children’s books, fiction, and non-fiction, plus puzzles, board games, and gift cards.
Known for friendly staff, Dillons is recognized for sourcing hard-to-find titles and offering personal recommendations. It’s also known for being absolutely gorgeous both inside and out, with a classic navy blue exterior and a bright, modern interior. Its kids’ section is especially creative and colorful, sure to delight any visitor.
Address: 160/166 The Parade, Norwood SA 5067, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Wednesday & Friday: 9AM – 5:30PM
– Thursday: 9AM – 9PM
– Saturday: 9AM – 5PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
Berkelouw Paddington
This vibrant three-story bookshop and café, Berkelouw Paddington, opened in 1994, is practically a landmark in Sydney’s literary scene. The store offers a vast selection of new, rare, and secondhand books, complemented by a lively upstairs café and wine bar.
The ground floor is where you’re most likely to find new releases, while the third floor is reserved for older, out-of-print, and other rare finds. The second floor is where the café is, selling not just coffee but a decent menu of filling meals from breakfast to fish and chips.
Address: 19 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Wednesday & Saturday: 10AM – 7PM
– Thursday & Friday: 10AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 6:30PM
Avid Reader
Avid Reader is packed with books—contemporary fiction, non-fiction, titles by Australian and Indigenous authors—you name it. There’s barely a bare spot in the store that isn’t covered by one book or another, and it keeps its schedule packed with regular events: author meets, workshops, book discussions, and more.
The shop also features an in-store café with open-air seating and a pleasant, outback sort of garden, where most of the literary events take place.
Address: 193 Boundary St, West End QLD 4101, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 8:30AM – 6PM
– Sunday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Elizabeth’s Bookshop
Around since 1973, Elizabeth’s Bookshop is one of Australia’s largest and most beloved secondhand bookshop chains, with three locations on either side of the country’s coast. It carries a vast and eclectic range of books, including classic fiction, Australiana, philosophy, art, children’s titles, comics, and rare finds.
It also just so happens to be the birthplace of the popular “Blind Date with a Book” concept, where books are wrapped in paper with only brief hints. Open late and staffed by book lovers, Elizabeth’s is a treat for collectors and curious readers alike.
Address: 257 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 10:30PM
– Saturday & Sunday: 9:30AM – 10:30PM
Better Read Than Dead
This Sydney-based independent bookstore has a book collection that spans an extensive range across fiction, contemporary literature, non-fiction, and children’s books.
Though some might be startled by its rather morbid name, that’s more a reflection of cheeky Aussie humor than anything else. Inside, the interior is bright and colorful, with painted turquoise shelves lining the long, narrow shop and framed art decorating the white walls above. It’s a pleasant place to go for a browse and pick out a new favorite book.
Address: 265 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM – 9PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 7PM
The Book Station
Looking to clean out a few old texts while picking up a new read? The Book Station is a friendly secondhand and exchange bookshop that also features an in-store café. Here, you can find a healthy selection of secondhand volumes packing the shelves from floor to ceiling.
The shop also has some eye-catching decorations, like a genuine typewriter and a book whose pages morph into a spindly tree. It gives the place a nice touch of personality that makes it that much more attractive to readers.
Address: 356 Port Hacking Rd, Caringbah NSW 2229, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 8AM – 3PM
– Sunday: Closed
Archives Fine Books
Housed in a heritage-listed red brick building, this massive secondhand bookshop was established in 1985 and boasts over a million secondhand, rare, and antiquarian books across endless shelves and maze-like nooks.
The store specializes in literature, Australiana, history, and collectible treasures, and marks a distinctive place for itself with its creaky floors, ladders, and the smell of old pages and ink murmuring on the shelves.
Address: 40 Charlotte St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
– Sunday: Closed
TITLE Barangaroo
TITLE is an independent store specializing in music, film, and books, keeping people on their toes with its curated, eclectic collection. It currently has two locations: one in Surry Hills and one in Barangaroo.
