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 21 best bookshops in Australia you have to visit in 2023!

The Best Bookshops in Sydney:

<strong>Abbey's Bookshop</strong>
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.

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131 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000
<strong>Better Read Than Dead</strong>
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 must-visit bookstores in Australia!

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265 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042
<strong>Kinokuniya</strong>
Photographed by PJ Accetturo. Image via Unsplash.

Kinokuniya

Nestled up above in The Galeries 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.

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500 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000

The Best Bookshops in Hobart:

<strong>The Book Cellar</strong>
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.

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132 High St, Campbell Town, TAS 7210
<strong>Fullers Bookshop</strong>
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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.

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131 Collins St, Hobart, TAS 7000
<strong>Petrarch's Bookshop</strong>
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. 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 2023!

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89 Brisbane St, Launceston, TAS 7250

The Best Bookshops in Melbourne:

<strong>Bendigo Book Mark</strong>
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?

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24 High St, Bendigo, VIC 3550
<strong>Paperback Bookshop</strong>
Photographed by Janko Ferlic. Image via Unsplash.

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!

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60 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
<strong>Paradise Bookshop</strong>
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!

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46 Vincent St, Daylesford, VIC 3460

The Best Bookshops in Adelaide:

<strong>Imprints Booksellers</strong>
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.

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107 Hindley St, Adelaide, SA 5000
<strong>Matilda Bookshop</strong>
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.

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1/8 Mt Barker Rd, Stirling, SA 5152
<strong>O'Connell's Bookshop</strong>
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 bookshop in Adelaide, this is it! A few hours browsing can’t hurt, right?

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19 Bank St, Adelaide, SA 5000

The Best Bookshops in Perth:

<strong>Boffins Books</strong>
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.

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88 William St, Perth, WA 6000
<strong>Elizabeth's Bookshop</strong>
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!

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856 Hay St, Perth, WA 6000
<strong>Planet Books</strong>
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!

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Various Locations

The Best Bookshops in Darwin:

<strong>The Bookshop</strong>
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! Here, this bookstore believes that buying a book is always better than borrowing, as you can gift it or give it away to someone else once you’re finished with it. Two birds, one stone! Keep an eye out for local authors for a truly unique touch.

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1/30 Smith Street Mall, Darwin, NT 0800
<strong>Caryota Book Exchange</strong>
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.

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10/10 Caryota Ct, Coconut Grove, NT 0810
<strong>Red Kangaroo Books</strong>
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.

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79 Todd Mall, Alice Springs, NT 0870

The Best Bookshops in Brisbane:

<strong>Avid Reader</strong>
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.

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193 Boundary St, West End, QLD 4101
<strong>Mary Who?</strong>
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 thieir new read.

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414 Flinders St, Townsville, QLD 4810
<strong>Archives Fine Books</strong>
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 2023!

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40 Charlotte St, Brisbane, QLD 4000

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 in 2023. Wanting to discover more spectacular and famous bookstores? Check out these Top 11 Most Beautiful Libraries in the World.

Feature image: Photographed by Cottonbro. Image via Pexels.
This article was first published on 30 November 2018. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on May 05 2023.