16 Record Stores To Visit In Australia

These analogue-first stores and bars should be on every Australian music fan’s radar.

Whether you’re dipping your toe into the world of LPs or have years of collecting under your belt, everyone is welcome in the world of vinyl. And with World Record Store Day on 20 April each year, it’s our time to hit the decks.

From cafe-meet-record stores to listening bars stocking enviable vinyl collections, here are our top picks of the best record shops in Australia.

Victoria

1. Greville Records

Just off Chapel Street in this upmarket portion of South Yarra in Melbourne is Greville Records : which is more about edgy vintage than the surrounding trendy boutiques. Stop by here for a huge range of new and second-hand vinyl, uber-cool posters and vintage gig flyers.

the exterior of Greville Records near boutique shops — Explore edgy vinyl at Greville Records.

Address: 183 Gertrude St, Fitzroy Vic

2. L’Espresso Ballarat

This cafe-meets-record shop in Ballarat serves up brunch, lunch and music to locals and travellers.

Smash a delectable eggs benny before heading to their wall-to-wall stash of records and flicking through their collection. Just make sure to wash any leftover yolk off your fingers first…

the records on display at L'Espresso Ballarat — Flick through their amazing collection.

Address: 417 Sturt St, Ballarat Vic

3. Rocksteady Records

After some local vinyl? Rocksteady Records in the Melbourne CBD stocks plenty in the way of Australasian tunes, alongside international reggae, funk, soul, jazz and more.

the vibrant interior of Rocksteady Records with vinyl on display — Stock up on some local vinyl at Rocksteady Records.

Address: Mitchell House, Level 1, 358 Lonsdale St, Melbourne Vic

NSW

4. Repressed Records

A Sydney institution smack bang in the alternative, nonconformist neighbourhood of Newtown.

the store exterior of Repressed Records — Repressed Records is a purveyor of independent and underground music. (Image: Destination NSW)

Step in to peruse Repressed Records’ new and second-hand collection of independent and lesser-known Australian vinyl, as well as high-quality Japanese pressings. Music zines, magazines and tapes are also stocked.

a person browsing through vinyl records at Repressed Records — Discover lesser-known vinyl treasures at Repressed Records. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 413 King St, Newtown NSW

5. TITLE store

Among the boutique shops, bars and cafes of Crown Street, you will find this informal and well-curated bookstore that, along with poster art and eclectic group games, has a carefully picked selection of contemporary and vintage records.

the TITLE record store in Surry Hills — Hunt down records at TITLE in Surry Hills.

TITLE also has a shop at Barangaroo.

a look inside the record store at TITLE, Bangaroo — TITLE Barangaroo has all the classics.

Address: 501 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW and Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW

6. Abicus Records

This Newcastle local has an assembled stock of unique jewellery, Birkenstocks and odds and ends like tarot cards and art journals. But obsessive analogue fans will be drawn in particular to the dedicated area of the shop with limited editions, new releases and classic vinyl.

a look inside Abicus Records, Cooks Hill NSW — Get lost in Abicus Records.

Address: 103 Darby St, Cooks Hill NSW

Tasmania

7. Suffragette Records

Suffragette Records is a passionate ode to the power and talent of female musicians in a tiny, well-loved space in southern Hobart. Open since 2022, the owners work hard to counter the male-dominated industry of music with their collection of singles and albums created by women.

an all-female catalogue on display at Suffragette — Suffragette celebrates music by women with an all-female catalogue.

Address: 52 Sandy Bay Rd, Battery Point Tas

8. Tommy Gun

New records, second-hand and bargain low-cost vinyl collections, band t-shirts, turntable parts and everything in between. Whatever your vintage music needs, Tommy Gun in the Tassie capital has it all.

vinyl records on display at Tommy Gun, Hobart — Tommy Gun has all your vintage music needs covered.

