Nowadays, you can hop on any streaming service and find thousands of songs to suit your fancy. But, that’s not quite the same as digging through crates and finding a rare treasure at your friendly neighbourhood record shop. If you’re an audiophile, a seasoned collector or just keen to dip your toes in a new hobby, Melbourne is full of cosy record stores that will show you the wonders of analog sound. Find second-hand goods and new releases, chat with fellow music enthusiasts, and in some places, even unwind with a drink or attend an intimate gig. Here are some marvellous record stores for you to check out in Melbourne and the surrounding suburbs.
1. Rocksteady Records
Head up to the first floor of the historic Mitchell House in Melbourne CBD, and check out Rocksteady Records. This store has plenty of new and second-hand vinyl, with a wide range of genres like indie, rock, new wave and more. They also host intimate gigs. See more here.
📍 Mitchell House, Level 1, 358 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
2. Wax Museum Records
Journey underground to Wax Museum Records, a record store that represents Melbourne’s underground music scene. This basement venue stocks plenty of new releases and lost treasures, as well as books, accessories and equipment. They also have their own label, providing a platform for local artists. See more here.
📍Basement, 250 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Greville Records
Open since 1979, Greville Records is an iconic independent store in the southside of Melbourne. Find a wide variety of new and used records, spanning a range of genres like country, jazz, hip hop and more. You’ll also find posters, T-shirts and more. Check them out here.
📍152 Greville St, Prahran VIC 3181
4. Dutch Vinyl
At Dutch Vinyl, you’ll find over 20,000 records in stock, both new and second-hand. Every year, these music lovers travel to Holland in search of Dutch and European vinyl record pressings, which are known for their excellent quality. On top of their vinyl records, you’ll find books, accessories and more. More info here.
📍269 Johnston St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
5. Record Paradise
Owned by music lovers Renae Maxwell and Paul Allen, this shop is, well, a Record Paradise. Find plenty of new release and reissue vinyl, and keep an eye on their socials for any live album launches. If you need a change, you can also get a hair cut from Paul at the attached hair salon, Paradise Cutters. See more here.
📍159 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
6. Northside Records
Northside Records prides itself on being the soul of Melbourne. Open since 2002, they specialise in soul and funk, but also have reggae, house, disco and more. Find plenty of local music, as well as music from overseas. They also host in-store performances, and you can see what’s coming up here.
📍236 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
7. Thornbury Records
Despite the name, you’ll find Thornbury Records just down the road in Northcote. Open since 2011, this independent record store is a place that celebrates local artists and physical music products. You’ll find plenty of vinyl in a wide range of genres, as well as cassettes, CDs, turntables, speakers and more. See more here.
📍461 High St, Northcote VIC 3070
8. Heartland Records
Heartland Records is a passionate music store in North Melbourne. First established in 1992, this shop has a vast range of music, spanning across plenty of genres and eras. Find popular artists and deeper cuts. On top of their vinyl, they also sell CDs, DVDs, merch and posters. See more here.
📍420-422 Victoria St, North Melbourne VIC 3051
9. Licorice Pie Records
Wander into Collingwood Yards and discover second-hand vinyl specialists, Licorice Pie Records. Established in 2002, this shop focuses on buying and selling pre-loved vinyl records and vintage hi-fi equipment. You’ll find something to suit every music taste, and their stock is regularly updated. More info here.
📍Collingwood Yards 3, 30 Perry St, Collingwood VIC 3066
10. The Searchers Records
Searching for good tunes? You can’t go wrong with The Searchers Records on Smith Street. This shop buys and sells all sorts of records in a range of genres, including punk, metal, electronic and psychedelic rock. See more here.
📍93 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
11. Alley Tunes Records & Cafe
Just across from Glenferrie Station, you’ll find Alley Tunes Records & Cafe. This vibey spot originally specialised in underground electronic dance music, but now has a whole range of genres to discover. Browse through their massive collection of about 17,000 records, then grab a coffee and find a seat in the alley. See more here.
📍 8/660A Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
12. Skydiver Records
Head to Skydiver Records for music, then stick around for coffee, pizza and cocktails. This venue is run by three local DJs, and you’ll find a selection of new and second-hand records and tapes in a variety of genres. They also offer a disc flattening service, to help you flatten and remove warps from unplayable discs. After browsing through their music, unwind with a drink and a hearty pizza. See more here.
📍358 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
13. Wah Wah Records
Have a dig through the selection at Wah Wah Records and find plenty of old and new vinyl. Here, you’ll find a focus on 60s and 70s rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm & blues, as well as a celebration of Australian artists. See more here.
📍196 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
14. White Rabbit Record Bar
Fall down the rabbit hole and find a wonderland of music at White Rabbit Record Bar. First established in 2005, this Kensington gem has an extensive collection of new and pre-loved vinyl in a wide range of genres. They also have CDs, books and DJs on weekends. After finding something to add to your collection, relax in the beer garden for wine, beer, cocktails and delicious food. More info here.
📍 176 Bellair St, Kensington VIC 3031
15. Dixons Recycled Records
Dixon Recycled Records have been in the game since 1976, and have two record stores around Melbourne. They’ve got a stack of second-hand LPs, as well as CDs, cassettes, DVDs, books and collectables. More info here.
📍237 High St, Northcote VIC 3070 and 100 Railway Rd, Blackburn VIC 3130