Your Guide To The Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail

You won’t need your hiking boots for this Blue Mountains trail.

You’ve heard of the countless incredible nature walks in the Blue Mountains. But what about those of us who prefer to stay inside and exercise our minds rather than our bodies?

There’s a different kind of trail enticing travellers to the region, replacing water bottles with cups of coffee and hiking boots with books. Stopping at 11 bookshops along the way, the Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail is perfect for everyone who loves a good read, from the well-read bibliophile to bookish beginners.

1. Blue Dragon Books, Glenbrook

The trail begins at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Glenbrook, known for its hip cafes and friendly community. Located in an unassuming arcade, Blue Dragon Books is stacked with second-hand tomes. With over 18,000 books lining the walls (and sometimes the floor!), it’s truly a book lover’s paradise.

New stock is added almost every day from donations, which the staff may exchange for store credit if you bring something they’re looking for. Buy as many books as your hands can hold, everything is priced affordably. And before you leave, peruse the handmade bookmarks and trinkets at the front desk.

Blue Dragon Books in Glenbrook, NSW — Blue Dragon Books is brimming with second-hand reads.

2. The Turning Page Bookshop, Springwood

Your next stop is Springwood, home to The Turning Page Bookshop and the recently closed Springwood Book Lounge, which whittled the list down from 12 to 11. Located on the main drag, The Turning Page is bright and homely, with soft music guiding you through the rows of books.

A shelf full of staff favourites and recs greet visitors upon entry, adding to the air of friendliness and familiarity. Many happily fall into the trap at the door; a collection of bookish paraphernalia including bookmarks, pencil cases, tote bags, socks, stationary, cards and notebooks. They make for the perfect addition to a book-filled purchase.

3. Chapters and Leaves, Faulconbridge

Two of a bookworm’s favourite things combine at Chapters and Leaves in Faulconbridge: tea and books! The teahouse has over 150 delicious teas on offer, which you can sip in-store as you read or purchase to take home.

The locally owned space is all about community. Chapters and Leaves sells a range of ‘Mountains made’ gifts and hosts regular book clubs, craft groups and charity events. Whether you opt to sit outside with your favourite brew and a plate of homemade scones or browse the shelves for a good book inside, Chapters and Leaves is sure to delight.

4. RoseyRavelston Books, Lawson

Stepping into RoseyRavelston Books in Lawson is like visiting your favourite grandma. From the classical carpets to mismatched photo frames and a big leather armchair in the corner, it’s comfort at its finest. With an extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction and rare books, it’s a shop any book lover could spend hours in.

It can even be hired out for private groups, meaning you and your friends can have the whole place to yourself for up to two hours. RoseyRavelston isn’t just any old bookstore either, it’s making a difference, one book at a time. As a strong advocate for refugees, 50 per cent of profits made at the shop go to local refugee charities.

RoseyRavelston Books in Lawson, NSW — RoseyRavelston in Lawson is the epitome of cosy.

5. Good Earth Bookshop, Wentworth Falls

Next on your bookish adventure is Good Earth Bookshop , where the idea for the Blue Mountains Book Trail originated. Good Earth is all about making the world a better place with books. The cosy store is brimming with preloved books, with a small selection of new editions as well.

You can also join one of the many groups hosted here, from a variety of book clubs to zine-making sessions and crafty collabs with a side of tea. Make sure to add a few vintage collectables, games or toys to your cart on the way to the register, too. Located within Renae’s Arcade, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Good Earth Bookshop in Wentworth Falls, NSW — Snuggle up with a good read at Good Earth Bookshop.

6. Wyrd Books, Wentworth Falls

Just down the road, you’ll stumble into Wyrd Books . With a specific focus on fantasy, sci-fi and horror, this bookshop may not have something for everyone, but it’s still worth a visit. And for those who love these three genres, it may just become your new favourite.

The shop also prioritises first-edition hardcovers, meaning your collection just got a whole lot cooler. If you can’t make it to the store, fear not. The prized collection at Wyrd is completely catalogued on their website and available for purchase. Book blurbs online also come with reviews and recommendations!

7. Megalong Books, Leura

Megalong Books is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s the quintessential bookstore; soft music, packed wooden shelves and that bookish smell that every reader loves.

Megalong houses almost every genre you can think of. From gardening to cooking, history to politics, poetry to classics and everything in between, all bookworms are catered for here. And if all this book shopping is making you hungry, you’re in luck. There are plenty of cosy cafes in Leura to dine at before you hit the trail again.

Megalong Books in Leura, NSW — Megalong Books is a reader’s paradise. (Image: Taylah Darnell)

8. Mr Pickwick’s Fine Old Books, Katoomba

After fuelling up in Leura, make tracks for Mr Pickwick’s Fine Old Books , just a page-turn away in Katoomba. As the name suggests, this store is a haven for old and rare books. Those visiting the area may be thrown off when they enter the store, as the ground level is adorned with everything vintage. Think clothes, homewares, toys, jewellery, furniture and art.

But downstairs is where the real magic happens: the bookstore. There are plenty of modern novels, but just like upstairs, there’s a whole lot of vintage, too. Collectors will have a field day here, with books dating back to the early 1800s.

Mr Pickwick's Old Fine Books in Katoomba, NSW — Head downstairs to check out the bookshop at Mr Pickwick’s.

9. The Little Lost Bookshop, Katoomba

Hidden down Hapenny Lane among a selection of small stores perfect for wandering through is The Little Lost Bookshop . The two-story reader’s haven is a peaceful place promising plenty of books. On the first floor, visitors will find a range of fiction and non-fiction reads, as well as a good selection of Blue Mountains-based books.

Upstairs, second-hand books await their new home. You can pick up board games, cards, bookmarks and unique gifts, too. Fitting 12 bookshops into one day may be a challenge for some. With so many great places to stay in Katoomba, spend the night to wake up refreshed and ready to round out the trail the next day.

The Little Lost Bookshop in Katoomba, NSW — The Little Lost Bookshop sits on Hapenny Lane. (Image: Taylah Darnell)

10. Gleebooks, Blackheath

Popular Sydney bookstore Gleebooks has set up shop in Blackheath. Fans of the Dulwich Hill and Glebe locations will know this one is a must. Sitting between an art gallery and an antique store on the main drag, Gleebooks is another one of those bookshops that readers could while the day away in.

Shelves upon shelves of books entice many “just one more" comments from browsing bookworms. Gleebooks Blackheath also hosts community events throughout the year, including author talks, live readings and book launches. All are welcome!

Gleebooks Blackheath in NSW — Gllebooks Blackheath is the 11th stop on the trail. (Image: Seamus Reece)

11. A Reader’s Heaven, Lithgow

If the name doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will. Follow the Great Western Highway down the Mt Victoria side of the mountains and you’ll find the cosy town of Lithgow, home to A Reader’s Heaven . This bookshop may be the last on the Blue Mountains Book Trail, but it’s worth the extra bit of travel time.

Home to a vast collection of both new and preloved books, visitors here are sure to get lost among the shelves. The couple who own and run A Reader’s Heaven, Paul and Jo, are very friendly, always offering fantastic book recommendations, and they love their bookstore so much, that they even got married there.

A Reader's Heaven Bookshop in Lithgow, NSW — Get lost among the maze of books at A Reader’s Heaven.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

This Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail is a bibliophile’s dream come true