A city in Australia, Brisbane, may not be popular for its literary heritage or culture, but it surely has some amazing bookshops that can melt any bookworm’s heart. If you happen to be in Brisbane and hold a sweet spot for books in your heart, then we highly recommend checking out these literary treasures. We can bet that you won’t leave without buying at least 2 to 3 books. To help you find some amazing bookshops in Brisbane, we have covered some amazing recommendations in this blog. Keep reading further to know some wonderful book heavens in Brisbane.
Table of contents
| Bookshop | Google Rating |
| Scrumptious Reads | 4.7/5 |
| QAGOMA Bookshop | 4.5/5 |
| Riverbend Books | 4.7/5 |
| Avid Reader | 4.8/5 |
| Pulp Fiction | 4.8/5 |
1. Scrumptious Reads
If you are a foodie at heart and are always on the lookout for some amazing culinary books, then Scrumptious Reads is good news for you. This bookstore consists of every food-related book which will surely fill your heart with joy. Along with the amazing books, there is also an event space and a private dining area for special occasions. If you are planning to host a dinner for your friends from student accommodation in Brisbane or family, then you will surely find some amazing cookbooks here, which will help you put your best foot forward. Trust us, you will thank us later for this treat to your taste buds.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | James Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane |
| Specialty | Culinary and food-related books |
| Student-Friendly Perks | Ideal for planning dinners, recipes, and foodie events |
| Extra Features | Event space, private dining area |
| Vibe | Gourmet, artistic, inviting |
| Recommended For | Food enthusiasts, culinary students, home chefs |
Also Read: Exploring the top 5 must-visit bookshops in Chicago
2. QAGOMA Bookshop
If you are someone who is into art and culture, then QAGOMA bookshop is a one-stop solution for your needs. You will feel quite joyous here when you come across works of the world’s best contemporary artists, which interestingly also include artists from the land Down Under. A fun fact about this store is that all the profit earned is used to expand the collection of the gallery and present some brand-new and exciting exhibits.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), South Bank |
| Specialty | Art, design, and culture books |
| Student-Friendly Perks | Educational material for art & design students |
| Extra Features | Supports gallery by funding new exhibitions |
| Vibe | Artistic, intellectual, curated |
| Recommended For | Art, culture, and design students; museum lovers |
3. Riverbend Books
Situated on Bulimba’s Oxford Street, this bookstore is a paradise on earth for every bookworm out there. Just a little walk away from the river, you will be able to access this store. As a book lover, you would surely lose track of time going through this bookstore’s collection. Their amazing collection entails all the latest popular releases, so if you are looking to find something new, this store will never disappoint you. Since its collection has something for everyone, this bookstore brings people from every walk of life together. If you live in a student accommodation in Australia close to this place, you can also enjoy some light meals, which are available at the front desk. The staff here is quite friendly and helpful, so if you have any queries or want some recommendations, they will be your buddy for the day.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Oxford Street, Bulimba |
| Specialty | Popular new releases, bestsellers, all genres |
| Student-Friendly Perks | Café available, friendly staff, close to riverside |
| Extra Features | Welcoming to all ages, great community vibe |
| Vibe | Cosy, social, reader-friendly |
| Recommended For | Students seeking relaxation, café vibes, and new releases |
Also Read: 5 Bookshops in Southampton You Must Visit
4. Avid Reader
Imagine a situation where you are exploring a bookstore with coffee in your hand and there are plants all around, sounds exciting, right? Well, the more exciting thing is that this is not just a fantasy; you can experience it in real life at Avid Reader. The collection of this bookstore contains cherry-picked books from both fiction and non-fiction categories. Here you will find a speciality book and gift store by the name of ‘Where The Wild Things Are Next Door’ which was opened especially for young readers, offering them a range of quirky gifts and journals. As a treat to all book lovers, this bookstore hosts international and local writers in in-store events.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Boundary Street, West End, Brisbane |
| Specialty | Curated fiction & non-fiction, local author events |
| Student-Friendly Perks | Coffee shop, green ambience, youth bookstore next door |
| Extra Features | ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ for young readers and gifts |
