Beautiful and intriguing. If you’re looking for the best bookstores in Australia, we’ve found them.
Great bookshops entice pedestrians with an eclectic personality and an air of curiosity. They don’t have to be large, nor do they have to be modern. All a bookstore really needs is well-versed staff and, unsurprisingly, a unique selection of books.
Good bookshops curate the right mix of stories for their attentive visitors, unlike the larger chains which simply sell the most popular stories. And the best booksellers reveal their inner style through the world they inhabit, and through the booksellers that loiter around the cash register.
So whether you’re looking for an independent bookstore, Australia’s largest bookshop or just somewhere that’s beautiful and cosy, these literary havens will have you intrigued for hours. Collect your bookmarks and keep reading through our list of the best bookshops in Australia you have to visit in 2024!
The Best Bookshops in New South Wales:
Photographed by Sincerely Media. Image via Unsplash.
Abbey's Bookshop
You’d be forgiven for thinking this is just another standard bookselling enterprise, but Abbey’s Bookshop houses one of the best selections of sci-fi and fantasy novels in Sydney which takes up nearly the whole second floor of the building – something that is eagerly awaiting your presence. The ground level houses everything else, from fiction to nonfiction.
Photographed by James Horan. Image via Destination NSW.
Better Read Than Dead
As well as having a quirky name, Better Read Than Dead also shares a quaint selection of books. Their towering bookshelves house a collection that would make the curious novel-reader inquisitive. As you side-step along the walls with your head coursing up and down, make sure to stop and read the recommendation tags. One of the best bookstores in Sydney!
Photographed by PJ Accetturo. Image via Unsplash.
Kinokuniya
Nestled up above in The Galleries along George Street in Sydney’s CBD is Kinokuniya, one of the best bookshops in Sydney. The Japanese influence is seen through their vast range of manga comics and selection of Japanese authors, but they also sell a wide variety of stories that span the globe. Kinokuniya is just like a Japanese version of Dymocks made for Sydneysiders.
The Best Bookshops in Tasmania:
Photographed by Chris Crerar. Image via Tourism Tasmania.
The Book Cellar
They say that you can’t rewrite history, but you can certainly read it here! In between Hobart and Launceston is Campbell Town, a locale filled with plenty of convict history. But, it contains what is arguably one of the best small-size bookshop in Tasmania: The Book Cellar. Situated in a convict-built coaching inn, this quaint bookstore shares more than just great books. Despite it not being in Hobart’s CBD, we still think that this place is well worth the mention.
Image supplied.
Fullers Bookshop
Also making our list as one of Australia’s Best Bookstore Cafes, after one visit to this 90 year old bookshop, you’ll soon realised why it’s praised by all. With a strong community-oriented approach, Fullers Bookshop in Hobart allows visitors to get a touch of local talent mixed in with literary gods as you sip on a latte from the in-house cafe. Feel free to ask the knowledgeable shop staff for recommendations.
Photographed by Ergita Sela. Image via Unsplash.
Petrarch's Bookshop
Named after the Italian poet Petrarca, Petrarch’s Bookshop is Launceston’s top spot for book shopping. Despite not being in Hobart, Petrarch’s is still worth the mention. Whether you’re looking for a new popular novel, an old classic in hardcover or even some local inspiration, Petrarch’s should be top of your mind. This is one bookstore in Australia you must visit in 2024!
The Best Bookshops in Victoria:
Photographed by Henry Be. Image via Unsplash.
Bendigo Book Mark
If you continue driving in a northerly direction from Daylesford, chances are you’ll stop in Bendigo. If you do, treat yourself with a visit to Bendigo Book Mark, one the best second-hand bookstores in Victoria, Australia. It’s laden with all sorts of used books and is always ready for a gander. Because who doesn’t love finding a hidden second-hand treasure?
Image via Visit Victoria.
Paperback Bookshop
There are two types of bookshops these days: “nicely filled” and “completely filled”. The Paperback Bookshop is the latter, with every nook and cranny accounted for. When you consider its tiny size, you won’t blame them though. Step inside for a fabulous time-killer or to simply breathe in the smell of old and new books. One of the best bookshops in Melbourne!
Photographed by Nick Fewings. Image via Unsplash.
Paradise Bookshop
If you’re looking for paradise, you won’t find it in Melbourne’s CBD. The Paradise Bookshop can be found in Daylesford, about 90-kilometres north-west of the Melbourne city circle. A paradise to say the least, their bookshelves feature the new and old commingled in harmony and teeming with life. Happy hunting!
The Best Bookshops in South Australia:
Photographed by Ugur Akdemir. Image via Unsplash.
