If you’re looking for bookstores where your mind can take a flight to other worlds, below we’ve featured 10 top bookstores in Victoria, Australia.
1. Paperback Bookshop (Melbourne)
One of Melbourne’s finest, Paperback Bookshop is an independent bookseller that first opened their doors some 60 years ago. Originally, they almost exclusively stocked rare books, but today they have a huge selection of contemporary and classic literature, with both fiction and non-fiction titles on display.
Paperback Bookshop has a passion for supporting Australian authors – this is a great store to visit if you’re looking to find the latest title from your favourite Aussie author. Art books, history books, children’s books, poetry collections, mythology – they have it all (and if they don’t, they’ll order it for you). Contact Paperback Bookshop for more details.
2. The Book Bird (Geelong)
The Book Bird is Geelong’s premier independent bookstore. Situated in west Geelong, The Book Bird first opened their doors in 2015 and boasts a diverse and unique range of titles, including old classics, modern classics, and some undiscovered morsels you’ll love reading. Their friendly and engaging staff are always happy to point you in the right direction of what you’re looking for, and are more than happy to make suggestions or recommendations upon request.
At The Book Bird, you can find children’s titles, cookbooks, young adult fiction, plus adult fiction (including fantasy and sci-fi). They also have a vast selection of non-fiction titles, including books about politics, travel, history, science, and biographies. If the book you’re looking for isn’t available, their team can order it for you. Contact The Book Bird to learn more.
3. Collins Booksellers (Ballarat)
Based in Ballarat, Victoria, Collins Booksellers is a quaint destination with a fantastic selection of titles to choose from. For your convenience (and so that customers don’t get lost), the store is divided into three sections – one each for children’s books/young adult titles, fiction, and non-fiction. With one of the largest selections of books in Ballarat, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.
Books can be purchased online through the Collins Booksellers website, and local delivery is offered on Wednesday afternoons. The store itself is open seven days a week and is full of even more amazing titles. Contact Collins Booksellers for more details.
4. North Melbourne Books (North Melbourne)
Although small, North Melbourne Books is an amazing bookstore with lots of hidden gems. Open six days a week (closed Mondays), North Melbourne Books stocks a great range of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s book titles. Their staff is made up of passionate readers and they have a wealth of knowledge they’re always willing to share with their customers. Contact the team at North Melbourne Books here.
5. Book Now (Bendigo)
Located in Bendigo, Book Now is a purveyor of second-hand books, many of which are now out-of-print or hard to come by. Since they first opened their doors in 1984, they have developed a large inventory with over 50,000 titles.
Book Now specializes in art books, music books, literature (with an emphasis on Australian literature), and local Australian history books. Browse their collections online, or visit their beautiful 1800s bookstore. Contact Book Now here.
6. Boomerang Book Exchange (Mildura)
The Boomerang Book Exchange is a community project located in Mildura, Victoria. More than just a bookstore, the Boomerang Book Exchange provides somewhere for locals to sell or exchange their books. All books for sale are pre-loved (but still in great condition), and there are books covering an extensive range of topics and genres.
When you buy a book from Boomerang Book Exchange, you have the option of returning it once you’ve finished reading it, and will receive store credit for half the cost of the book, which you can put towards another book! You can also exchange books that you already have for books from Boomerang Book Exchange. To learn more, contact Boomerang Book Exchange here.
7. Hill of Content Bookshop (Melbourne)
Hill of Content Bookshop is one of Melbourne’s most treasured bookstores. Their store is the perfect place to spend time browsing your favorite titles, or finding new books from both local and international authors. Their friendly employees can always point you in the direction of what you’re looking for, order books if they’re not in stock, and even gift wrap any presents you are buying.
Pretty much every genre imaginable is available at Hill of Content Bookshop. Whether you’re looking for non-fiction works on ancient history, architecture, Australiana, fashion, health, or just about anything else, they have it. They also have an amazing selection of fiction books, as well as titles for children and young adults. Contact Hill of Content Bookshop for more information.
8. Readings Carlton (Carlton)
Located on Carlton’s infamous Lygon Street, Readings Carlton is open seven days a week from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm (opens at 10:00 am Sunday). Since first opening in 1969, the bookstore has grown into a beautiful space full of quality books. They specialize in both fiction and non-fiction titles and have a great selection of crime, political books, biographies, Australiana, and more.
If you’re looking for more than books, Readings Carlton also has diaries, gift ideas, calendars, stationery, and more. They also have music, movies/TV show DVDs, and a great selection of books for kids. What’s more, there’s always a bargain bin with great deals on offer. Contact Readings Carlton to learn more.
9. Syber’s Books (Malvern)
Syber’s Books has two locations, one in Malvern and one in Caufield. The Malvern bookstore has flexible hours, but typically opens around 12:00 pm and closes between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm each day. The Caufield location is open from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm daily, and is where books are received and inventoried before being sent to the Malvern location.
Syber’s Books specializes in sci-fi, fantasy, true crime/crime fiction, Australiana, history, and children’s books. Customers can browse books at either store, or online. Orders can be placed through their website or over the phone, and shipping is available throughout Australia and also for international customers. Contact Syber’s Books for further details.
10. City Basement Books (Melbourne)
City Basement Books is located on Flinders Street in Melbourne, Vic. They are open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm (closed Sundays). They specialize in history books, as well as guides and other non-fiction titles.
Their vast selection can be browsed online, or you can visit their store to see the books for yourself. Shipping is available throughout Australia. Contact City Basement Books to learn more.