Did you know that Melbourne was the first UNESCO City of Literature in Australia, and the second in the world? Our precious city is a haven for writers and readers. Melbourne is bursting with literary festivals, a strong publishing industry, and plenty of bookshops for you to browse. Bibliophiles have plenty of unique bookshops to choose from around Melbourne, both within the city and the surrounding suburbs. Find independent shops, rich with history, cosy reading nooks, second-hand stores and even a shop that’s just for kids. Dive into one of the many bookshops around Melbourne, and find something wonderful to take home.
1. Hill of Content
Hill of Content is the oldest bookshop in Melbourne. Open since 1922, this inviting shop on Bourke Street has a vast range of books, catering to every preference. Wander among the shelves and find both local and overseas titles. If you’re looking for a present, they also provide free gift wrapping. Find out more.
📍Level 2/86 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. The Paperback Bookshop
This comfy independent bookshop at the top end of Bourke Street has been selling books since the 1960s. The Paperback Bookshop has plenty of nooks and crannies for you to lose yourself in. Browse through their wide selection of new releases and older books. If you’re not sure where to start, you can also head online and fill in a form, and their helpful staff will send you some recommendations. They can also source and order books for you if there’s something missing. This Melbourne bookshop is also open late, closing at 10pm or 11pm most days, or 7pm on Sundays.
📍 60 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Readings
Readings is a beloved independent retailer, with eight bookshops around Melbourne. Visit their flagship store in Carlton, which has been operating since 1969. You can also pop around the city to their venues in State Library Victoria or Emporium Melbourne, or venture further out into the suburbs. The range in each shop is carefully selected to reflect the interests of their local customers. There’s even a shop in Carlton that’s just for kids and young adults. When you’re not browsing for books, check out their music selection, or attend one of their special events, like book launches or talks. See more here.
📍Carlton, State Library Victoria, Emporium Melbourne, Malvern, Hawthorn, St Kilda and Doncaster.
4. Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller
Pop into the neo-gothic Assembly Hall building on Collins Street and find a treasure trove of second-hand and rare books at Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller. Established in 1965, this unique store has books ranging from the 15th to the 21st centuries. Wander in for a browse, and admire their collection of adorable owls scattered around the shop. See more here.
📍156 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. Metropolis Bookshop
Head up to Level 3 of Curtin House in the heart of Melbourne CBD, and discover Metropolis Bookshop. This independent venue focuses on counterculture, art and architecture, as well as photography, music, design, critical theory and literature. When you’re not looking at the books, check out their unique range of gifts, posters, stationary and more. See more here.
📍Curtin House Level 3/252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
6. City Basement Books
Wander down into City Basement Books and find plenty of second-hand treasures. Located on Flinders Street, this bookstore has plenty of topics to suit every mood, including literature, sport, mythology, history and more. See more here.
📍342 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
7. Mary Martin Bookshop
Mary Martin Bookshop first began as a rented room in Adelaide in 1945. Now, there’s two bookshops for you to visit around town, with one in Southbank and another location in Port Melbourne. They also have a permanent stall set up at Queen Victoria Market. This independent bookstore has a vast range of genres for you to explore. They also run special events, like book clubs and mystery nights. See more here.
📍Queen Victoria Market, G17/3 Southgate Ave, Southbank VIC 3006 and 2/188 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
8. Willows & Wine
Willows & Wine is a dreamy venue that combines books, wine and cheese. Browse through their library cellar and borrow something from their collection of books from diverse storytellers. They also have a selection of new and second-hand books available for purchase. While you read, sip on a warm cup of coffee or try their selection of wine, beer and cocktails. There’s also charcuterie boards and other nibbles if you’re peckish. Find out more.
📍315 Victoria St, West Melbourne VIC 3003
9. Coventry Bookstore
The bright Coventry Bookstore is a lovely little escape for book lovers. This independent shop in South Melbourne has plenty of fiction, cookbooks, design and more, as well as a colourful room dedicated to children’s books. See more here.
📍 Level 1/265 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
10. Avenue Bookstore
Avenue Bookstore first opened in Albert Park in 1996, and has since added two more bookshops around Melbourne. Check out their other stores in Elsternwick and Richmond, and find a wide range of local and international books in multiple genres. If you can’t find what you need, they can always order it in for you. On top of their books, Avenue also sell stationary, gifts and games for all ages. See more here.
📍127 Dundas Place, Albert Park VIC 3206, 351 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick VIC 3185, 91 Swan Street, Richmond VIC 3121
11. Happy Valley
Happy Valley is the place to go if you love both books and music. Located on Smith Street, this shop has a wide selection of books that are curated by owner Chris Couch. You’ll also find a vinyl selection with over 9000 titles, and heaps of fun gift ideas. See more here.
📍294 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
12. Hares & Hyenas
You’ll find Hares & Hyenas under the stairs at Victorian Pride Centre. Founded in 1991, this community bookshop specialises in queer identity, sexuality, sex and gender diversity. With a plenty of fiction and non-fiction for you to check out, you’ll find intersecting topics around gender, class, race and cultural background in their vast catalogue. There’s also magazines, coffee table books, DVDS, erotica and cards. See more here.
📍79 – 81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182
13. Perimeter Books
This specialised bookstore in Melbourne’s north was founded in 2011. At Perimeter Books, you’ll find a curated selection of independently published books, as well as editions and zines covering photography, art, design and architecture. Perimeter is also a publisher and distribution house. When you’re not browsing for books, swing by one of their events and check out exhibitions, talks, workshops and more. Find more info here.
📍734 High St, Thornbury VIC 3071
14. The Little Bookroom
The Little Bookroom is an enchanting place for younger readers. This shop, which first opened in 1960, is devoted to children’s books. You’ll find everything from picture books to young adult fiction. They also hold fun events like illustration workshops and book launches. See more here.
📍220 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
15. Sun Bookshop
In the same building as the Sun Theatre in Yarraville, you’ll find the lovely Sun Bookshop. Open since 1998, this is a great place to pop in for a browse before or after seeing a movie. It’s also a great destination on its own, with plenty of fiction, travel, science, crime, photography and more. They also have a popular book club, and stay busy with events and book launches. Nearby, you’ll find the Younger Sun, which caters to younger readers. More info here.
📍10 Ballarat St, Yarraville VIC 3013
16. Syber’s Books
You’ll find plenty to read at Syber’s Books. This second-hand bookshop in Caulfield South has a vast selection of rare and out of print books. You’ll find 75 bookcases stacked with science fiction and fantasy. There’s also true crime, crime fiction, history, children’s books and natural history. More info here.
📍666 Glen Huntly Rd, Caulfield South VIC 3162