Come for the reads, stay for the vibes at these cute and cosy Aussie bookshops.
Every bookworm knows that reading books and buying books are two separate hobbies. Sometimes, all you want to do is curl up at home with a weighty tome in hand. Other times, nothing is more exciting than a day spent wandering the shelves of a well-stocked bookshop in search of your next great read.
Add in the smell of printed paper, the gentle rustle of pages and perhaps the aroma of freshly brewed coffee coming from the adjoining cafe? Well, that might just be heaven. If that sounds like your kind of weekend, these are the bookshops worth seeking out.
1. Sappho Books & Cafe, Sydney, NSW
On the main drag of Glebe, Sappho Books & Cafe hides in plain sight. With a huge second-hand collection of tomes spanning horror to humanities shelved across two levels, it’s easy to lose a few hours here. Weekly literary events, a courtyard cafe serving excellent coffee and a friendly resident cat make this inner-city gem a must-visit.
2. National Library of Australia Bookshop, Canberra, ACT
For those who believe there’s no such thing as too many books, what better place to load up your collection than a library? Canberra’s National Library of Australia is home to its very own bookstore, touting everything from old favourites to new releases. Make a day of it by grabbing breakfast at the onsite cafe, browsing the gallery exhibitions or settling into one of the many quiet reading rooms.
3. The Book Cellar, Campbell Town, Tas
Housed in the convict cellar of an 1830s coaching inn, The Book Cellar in Campbell Town comes with a hefty dose of Tassie history. Sitting pretty along the Elizabeth River, this bookshop and cafe features exposed brick walls, classic sandstone decor and an eclectic range of new and used books, with a particular focus on heritage and nostalgia titles.
4. Hill of Content, Melbourne, Vic
In a happy coincidence, Melbourne’s oldest bookstore is also one of its cutest. Easily spotted thanks to its gorgeous red-painted facade, Hill of Content allures all kinds of bookworms. Opened in 1922, the independent store has used its 100+ years of operation to compile a truly remarkable collection from around the world. Staff here know their stock inside out, so don’t be afraid to ask for a rec.
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5. Crow Books, Perth, WA
The whitewashed brick walls of Crow Books in Perth serve to make the colourful books lining its wooden shelves truly shine. After browsing to your heart’s content, settle into the brown leather couch in the middle of the store to flick through your potential purchases. Whether you’re looking for a rare first edition or a viral BookTok read, you’re sure to find it here.
6. Orchard Bookshop, Adelaide, SA
Nestled into the historic Adelaide Arcade, Orchard Bookshop is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Don’t let the pared-back shop floor of this hidden gem fool you – every title on its shelves has been hand-picked by a literary cast of passionate staff members. More than just your average bookshop, it has been described as “an immersive, interactive art installation for lovers of literature."
7. Archives Fine Books, Brisbane, Qld
Archives Fine Books looks like the kind of bookshop Belle would swing through on a rolling ladder before she met the Beast. At this quirky Brisbane treasure trove, more than one million books have been stacked floor-to-ceiling, spanning all genres, subjects and eras. As one of the largest second-hand bookshops in Australia, you can expect plenty of bargains!
8. Red Kangaroo Books, Alice Springs, NT
It may be small in size, but Red Kangaroo Books in Alice Springs is big in personality. As the only bricks-and-mortar independent bookshop still standing within a 1500-kilometre radius, the store has become an institution for locals and visitors alike. It’s also just a five-minute walk from the Alice Springs Public Library, one of the coolest libraries in the country.
9. Berkelouw Book Barn, Berrima, NSW
Sharing acreage with a restaurant, wedding venue, accommodation, vineyard and cellar door at Bendooley Estate in the Southern Highlands, Berkelouw Book Barn is a destination in its own right. Inside, visitors will find thousands of new and second-hand titles, with a blazing fireplace at its heart. Don’t miss the Rare Book Department, housed in a smaller barn just down the lane.
10. Big Quince Book Shop, Kangaroo Island, SA
What began as a humble print shop has grown into one of Kangaroo Island’s coolest creative spaces. The owners of Big Quince started with a small bookshelf for customers to browse, but a loyal local following soon saw it expand into a cosy book nook packed with reads. The perfect place to slow down between island adventures, it’s well worth adding to your Kangaroo Island itinerary.
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11. Paperchain Bookstore, Griffith, ACT
Canberra’s Paperchain Bookstore has been matching readers with their next favourite novel since 1982. With shelves spanning every genre, friendly booksellers ready with personalised recs and a calendar packed with author events, it’s the kind of independent bookshop you’ll want to linger in long after you’ve filled your tote bag.
12. Five Leaves Left, Hobart, Tas
Five Leaves Left in Hobart pairs two of life’s greatest pleasures: wine and books. The cosy boutique on Victoria Street entices both bibliophiles and oenophiles alike with its curated selection of minimal intervention bottles and beautifully bound novels. Whether you’re looking for the perfect pinot or your next page turner, knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer a recommendation or two.
13. Paperback Bookshop, Melbourne, Vic
Tucked away at the quieter end of Bourke Street in Melbourne, Paperback Bookshop has been delighting readers for decades. From the outside, its rustic facade may seem unassuming, but a peek through its giant windows is all it takes to tempt you in. You’ll find shelves packed with everything from contemporary fiction to timeless classics, plus plenty of cosy reading nooks.
14. RoseyRavelston Books, Lawson, NSW
Stepping into RoseyRavelston Books in Lawson is like visiting your favourite grandma. From the timeworm carpets and mismatched photo frames to the big leather couch in the corner, you’ll be wrapped in warmth from the moment you enter. With an extensive collection of books and a delicious selection of sweet treats and coffee, it’s an essential stop on the Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail.
15. Matilda Bookshop, Stirling, SA
A beloved local institution since 1982, Matilda Bookshop can be found in the charming Adelaide Hills town of Stirling. Beyond its broad collection, the independent bookshop is known for championing local titles you might not come across elsewhere. Better yet, time your visit around Matilda’s literary calendar and you’ll even get the chance to meet the authors themselves.
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