The 10 Best Bookshops In Australia - Australian Traveller

On the lookout for your next great read? Do it in style at these adorable Aussie bookshops.

The only thing more delightful than curling up for the weekend, uninterrupted, with a good book in hand, is hunting through a well-stocked bookshop to find yet another new gem to add to your ever-growing stack of unread novels (closely followed by exploring the country’s must-visit record stores).

If there happens to be a comfy couch – brown leather preferred – and, jackpot of all jackpots, a coffee shop? Well, that might just be Nirvana. For this reason, we’ve rounded up the cutest and best bookshops in Australia, that are a destination unto themselves.

1. Sappho Books & Cafe, Sydney

Two types of bookstores get my heart racing: clean-cut and usually centred around a large reading lounge, or whimsical and cosy – not in the way that none of the books are organised and unalphabetised piles lay everywhere, but in the way that inspires imagination and encourages exploration. Sappho Books & Cafe in Sydney‘s Glebe is absolutely the latter.

With a second-hand, humanities-focused collection of tomes shelved over six rooms and an adorable courtyard cafe, this inclusive bookshop is one you can easily spend hours wandering through. They even hold poetry nights and other events. Oh, and there’s a resident cat, so I’m sold.

Sappho Books & Cafe, Sydney, best bookshops in Australia — Sit in the courtyard cafe to enjoy your new book.

2. National Library of Australia Bookshop, Canberra

For those who believe there’s no such thing as too many books, what better place to load up your collection than the bookshop inside Canberra‘s stunning National Library of Australia , itself?

As you might expect, it’s also the best place to find Australian authors: from old favourites to the new and upcoming. Find a range of fiction, non-fiction and children’s literature titles by local and interstate writers and artists.

National Library of Australia Bookshop, Canberra — Find one of the best bookstores inside the National Library of Australia.

3. The Book Cellar, Campbell Town, Tasmania

I’m not sure why things in cellars are cuter, but The Book Cellar in Campbell Town certainly proves the theory. Although today it’s a quaint bookstore, the heritage building has a fascinating past: in the 1830s it was used as convict cellars to house prisoners who built the Red Bridge over the Elizabeth River.

The bookshop and cafe feature exposed brick walls and classic sandstone decor, while an eclectic range of new and used books housed within the walls focus on Australian heritage, nostalgia and Tasmania in particular.

The Book Cellar, Tasmania — Wander through history in The Book Cellar. (Image: Chris Crerar)

4. Kay Craddock Antiquarian Booksellers, Melbourne

Red carpet, neo-Gothic chandeliers and large archways make stepping into Kay Craddock Antiquarian Booksellers feel like a grand affair.

The shelves here cater for everyone from serious book collectors to casual book lovers, with a carefully curated selection of rare and old books.

Kay Craddock Antiquarian Booksellers, Melbourne — Enjoy the neo-Gothic decor at Kay Craddock Antiquarian Booksellers.

5. Hill of Content, Melbourne

Melbourne‘s oldest bookstore is also one of its cutest. Easily spotted thanks to its deep red paint job, the earthy colours continue inside.

Opened in 1922, Hill of Content has used that time to compile a broad range of quality stories from local and overseas authors. Staff here know a huge amount about their stock, so be sure to ask for their expertise.

6. Crow Books, Perth

The whitewashed brick walls of Crow Books in Perth serve to make the colourful books filling its wooden shelves really pop.

The real pièce de résistance? A classic brown leather couch that the bookshop centres around, inviting browsers to take their time to check out their book choices. Whether you’re looking for something hard-to-find or popular TikTok reads, you’ll find it here.

Crow Books perth — Spend time on brown leather couch to peruse your choices. (Image: Peter Dancewicz)

7. Orchard Bookshop, Adelaide

Nestled into Adelaide Arcade, this adorable gem is a must for bibliophiles. The pared-back shop floor of Orchard Bookshop brings on an almost beachy feel with cool whites and light wood furnishings.

None of this is by accident. In fact, the store is self-described as “an immersive, interactive art installation for lovers of literature". The owners hand-picked each title on the shelves: from new to vintage to collectible.

Orchard Bookshop, Adelaide — Discovering this gem is a must for bibliophiles. (Images: Aise Dillon Photography)

8. Page & Turner, Adelaide

This little bookstore has more allure than any store inside a shopping centre has the right to. Yet, Page & Turner makes itself a worthy stop inside Myer Centre in Adelaide. Wallpapered with book pages, fun statues strewn around and vintage-look wooden bookshelves: it’s a decor made in heaven.

9. Archives Fine Books, Brisbane

Archives Fine Books looks like the kind of bookstore Belle would swing through on a rolling ladder before she went off to meet her beast. In this Brisbane bookshop, discover rows and rows of shelves stacked floor-to-ceiling with over a million fine, used books from all genres and eras.

10. Red Kangaroo Books, Alice Springs

There are many charms to Red Kangaroo Books . It’s the only brick-and-mortar independent bookshop left standing between Port Augusta, Darwin, Broome, and Broken Hill. The iconic red door. The comfy couches invite you to stay a while. It’s an easy bookstore to love.

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.

A creative trail through the Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.

Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery — Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.

food at Pt Estate — Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.

Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.

A feast for food and wine lovers

With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.

The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.

Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.

Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

From golf days to spa stays

Kingswood CountryGolf Club — Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.

Alba Thermal Springs& Spa — Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.

After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.

The 10 cutest bookshops in Australia