| Vibe | Eco-friendly, literary, hip |
| Recommended For | Students who enjoy literary discussions, peaceful study spots |
5. Pulp Fiction
Founded in 1995, this bookstore is a treat to all Sci-fi and fantasy book lovers. The model of this store is based on the old-school idea of a brick-and-mortar store. The genres that dominate the bookshelves of this bookstore are science fiction, true crime, mystery and crime with a healthy dose of horror, fantasy, and so much more. The convenient location of this store will allow you to reach here easily as it is near Central Station. The best thing about this bookstore is that the staff here are book lovers themselves, so if you are struggling with some recommendations, then they will have your back.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Central Station, Brisbane CBD |
| Specialty | Sci-fi, fantasy, horror, crime, true crime |
| Student-Friendly Perks | Great for genre-specific enthusiasts, easily accessible via public transport |
| Extra Features | Expert staff recommendations, nostalgic layout |
| Vibe | Niche, imaginative, retro |
| Recommended For | Fans of fantasy, sci-fi, crime thrillers |
Must Read: Exploring Literary Treasures in London
While Brisbane has its famous bookshops, a few hidden gems are tucked away across the city that every student should know about. These quiet spots often offer rare finds, budget-friendly deals, and cosy spaces to study or unwind. Here are the must-visit hidden bookstores in Brisbane:
1. Archives Fine Books (Charlotte Street, CBD)
Home to over 1 million second-hand books, this treasure trove is perfect for students hunting for vintage finds or academic texts on a budget.
2. Bent Books (West End)
A funky, community-driven second-hand bookstore where you’ll find quirky titles, niche genres, and friendly staff who love to chat about books.
3. Lovewell Book Café (Mt Gravatt Lookout)
Combining coffee, books, and a great view, this is a peaceful spot for students looking to escape the city buzz and read in nature.
4. The Book Merchant Jenkins (Annerley)
Focused on rare, LGBTQIA+, and art-based literature—perfect for students in humanities, arts, and gender studies.
Why You’ll Love These:
- Great for bargain hunting
- Less crowded and more relaxed
- Unique collections you won’t find in big stores
- Often host community events or zine swaps
Tips for Exploring Brisbane’s Book Culture
Brisbane’s book scene is vibrant and diverse, especially for students who want more than just textbooks. There are many ways you can make the most of it. Here are some of the tips to explore bookshops in Brisbane:
1. Follow Bookstores on Social Media: Most local bookshops post updates about discounts, book launches, and student events. A quick follow-up can help you stay in the loop.
2. Combine Reading with Relaxation: Many bookshops like Riverbend or Avid Reader have cafés attached. Take your notes, sip a coffee, and enjoy a calm study session.
3. Ask the Staff for Recommendations: Don’t be shy—bookstore staff are passionate readers. Tell them your interests or course subject, and they’ll guide you to the right shelf.
4. Join Book Events or Reading Clubs: Book clubs are a great way to meet locals and fellow students while improving your communication and critical thinking skills.
5. Plan a Bookstore Crawl: Pick a Saturday and explore 2–3 shops in different suburbs. Use public transport or a student travel card to make it budget-friendly.
Brisbane’s bookshops offer more than just great reads—they provide cozy study spots, community vibes, and budget-friendly finds for students. Whether you love rare books, bestsellers, or peaceful cafés, Brisbane’s bookstore culture has something for every curious mind to explore.
FAQs
Dymocks is the leading book retailer in Australia.
Buenos Aires is regarded as the bookshop capital of the world.
Dymocks operates through a comprehensive multi-channel strategy, which entails an international retail network of 65 stores in Australia.
Avid Reader, Scrumptious Reads, and Riverbend Books often hold book launches, signings, and author meetups.
Scrumptious Reads is Brisbane’s top food-focused bookshop, featuring cookbooks and culinary events.
Yes, The Book Merchant Jenkins is known for its inclusive and diverse book collection.
Bookshops like Bent Books (West End) and Avid Reader (South Brisbane) are near popular student housing areas.
Most bookshops in Brisbane, including Riverbend and Avid Reader, are open on weekends—perfect for a study break or weekend visit.
Great second-hand bookshops in Brisbane are Archives Fine Books (CBD) and Bent Books (West End).
Yes! Riverbend Books and Avid Reader both have on-site cafés perfect for reading or studying.
We hope you liked this blog, where we covered some of the best bookshops in Brisbane. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience, you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
Follow Us on Social Media
