16 must-visit record stores in Australia

Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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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

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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

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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

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Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
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6 nature-based experiences to prove the Bendigo region comes alive in autumn

    Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
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    A change is as good as a holiday, but never more so than in the Bendigo region when it’s the seasons putting in the transformative work.

    With its gold rush history, opulent architecture and booming food and wine industry, there’s no denying that the Bendigo region is beautiful to visit at any time of year. Visit between March and May, however, and you’ll find the Bendigo in autumn really comes alive. Foliage erupts in a canvas of golden colours and the cooling air makes immersing yourself in nature all the more enticing.

    Need a few ideas to get you started? We’re so glad you asked.

    1. Tackle the bike trails

    Pink Cliffs Reserve
    Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

    Welcome to a region that punches well above its weight when it comes to cycling. This is where hammies are tested on multi-day rides, and first-timers fall in love with the sport on short (and ridiculously pretty) trails.

    The 49-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail is the headline act, following the old railway line between Bendigo and Heathcote. Cross the Campaspe River at Axedale Recreation Reserve and pause at the Platypus Compass Sculpture and the First Nations mural marking the connection between Djaara and Taungurung Country, with Axedale acting as the perfect halfway stop to refuel at a pub or cafe.

    Pedal a little further Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve to be rewarded with views of sculpted pink clay cliffs and narrow gorges that are perfect for a photo stop. Searching for a different type of reward? The Heatchote Wine Region is full of inviting cellar doors.

    There are plenty of other options in the Bendigo region, from the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track, to the Bendigo Creek Trail and Back Creek Trail – both ideal for riders of all abilities. The 3.7 kilometre Little Lake Boort loop is a great family-friendly option.

    Prefer something more adventurous? Spring Gully Mountain Bike Park has been keeping BMX Bandits’ dreams alive for years.

    2. Enjoy the crunch of autumn leaves

    two people having a picnic at Valley of Liquidambers heathcote
    Pack a picnic and head to the Valley of Liquidambers.

    Blinding clusters of crimson, burnt orange and brilliant yellow; here, autumn leaves are crisp confetti of fire and gold. See the magic up close with a slew of parks seemingly dedicated to showcasing Mother Nature’s colour wheel, especially from mid April to early June.

    Pack a picnic for an afternoon at Valley of Liquidambers in Heathcote, where Liquidamber trees transform into a wonderworld of magical foliage. Don’t miss taking a leisurely stroll across the swinging bridge back towards the main street.

    Rosalind Park might be celebrated for its annual tulip display come springtime, but it’s hard to compete with the theatre of autumn. Here, many trees date back to the 1800s, and there’s no better place for a romantic stroll than along the elms, oak and Queensland Kauri that dominate this park.

    Head straight to Lake Weeroona, where an ornamental lake begs for a leisurely lap around its edges, either on foot, or with pedal power.

    3. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture

    woman exploring Kooyoora State Park with guides
    Explore Kooyoora State Park on a cultural tour.

    Its ‘Mountain of Light’ (Guyura in the Dja Dja Wurrung language) title is impressive, but so too is Kooyoora State Park’s rugged landscape of granite outcrops, rocky ridgelines and wide-open skies.

    While there’s nothing to suggest you couldn’t explore Kooyoora’s walking tracks on your own, the best way to understand the 40,000 years of history behind its natural wonders is to book a 2.5-hour Kooyoora Cultural Tour with Dumawul Tours.

    Led by Djaara cultural guides, expect a traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, before engaging storytelling rewinds the clock to reveal the deep cultural significance of the land, its flora, fauna and its continuing connection to Country.

    Keen to stay a little longer? Consider staying overnight at the campground and committing to the park’s wealth of walking trails, such as the 5.3-kilometre hike from the camping ground to the lookout on the Long Rock Walking Track.

    4. Splash in the region’s waterways

    Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail
    Paddle through Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Water babies rejoice: the Bendigo region offers a wealth of waterways to explore.

    Flowing 392-kilometres from the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River, the best way to enjoy Loddon River is with a stop at Bridgewater. Here you can swim in the natural infinity pool or tackle the all-abilities, five-kilometre Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail before browsing the cute stores in town. Hungry? Grab a bite at Bridgewater Hotel.

    Lake Eppalock is popular for water activities, but don’t miss a visit to Little Lake Boort and Big Lake Boort. Birders, in particular, will love the former, thanks to the large variety of bird species that nest in the boardwalk area surrounding the lake.

    Meanwhile, Big Lake Boort is celebrated for its significant Indigenous history and over 400 scarred trees, and offers an opportunity to spot birds and go canoing.

    Meanwhile, watersports and recreational activities at Crusoe Reservoir, located on the outskirts of Bendigo, are the order of the day. Take a walk to the picnic spots of No. 7 Park nearby, and maybe even camp there for the night.

    5. View epic lookouts

    customers at Peregrine Ridge
    Spend time at Peregrine Ridge.

    Sometimes a holiday requires a phenomenal spot on which to perch as you survey your temporary kingdom below. The Bendigo region, happily, doesn’t do anything by halves.

    Located in Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Viewing Rock Lookout – a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views over Heathcote and surrounds – remains a popular choice. Take the hour-long Viewing Rock Circuit Walk and try your hand at gold prospecting nearby.

    Prefer the romance of sunrise or sunset? Pyramid Hill, a stunning granite hill rising 187-metres above sea level, is the place to be (preferably with a coffee and a bagel)

    Over in Terrick Terrick National Park, a walk to the summit delivers a full 360-degree panorama of woodlands, farms and open-sky plains. Pack lunch – and perhaps a tent – as picnic tables and camping are available.

    Carve out time for Peregrine Ridge, a vineyard situated at the eastern side of Mt Camel Range with an elevation ranging from 250-290 metres. Be rewarded with delicious wine and a cellar door which offers floor-to-ceiling views.

    6. Enjoy the Bendigo region’s parks and gardens

    Rosalind Park in bendigo
    Stroll through Bendigo’s best gardens. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Rosalind Park, located right in the centre of town, is considered Bendigo’s backyard and rightly so. Home to the Bendigo Easter Festival, it’s just as popular year-round for its sixty acres of rolling lawns, towering elms, fernery and winding paths – not to mention the playground which has plenty of little fans of its own. A short drive away, Bendigo Botanic Gardens – established in 1857 – offers a more tranquil space for deep-level nature immersion.

    Those who favour something a little more formal, cottage-style Canterbury Park Gardens – famous for its dahlias in autumn – delivers.  Stroll through its meticulously maintained ornamental gardens before checking out Lake Tom Thumb and Lake Neangar nearby.

    Time to start planning your adventure to the Bendigo Region, visit bendigoregion.com.au.