The 10 Best Bookshops In Australia - Australian Traveller

On the lookout for your next great read? Do it in style at these adorable Aussie bookshops.

The only thing more delightful than curling up for the weekend, uninterrupted, with a good book in hand, is hunting through a well-stocked bookshop to find yet another new gem to add to your ever-growing stack of unread novels (closely followed by exploring the country’s must-visit record stores).

If there happens to be a comfy couch – brown leather preferred – and, jackpot of all jackpots, a coffee shop? Well, that might just be Nirvana. For this reason, we’ve rounded up the cutest and best bookshops in Australia, that are a destination unto themselves.

1. Sappho Books & Cafe, Sydney

Two types of bookstores get my heart racing: clean-cut and usually centred around a large reading lounge, or whimsical and cosy – not in the way that none of the books are organised and unalphabetised piles lay everywhere, but in the way that inspires imagination and encourages exploration. Sappho Books & Cafe in Sydney‘s Glebe is absolutely the latter.

With a second-hand, humanities-focused collection of tomes shelved over six rooms and an adorable courtyard cafe, this inclusive bookshop is one you can easily spend hours wandering through. They even hold poetry nights and other events. Oh, and there’s a resident cat, so I’m sold.

Sappho Books & Cafe, Sydney, best bookshops in Australia — Sit in the courtyard cafe to enjoy your new book.

2. National Library of Australia Bookshop, Canberra

For those who believe there’s no such thing as too many books, what better place to load up your collection than the bookshop inside Canberra‘s stunning National Library of Australia , itself?

As you might expect, it’s also the best place to find Australian authors: from old favourites to the new and upcoming. Find a range of fiction, non-fiction and children’s literature titles by local and interstate writers and artists.

National Library of Australia Bookshop, Canberra — Find one of the best bookstores inside the National Library of Australia.

3. The Book Cellar, Campbell Town, Tasmania

I’m not sure why things in cellars are cuter, but The Book Cellar in Campbell Town certainly proves the theory. Although today it’s a quaint bookstore, the heritage building has a fascinating past: in the 1830s it was used as convict cellars to house prisoners who built the Red Bridge over the Elizabeth River.

The bookshop and cafe feature exposed brick walls and classic sandstone decor, while an eclectic range of new and used books housed within the walls focus on Australian heritage, nostalgia and Tasmania in particular.

The Book Cellar, Tasmania — Wander through history in The Book Cellar. (Image: Chris Crerar)

4. Kay Craddock Antiquarian Booksellers, Melbourne

Red carpet, neo-Gothic chandeliers and large archways make stepping into Kay Craddock Antiquarian Booksellers feel like a grand affair.

The shelves here cater for everyone from serious book collectors to casual book lovers, with a carefully curated selection of rare and old books.

Kay Craddock Antiquarian Booksellers, Melbourne — Enjoy the neo-Gothic decor at Kay Craddock Antiquarian Booksellers.

5. Hill of Content, Melbourne

Melbourne‘s oldest bookstore is also one of its cutest. Easily spotted thanks to its deep red paint job, the earthy colours continue inside.

Opened in 1922, Hill of Content has used that time to compile a broad range of quality stories from local and overseas authors. Staff here know a huge amount about their stock, so be sure to ask for their expertise.

6. Crow Books, Perth

The whitewashed brick walls of Crow Books in Perth serve to make the colourful books filling its wooden shelves really pop.

The real pièce de résistance? A classic brown leather couch that the bookshop centres around, inviting browsers to take their time to check out their book choices. Whether you’re looking for something hard-to-find or popular TikTok reads, you’ll find it here.

Crow Books perth — Spend time on brown leather couch to peruse your choices. (Image: Peter Dancewicz)

7. Orchard Bookshop, Adelaide

Nestled into Adelaide Arcade, this adorable gem is a must for bibliophiles. The pared-back shop floor of Orchard Bookshop brings on an almost beachy feel with cool whites and light wood furnishings.

None of this is by accident. In fact, the store is self-described as “an immersive, interactive art installation for lovers of literature". The owners hand-picked each title on the shelves: from new to vintage to collectible.

Orchard Bookshop, Adelaide — Discovering this gem is a must for bibliophiles. (Images: Aise Dillon Photography)

8. Page & Turner, Adelaide

This little bookstore has more allure than any store inside a shopping centre has the right to. Yet, Page & Turner makes itself a worthy stop inside Myer Centre in Adelaide. Wallpapered with book pages, fun statues strewn around and vintage-look wooden bookshelves: it’s a decor made in heaven.

9. Archives Fine Books, Brisbane

Archives Fine Books looks like the kind of bookstore Belle would swing through on a rolling ladder before she went off to meet her beast. In this Brisbane bookshop, discover rows and rows of shelves stacked floor-to-ceiling with over a million fine, used books from all genres and eras.

10. Red Kangaroo Books, Alice Springs

There are many charms to Red Kangaroo Books . It’s the only brick-and-mortar independent bookshop left standing between Port Augusta, Darwin, Broome, and Broken Hill. The iconic red door. The comfy couches invite you to stay a while. It’s an easy bookstore to love.

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 .

The 10 cutest bookshops in Australia