Though its flagship store in Barangaroo is relatively new, having opened in 2017, it’s quickly become the go-to for classics, rare, out-of-print, and hard-to-find works, along with contemporary art books, vinyl records, and specialty films. Founded by writer-musician Steve Kulak, TITLE is all about classic and original art, whether in music, writing, or visuals.
Address: 400 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 6PM
– Saturday & Sunday: 12PM – 5PM
New Edition
Established over 30 years ago, New Edition Bookshop resides in the historic Union Stores building. Its half-green tiled storefront, stained glass windows, and high ceilings make it stand out from other bookshops. It keeps a diverse selection—from the latest releases to art, children’s books, graphic novels, philosophy, and even science fiction.
New Edition occasionally hosts events like book launches and author meets, and it also sometimes partners with writing festivals and libraries, enriching the local literary community at every opportunity.
Address: Union Stores Building, 41 High St, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Sunday: 9AM – 9PM
Dymocks Sydney
While not quite the largest bookstore in Australia, Dymocks Sydney is still pretty massive, set within the heritage-listed Dymocks Building. The history shows, too, because you walk into this three-story bookshop and its open layout will give you a perfect view of the almost operatic golden balcony railing lining the second floor.
Established in 1879, this widespread bookstore chain offers a vast selection of books, stationery, gifts, and specialty items. Dymocks Sydney, in particular, is celebrated for its author events, book clubs, knowledgeable staff, and warm service.
Address: 1F Dymocks Building, 424-430 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Wednesday & Friday: 9AM – 7PM
– Thursday: 9AM – 9PM
– Saturday: 9AM – 5PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
Miles & Henry Bookstore Café
Miles & Henry Bookstore Café has a unique, retro style, turning antiques into timeless accents to a lovingly tended decor. Both a bookshop and a café, it’s named after Australian writers Miles Franklin and Henry Handel Richardson and was opened in December 2021 by author Kerry Tolson.
The store’s collection includes carefully curated new and pre-loved books, and literary-themed gifts, while the café side offers fresh, locally sourced food and specialty coffee in a cozy, welcoming space.
Address: 5/80 Main St, Alstonville NSW 2477, Australia
Opening hours:
– Tuesday to Friday: 7AM – 4PM
– Saturday: 8:30AM – 2:30PM
– Monday & Sunday: Closed
Sappho Books, Cafe & Bar
Sappho Books, Cafe & Bar is a secondhand bookstore that offers over 30,000 titles across three eclectic floors and features a popular backyard courtyard café and bar. The menu includes tasty treats, quality coffee, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
By night, the venue transforms into a popping wine and tapas bar with live music, poetry readings, and events. Sappho also houses Da Capo Music, Australia’s only secondhand sheet music store.
Address: 51 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia
Opening hours:
Bookshop
– Monday: 10AM – 5PM
– Tuesday to Thursday: 10AM – 6PM
– Friday: 10AM – 8PM
– Saturday: 9AM – 8PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 3PM
Café & Kitchen closes at 3PM
– Monday & Tuesday: 10AM – 4PM
– Wednesday to Friday: 10AM – 5:30PM
– Saturday: 9AM – 5:30PM
– Sunday: 10AM – 3PM
Bar
– Thursday & Friday: 5PM – 10PM
– Saturday: 3:30PM – 10PM
– Sunday to Wednesday: Closed
The Chestnut Tree Bookshop & Cafe
Some people talk a lot about helping the environment, and the Chestnut Tree Bookshop & Cafe is a place that both talks the talk and walks the walk. With a stock of over 10,000 fiction and non-fiction titles, this shop plants native trees for every book sold and commits itself to using recycled, carbon-neutral products.
That’s not all, though, because as you might’ve guessed from the name, it has a café, too. Visitors can enjoy locally roasted coffee, pastries, and a warm, welcoming interior with kid-friendly corners.
