The 14 Coolest Libraries To Visit In Australia

These Australian libraries are not just serving books, they’re serving looks.

As far as options go, bookworms in Australia have it pretty good. We’ve got a generous selection of cute bookstores, an array of exceptionally talented Aussie authors and even a self-guided trail dedicated just to reading. We’ve also got some wickedly good libraries, which often fly under the radar.

But as many bookish people know, the library is one of the most underrated places you can visit, whether you’re a reader or not. From award-winning architectural buildings to small community hubs and everything in between, we’ve found some of the coolest libraries in Australia.

1. Katoomba Library, NSW

Only a short drive from Sydney, the stunning Blue Mountains region is full of things to do. But you’ll want to put aside an hour or two for a visit to the local library in Katoomba . Sitting in the heart of town, it’s a beautiful place to disconnect for a while.

When designing the library, CK Design International ensured the building was fit with sufficient thermal mass, so it’s one of the cosiest places to be during winter. Nothing beats grabbing a good book and sitting in the lounging mezzanine, which offers incredible views across the mountains.

Inside Katoomba Library in Katoomba, Blue Mountains, NSW — Head to the second floor for views over the Blue Mountains. (Image: Blue Mountains City Library)

Address: 30 Parke St, Katoomba

2. Payinthi – Prospect Public Library, SA

In 2019, a cool $18 million was injected into the development of Payinthi in Adelaide’s north . And it’s been well worth it; the hub has gone on to become an important beacon for the community. Payinthi is part library, part art gallery, part retail precinct and part cafe – the perfect day out!

The concept is the brainchild of local architecture firm JPE Design Studio. Inside, books live among colourful murals, modern flourishes and heritage brickwork thanks to the fully integrated, heritage-listed Town Hall next door. Come for the cool architecture, stay for the good books.

Exterior of Payinthi – Prospect Public Library in SA — Payinthi – Prospect Public Library is the perfect day out. (Image: JPE Design Studio)

Address: 128 Prospect Rd, Prospect

3. National Library of Australia, ACT

This list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the National Library of Australia in Canberra. The huge building sits in close proximity to Lake Burley Griffin and Old Parliament House, making it the perfect pit-stop for those wanting to see the sites in Australia’s capital.

But it’s what’s inside that will entice you to visit. In the hopes of preserving national history and culture, the National Library is home to the largest collection of material relating to Australia and the Australian people in the world. Opened by then Prime Minister John Gorton in 1968, it’s a must for history buffs.

The National Library of Australia in Canberra, ACT — The National Library of Australia is surrounded by stunning sculptures. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: Parkes Pl W, Canberra

4. Ruth Faulker Library, WA

Head to the picturesque Faulkner Park in the Perth suburb of Cloverdale and you’ll stumble upon Ruth Faulkner Library . You’ll probably spot it before you even enter the park though, thanks to its striking and intricate facade by Bollig Design Group.

The building itself is located within Faulkner Park Civic Precinct’s Belmont Hub, putting it within arm’s reach of other great community spaces. Pop next door to the state-of-the-art museum or sit in the park with your recently borrowed reads to soak in the sun.

Ruth Faulkner Library in Perth, WA — The stunning Ruth Faulker Library is located within the Belmont Hub.

Address: 213 Wright St, Cloverdale

5. Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, Vic

Resembling a futuristic museum more than a city library, the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre is an architectural feat. The dome-shaped building with glass panelling is already photo-worthy, but head inside and you’ll be wowed all over again.

From a sleek and chic lobby to a room fully clad in red (from the carpet to the walls, the bookshelves to the chairs), it’s one of the coolest places to sit with a book. Melbourne-based ARM Architecture designed the building to pay homage to traditional libraries while creating a future-oriented space.

Geelong Library & Heritage Centre in Geelong, Victoria — The building was designed by local firm ARM Architecture.

Address: 51 Little Malop St, Geelong

6. Mona Library, Tas

You may not be able to borrow books from the Mona Library , but it’s still a must-see when visiting Hobart. Why you may ask? Well, because you can browse the owner’s entire collection of books, of course!

David Walsh, owner of the Museum of Old and New Art, has put his beloved books on display for the public. Housed in an extension of the Round House, Mona Library boasts rare editions, signed copies, coffee-table books and celebrated classics, all under one roof. When you finish browsing, pop into Mona – it’s one of many must-do activities in Hobart.

Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Hobart, Tasmania — You’ll find Walsh’s book collection inside Mona. (Image: Jesse Hunniford)

Address: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale

7. Woollahra Library, NSW

Much like a well-loved cafe or shop, there’s a queue at the door before Woollahra Library in Sydney’s Double Bay opens each day. But it’s not because there’s something to be purchased here, people just want to exist in this quiet, calming space.

Designed by BVN, the library is full of greenery. It’s a metaphor for growth and a nod to the site’s previous iteration as a heritage garden, from dangling vines of Devil’s ivy to ferns tucked beside bookshelves. The best part? There’s a hidden slippery slide inside, see if you can find it!