Address: 127 Elizabeth St, Hobart, Tas

Western Australia

9. Astral Weeks Listening Bar

The concept of a listening bar (or HiFi bar) may have started in Japan , but the last few years have seen the unique nightlife design spread everywhere from Hong Kong to New York – and now, Australia.

In Perth’s Chinatown, Astral Weeks provides this all-analogue listening bar, where customers sit and listen quietly to the staff-selected record, sipping high-class wines and cocktails as the music plays in a shared cultural experience.

Address: Shop 12/60/66 Roe St, Northbridge WA

10. The Record Finder

A Western Australian cultural centre that has been selling and buying records across the world since the ‘60s. Today, there are thousands and thousands to choose from in The Record Finder ’s two-storey collection. Visit to browse their rare, original pressings, used and new records, or call to request specific items.

The Record Finder signage, Fremantle WA — Browse The Record Finder’s catalogue.

Address: 43 High St, Fremantle WA

Queensland

11. Wax Espresso Record Store and Cafe

Why rush an enjoyable afternoon poring over records when you can kick back with a coffee at the same time? As well as caffeine and pastries, the Sunshine Coast’s Wax Espresso Record Store and Cafe is particularly known for its electric selection: techno, house and ambient vinyl in particular.

guests inside Wax Espresso Record Store and Cafe — Hit up Wax Espresso Record Store and Cafe for pastries and vinyl.

Address: 35 Duporth Ave, Maroochydore Qld

12. The Record Exchange

Claimed to be the largest record store in Australia, The Record Exchange is hidden away in a laneway in the Brisbane city centre. Its crowded collection of second-hand vinyl is augmented with CDs, posters, go and even the limited nineties retro-esque VHS collection of concerts.

Address: 1/65 Adelaide St, Brisbane Qld

13. Ruby My Dear

A vinyl listening bar meets jazz cafe meets live music performance space – this time north of Brisbane. The izakaya-style cuisine at Ruby My Dear highlights the Japanese origin of listening bars, with pork katsu, pickled mackerel with wasabi and soy and sake negronis.

the dimly lit interior of Ruby My Dear — Sit down for live music at Ruby My Dear.

Address: 12 Longland St, Newstead Qld

Northern Territory

14. Air Raid Records

Looking for tracks up in the Top End? The Darwin-based neighbourhood store of Air Raid Records is not known just for its second-hand vinyl.

people browsing vinyls inside Air Raid Records, Woolner NT — Air Raid Records is Darwin’s only dedicated second-hand record store.

It also hosts kid-friendly live local DJ sessions and the chance for the public to practice their wax-spinning skills.

the record for spinning at Air Raid Records, Woolner NT — Spin the record for freebies.

Address: Air Raid Arcade, 48/12 Charlton Ct, Woolner NT

South Australia

15. Clarity Records

With special deals for Adelaide artists who want to stock their releases, as a result, Clarity has an enormous variety of local musicians in their shop. Their well-organised collection in their bright central city store is complemented by tote bags featuring bands, and books written by (and about) musicians.

a look inside Clarity Records in Adelaide — Clarity has an enormous variety of local musicians.

Address: 60 Pulteney St, Adelaide SA

16. Streetlight Adelaide

Come for the records, stay for… well, the records. But among the hoard of culture at Streetlight , there are plenty of other treasures for you to discover. With arthouse films, books of poetry and musician memoirs, you might find it hard to leave this independently-owned store.

vinyl records on display at Streetlight Adelaide — You’ll find it hard to leave Streetlight Adelaide.

Address: Shop 2/15 Vaughan Place, Adelaide SA

No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .

But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

1. Start with the perfect vehicle

A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6. — Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

Take the Polaris 6 , for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

2. Pack the tastiest snacks

A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes. — Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

3. Bring your pet for the ride

A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes. — Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

Two people having coffee with a view. — Chase the journey and the destination.

No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

5. A spacious tent and camping gear

A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background. — Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

6. Plan your toilet breaks

Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

7. Pick the ultimate destination

Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views. — Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au .

16 must-visit record stores in Australia