Address: 542 Barkly St, West Footscray VIC 3012, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday & Sunday: 9AM – 4PM
– Tuesday to Saturday: 9AM – 6PM
Metropolis Bookshop
It’s about time we take a look at a specialty bookshop, and for that, there’s no better introduction than Metropolis Bookshop. This independent store focuses its attention on art, architecture, photography, design, fashion, critical theory, and counterculture titles.
It aims for a high-quality, well-curated collection that draws creative professionals, students, and book lovers seeking rare and hard-to-find works. The open-floor layout creates a striking picture, and the subtle, and not-so-subtle artistic touches truly elevate the interior.
Address: 3F Curtin House, 252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 11AM – 6PM
– Sunday: Closed
Desire Books & Records
This quirky, vintage secondhand bookstore and record shop has a thoughtfully curated selection of books, vinyl, and collectables. Established in 2002, it has a name for itself as a creative hub hosting open mic nights, local music, and art events, with a particular focus on philosophy, psychology, arts, and counterculture titles.
The store has an inviting, jazz-infused atmosphere, with a lot of personal touches that make visiting a real treat for any book or music lover.
Address: 3/3 Whistler St, Manly NSW 2095, Australia
Opening hours:
– Wednesday to Sunday: 10AM – 5PM
– Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Kay Craddock Antiquarian Booksellers
Kay Craddock Antiquarian Booksellers is an internationally renowned antiquarian and secondhand bookshop in the heritage Assembly Hall building. Founded in 1965, this family-run store specializes in rare and fine books from the 15th to 21st centuries, covering literature, private press, militaria, and more.
With an elegant, salon-style interior, it creates quite an appealing ambiance for collectors, academics, and bibliophiles alike.
Address: Floor 0 Assembly Hall, 156 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Friday: 10AM – 6PM
– Saturday: 10AM – 4PM
– Sunday: Closed
Hares and Hyenas
Located at the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda, Hares and Hyenas is an iconic queer bookshop specializing in LGBTQ+ literature—fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and more. It also sells cards, magazines, and event tickets.
The store regularly hosts book clubs, author events, and spoken word nights, serving as a safe space for queer storytelling and cultural connection for over thirty years. It remains a beloved sanctuary in Australia’s literary landscape.
Address: 79 – 81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
– Sunday: Closed except for events
Kinokuniya Sydney
Speaking of rainbows, Kinokuniya Sydney offers a whole rainbow of languages, with over 300,000 titles in English, Japanese, Chinese, French, and German. This Japanese bookstore chain has an unbelievable range of manga, graphic novels, travel books, and more in its stock, and is very happy to put it out in the world. Its stationary section is also very popular.
On top of all that, it has a lovely on-site café featuring some very aesthetically pleasing desserts and tasty drinks.
Address: 2F The Galeries, Level 2/500 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday: 10AM – 7PM
– Thursday: 10AM – 9PM
– Sunday: 11AM – 6PM
Dymocks Melbourne
Another in the Dymocks chain, Dymocks Melbourne is a popular branch with an enormous selection for all ages and interests. It carries everything from bestsellers to classics, academic titles, and children’s books, complete with a neat little café with comfy seating and a nice selection of vegan and vegetarian options.
In addition to books, this branch sells a variety of gift options, cards, and bags, all well-organized and easy to find.
Address: Lower Ground Floor, 234 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening hours:
– Monday to Wednesday: 9AM – 6:30PM
– Thursday: 9AM – 7PM
– Friday: 9AM – 9PM
– Saturday & Sunday: 10AM – 6PM
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K Lou
K. Lou is a writer born in the U.S. who found her way to Japan through a spiritual calling—or, more precisely, better access to tea. She writes about travel, culture, and the occasional creative piece, inspired by her enduring love of books. This love began in high school when K. Lou carried books around to avoid seeming odd while lost in thought. Once she started reading, she never stopped. With zero regrets, she continues to explore the written word and invites others to join her in celebrating its varied forms.