Inside Woollahra Library, Double Bay in Sydney, NSW — The interiors are designed to feel like a garden. (Image: Amy Piddington)

Address: 1/451 New South Head Rd, Double Bay

8. Craigieburn Library, Vic

At Craigieburn Library on Melbourne’s outskirts , it’s all about natural light. A wall of double-height, two-storey windows welcomes the outside world in. Completed by architecture firm fjcstudio , the idea was to blend the building into its surroundings and connect it with the natural environment.

Sit on one of the north-facing balconies with a book in the sun, hang out at the cafe downstairs or get a cultural fix at the onsite art gallery. There’s also a childcare centre and computer training centre, making it a hive of learning with a community-driven focus.

Craigieburn Library in Melbourne, Victoria — The library was completed by architecture firm fjcstudio.

Address: 75-95 Central Park Ave, Craigieburn

9. City of Perth Library, WA

You can’t go to the Western Australian capital without dropping by the futuristic-looking City of Perth Library . Sitting near Perth Town Hall in the newly refurbished Cathedral Square, it’s a quiet reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city while still being a beautiful place to visit.

Known among Perth locals as an icon of the city, the library was designed by Kerry Hill Architects and opened in 2015. It has since gone on to attract over one million visitors, which is enough proof I need to add it to the bucket list.

City of Perth Library in Perth, WA — The library has gone on to welcome over one million visitors.

Address: 573 Hay St, Perth

10. State Library of Queensland, Qld

It’s high time a state library got a mention! We all knew it was coming; Australia is home to numerous stunning state libraries, with one of the best being the State Library of Queensland . It’s been a stalwart of Brisbane since it opened to the public in 1902 (it was established privately in 1896).

There’s always plenty going on here, too. From art exhibitions to reading groups, this beautiful library is always welcoming locals and tourists through its doors. It’s worth just popping in for some peace and quiet, with great views across the Brisbane River and city.

The State Library of Queensland in Brisbane, Qld — The library was opened to the public in 1902. (Image: Wojtek Gurak)

Address: Cultural Precinct, Stanley Pl, South Brisbane

11. State Library of South Australia, SA

A well-loved icon of Adelaide’s cityscape, the State Library of South Australia has been serving the public since 1884. And with its wrought-iron balustrades, heavy wooden bookshelves and medieval-looking columns, it looks straight out of Hogwarts.

There’s so much to be seen here that you can even take a one-hour guided tour with one of the library’s passionate volunteers. Or opt to visit during an exhibition or event. Either way, this is a place that should definitely be on your list of things to do when visiting Adelaide.

The State Library of South Australia in Adelaide, SA — The interiors of the State Library look straight out of Hogwarts. (Image: Jake Wundersitz)

Address: Corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue, Adelaide

12. Marrickville Library, NSW

If you live in Sydney, you’ve at least heard of it. If you live in Sydney and love books, you’ve definitely visited. Of course, we’re talking about Marrickville Library in Sydney’s inner west.

The library, which was designed by Australian firm BVN, has won multiple awards over the years, and it’s not hard to see why. The building itself is worth a visit, but add in the flower-studded courtyard and onsite cafe serving up mean menu delights and it’s easy to spend all day here.

Marrickville Library exterior — Marrickville Library has won multiple awards over the years.

Address: 313 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville

13. Bunjil Place Library, Vic

Bunjil Place is a vibrant community hub in Casey, an outer south-eastern suburb of Melbourne. Not only is it home to the local library, but you’ll find a function centre, theatre, study, gallery and cafe onsite, as well as a public plaza connecting it all.

Unlike other communal facilities that often physically divide people by interest or culture, Bunjil Place has been designed by fjcstudio to bring people together. The library is a wonderful example of this, with plenty of wide-open spaces and natural light. Plus, what unites people more than a shared love of books?

Inside Bunjil Place Library in Narre Warren, Victoria — Bunjil Place has become a vibrant community hub. (Image: Helen K)

Address: 1A/2 Patrick NE Dr, Narre Warren

14. Alice Springs Public Library, NT

Look up the definition of community in the dictionary and it may just read: Alice Springs Public Library . Near the Todd River and in close proximity to Olive Pink Botanic Garden, this little library may be small in stature, but it’s big in delivery. It’s a place for people to come together and learn, play, grow and belong.

One length of the library wall is covered in All them Tourists goin’ to look at Countryside, a hand-painted mural by talented Luritja/Pitjantjatjara artist Billy Tjampijinpa Kenda. Part of an incredible public art trail through town, it’s not to be missed.

Alice Springs Public Library exterior — Alice Springs Public Library is a place for people to come together and learn, play, grow and belong.

Address: Corner of Gregory Terrace and Leichhardt Terrace, Alice Springs

Beyond the winding bitumen and coastal views lies another side to Victoria’s most famous route.

There’s something hypnotic about this stretch of Victoria’s coast. Maybe it’s the way the road hugs the ocean so tightly, or how the cliffs catch the sun in colours you can’t name. Or, for local Victorians who drove this route as kids, maybe it’s the memories of winding through the impossibly tall trees as they seemingly guide you on your journey like wooden guardian angels. Most travellers know it for the 12 Apostles, but there are plenty of alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road equally as worthy of your time.