Imprints Booksellers
Imprints Booksellers have a vast knowledge of books, with a sixth sense for what makes their regular clientele tick. But it’s their store interior that stretches the lips and gleams the eyes. Sky blue walls hover above the vibrant brown shelves, welcoming in the curious reader with little effort.
Photographed by Freddie Marriage. Image via Unsplash.
Matilda Bookshop
As we all know, the best bookshops in Australia are the ones that take their time getting to know what their customers love. Matilda Bookshop is no different. Whether you want to immerse yourself in a fantasy world or scrutinise the real world, you’ll find your way here. All you have to do is ask.
Photographed by Cesar Viteri. Image via Unsplash.
O'Connell's Bookshop
Reading a new book is great, but nothing beats picking up a book that has already been read. O’Connell’s Bookshop specialises in old books, and it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves the smell and touch of pre-loved volumes of lore or the odd narrative. If you’re looking for the best bookshops in Adelaide, this is it! A few hours browsing can’t hurt, right?
The Best Bookshops in Western Australia:
Photographed by Valentin Antonini. Image via Unsplash.
Boffins Books
Boffins Books is an eclectic mix of titles, colours and literary fanatics. The staff members are filled with novel ideas and knowledge, while the surrounding layout is both modern and a little mysterious. Whether you’re looking to explore locally, internationally or otherworldly, you’ll find it here.
Photographed by Clay Banks. Image via Unsplash.
Elizabeth's Bookshop
Elizabeth’s Bookshop has blossomed into a much-loved entity during their over 40-year reign. Even Sydney’s in on the action with their own Elizabeth Bookshop franchise. Their selection ranges between the popular, the slightly odd and the tongue-in-cheek. If you’re unsure, surprise yourself with a pre-wrapped blind date book. One of the best bookshops in Perth!
Photographed by Serge Kutuzov. Image via Unsplash.
Planet Books
Planet Books refuses to conform to the standard bookshop ideal. They aim for quirky and odd. They strive to challenge you with a slightly left-wing agenda. And they’re also open late most nights, which makes for a perfect getaway in the evening. And, with two convenient locations in Perth, the decision is ultimately yours!
Discover a new read at Perth’s Best Bookstores here.
The Best Bookshops in Northern Territory:
Photographed by Annie Spratt. Image via Unsplash.
The Bookshop
Nothing says “humble” and “unfussy” like a bookshop with a simple name – and these guys really are those two things. Welcome to The Bookshop in Darwin! This locally owned, independent Dawin bookstore is nestled right in the heart of the city, making a convenient spot for Darwinians to get lost in the world of literature. And with a friendly staff that know their Brontes from their Byrons, you can always be sure to pick up a sensational read that you’ll simply fall in love with. One of the best Darwin book shops!
Photographed by Annie Spratt. Image via Unsplash.
Caryota Book Exchange
The owner of Caryota Book Exchange proudly boasts that they have more books than the local library, so this is your go-to destination if you’ve landed in Darwin. They even have a few hideaway spots throughout the store and a courtyard for you to read, relax and sip on a cool beverage.
Photographed by James Barker. Image via Unsplash.
Red Kangaroo Books
Despite not being in Darwin, Red Kangaroo Books is still well-worth a mention. Did you know that hard copy books are so popular that even the centre of Australia sells them? Now you do! Whether you live in Alice Springs or are stopping by, make sure to visit Red Kangaroo Books which sell a well-chosen selection of local authors and stories. It’s also one of the best ranges of Indigenous literature and ethos.
The Best Bookshops in Queensland:
Photographed by Takahiro Taguchi. Image via Unsplash.
Archives Fine Books
Archives Fine Books proudly boasts about having one million books on every topic, which means this place is huge. If you’re looking for collectables or that really hard-to-find author, this is your best bet. They also sell art and antiquarian books and all the famous classics in hardcover. One of the best bookshops in Brisbane of 2024!
Photographed by Daniel Alvasd. Image via Unsplash.
Avid Reader
Are you an avid reader? If so, then don’t miss this store. At Avid Reader, you’ll find great modern fiction novels and nonfiction texts. They also host a range of book clubs, from young at heart to bloody crime, as well as a special section for kids aptly called Where The Wild Things Are.
Photographed by John Michael Thompson. Image via Unsplash.
Mary Who?
Brisbane is nice, but not all of us live there. So if you’re anywhere near Townsville then check out the Mary Who? bookshop. It is a winner of best regional store by Australian Independent Bookseller in 2011, and it’s still going strong. As well as an amazing array of books, visitors can also pick up a delicious block of chocolate to accompany them with their new read.
If you’re wanting a cosy reading nook, second-hand bookstore and freshly made pastries, why not check out our list of Australia’s 10 Best Bookstore Cafes to Read At. Wanting to discover more spectacular and famous bookstores? Check out these Top 11 Most Beautiful Libraries in the World.