So, next time you’re in that neck of the woods, park that car, stretch those legs and try these experiences.

1. Discover living culture at Budj Bim

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism — Walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Breakaway Creek’s Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is a masterclass in educational storytelling. Join a guided tour with Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism to walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system, where the Gunditjmara people built sophisticated eel traps and stone channels more than 6,000 years ago.

Budj Bim’s aquaculture system predates Egypt’s pyramids by roughly 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest examples of human engineering on Earth. If that’s not enough to get your history-loving family members involved in this road trip, we’re out of ideas.

2. Unwind in the hot springs at Warnambool

woman relaxing at Deep Blue Hot Springs — Let mineral-rich water heal you.

If your legs need a break after a long drive, Deep Blue Hot Springs is your remedy. The geothermal pools sit just metres from the coastline, filled with mineral-rich water that bubbles up from deep underground. Move between open-air baths, waterfall pools and quiet zones made for meditation.

The water in Deep Blue’s geothermal pools comes from an ancient aquifer nearly 850 metres below the Earth’s surface, which, in non-scientific terms, means it’s far more likely to have healing properties than the mineral water you’d find at the supermarket.

3. Take to the air at Princetown

12 Apostles Helicopters flight alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road — See an icon from a different view.

You may have seen the Twelve Apostles from the trusty viewing platform, but a helicopter flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters shows you just how sprawling and rugged this coastline really is.

The trip covers everything from Port Campbell to London Bridge (not to be confused with the UK’s own), giving you a rare chance to watch waves carving the limestone cliffs from above. It’s worth noting that the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles are said to erode by roughly two centimetres each year, so the longer you leave it, the less of the Apostles you’ll see.

4. Step into the past at Flagstaff Hill

Continue the tour through Warnambool at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum , a recreated 19th-century port town. Hear stories from the days when shipwrecks were as common as seagulls, with an astounding 180 ships believed to have sunk along the Shipwreck Coast in less than five years.

The night show, complete with lights, sound, and sea spray, brings the coastline’s most dramatic stories to life.

If you’re staying the night, Simon’s Waterfront offers relaxed dining with fresh local seafood and oceanfront views. Order the catch of the day and toast to the sailors who never made it ashore.

5. Learn to surf in Torquay, Lorne, or Anglesea

kid having a lesson with Go Ride A Wave — Learn how to hang 10. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you’ve surfed before or can barely stand on a board, Go Ride A Wave will have you upright in no time. Torquay’s calm beaches are ideal for first-timers, while Lorne and Anglesea bring a bit more energy for those unafraid to get dunked.

Bells Beach, just down the road from Torquay, has even hosted the world’s longest-running professional surfing competition since 1962. So, for those eager to have a gander at pros using surfboards like they’re an additional appendage, the competition usually runs sometime in autumn.

6. Tackle the trails in Forrest

Barwon Flow Trails Otways Flow MTB — Hire a bike and explore MTB trails through the Otways.

Forrest is a haven for mountain bikers thanks to an expansive network of trails through stunning natural scenery. The Forrest trail network has almost 100 kilometres of singletrack across 36 trails, so there’s something for every level of rider. That’s including more than 60 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails winding through the Otways’ dense forest. Cycle through ancient myrtle beech trees and towering tree ferns, with smaller ferns and soft mosses forming a carpet at your feet.

Hire a bike from Forrest MTB Hire and take your pick from easy, scenic rides to more challenging singletracks, such as Red Carpet or Rollercoaster.

7. See wildlife up close in Apollo Bay

bush rat on Wildlife Wonders tour — Get help spotting the locals. (Image: Doug Gimsey)

If spotting koalas and kangaroos in the wild feels like winning the lottery, Wildlife Wonders gives you guaranteed sightings without cages or crowds. Every visit to the sanctuary helps fund the Conservation Ecology Centre which supports endangered species across the Otways, so your business is appreciated by humans and animals alike.

The guided walk takes you through protected Otways habitat where you might spot potoroos (or joey lookalikes for those unfamiliar with a potoroo), wallabies, and sleepy koalas lounging in the trees.

8. Visit the Cape Otway Lightstation

Towering over the sea on a cliff above the Southern Ocean, Cape Otway Lightstation has been guiding ships since 1848. Before the lighthouse was built, Cape Otway was one of the most treacherous points on the Victorian coast, with dozens of shipwrecks occurring in its surrounding waters. Pick the right day, and you may bump into a local willing to tell you about the wreck of Eric the Red .

While at the Cape Otway Lightstation, explore the keeper’s quarters, walk the coastal trails, and take in views that only stop short at the horizon.

And no, contrary to popular belief, the Round the Twist lighthouse is actually located in Split Point, just shy of two hours in the direction of Melbourne. Nothing’s stopping you from embarking on a lighthouse crawl, though.

Plan your next no-stone-unturned journey along this iconic Aussie road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.

The 14 coolest libraries to visit in Australia