Melbourne is a dream city for book lovers! With its rich literary culture, charming bookstores, and cozy reading nooks, it’s the perfect place to get lost in a good book. Whether you love rare collectibles, second-hand gems, or the latest bestsellers, Melbourne’s bookshops have something for everyone.
From iconic indie stores to hidden second-hand book havens, every bookshop here has a unique charm. If you are a bookworm and looking for something from renowned authors, the below-mentioned are the world-renowned bookshops in Melbourne that must be explored.
Table of Contents
| Bookshops in Melbourne | Google Ratings |
| Hill of Content |  |
| Readings Carlton |  |
| Hares & Hyenas |  |
| Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller |  |
| The Little Bookroom |  |
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Hill of Content
Hill of Content is one of the oldest bookstores and is very close to your student housing in Melbourne. It was opened to the public in 1922. The bookshop is renowned for its pleasant browsing environment. It provides books from world-renowned authors and locally published books as well. An efficient special order service is provided, and gift wrapping can be done for free. With a cosy and elegant ambience, explore the racks themed and titled in contemporary fiction and non-contemporary fiction. It is considered one of the best in the town.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1922 |
| Location | Close to student housing in Melbourne |
| Specialty | Pleasant browsing environment, world-renowned and local books |
| Services | Special order service, free gift wrapping |
| Ambience | Cosy and elegant |
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday – Saturday | 10 am to 9pm |
| Sunday | 10 am to 9 pm |
Readings Carlton
Readings’ Carlton outpost opened to the public in 1969. The landmark bookstore won the ‘Bookstore of the Year’ award at the London Book Fair International Excellence Awards. The bookstore has so much to offer, from fiction books to cookbooks and coffee table tomes to children’s books, to CDs, vinyls, and gifts.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1969 |
| Award | ‘Bookstore of the Year’ – London Book Fair International Excellence Awards |
| Specialty | Fiction, cookbooks, children’s books, CDs, vinyl, gifts |
| Recognition | Landmark bookstore in Melbourne |
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday | 11am to 5 pm |
| Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday | 10 am to 6 pm |
| Friday | 10 am to 7 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am to 5 pm |
Hares & Hyenas
Hares & Hyenas opened in Commercial Road, South Yarra, in 1991. The bookstore was opened by a couple who met at Melbourne University in 1975. It is a sexuality and gender-diverse (queer) bookshop located in St. Kilda. They have presented over 5,000 literary and performance events since 1991. The bookstore boasts its huge range of fiction and non-fiction titles, coffee table books, erotica, DVDs, cards and the latest magazines from across the globe. Hares & Hyenas is the one-stop shop for all queer reading and entertainment needs.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1991 |
| Location | St. Kilda |
| Specialty | LGBTQ+ (Queer) bookshop |
| Offerings | Fiction, non-fiction, coffee table books, erotica, DVDs, magazines |
| Events | 5,000+ literary and performance events since 1991 |
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday – Saturday | 10 am to 5:30 pm |
| Sunday | 11:30 am to 5:30 pm |
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Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller
Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller opened up on Bourke Street in 1967 and then on Collins Street in 1990. If you are looking for books close to your student housing in Australia, dating back to the 15th century, head straight to Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller. Any rare book which you want to buy can be grabbed from this store. It is a pocket-friendly bookstore offering an AUD 5 sale on books.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1967 (Bourke Street), 1990 (Collins Street) |
| Specialty | Rare books dating back to the 15th century |
| Affordability | Offers AUD 5 book sales |
| Collection | Antique and rare books |
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday – Thursday | 10 am to 6 pm |
| Friday | 10 am to 7 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am to 4 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am to 4 pm |
The Little Bookroom
The Little Bookroom (Carlton) is nestled on St. George’s Road with a huge collection of books. The bookstore has been in service since the 1960s. It has so much to offer,r from picture books for toddlers to young adult fiction, comics, graphic novels, and a carefully curated range of fiction and non-fiction for adults.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1960s |
| Location | St. Georges Road, Carlton |
| Specialty | Books for toddlers to young adults |
| Offerings | Picture books, fiction, non-fiction, comics, graphic novels |
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday – Friday | 9 am to 6 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am to 5 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am to 4 pm |
Tips for Finding the Best Bookshops in Melbourne
Melbourne is full of amazing bookshops, but finding the right one for your needs can take time. Whether you’re looking for second-hand books, student-friendly prices, or a cozy reading space, these tips will help you discover the best bookshops in Melbourne.
1. Explore Different Neighborhoods: Each area in Melbourne has its own unique bookshops. Carlton is known for independent bookstores, while Fitzroy has great second-hand options. If you’re looking for specialty bookstores, the CBD is a good place to start.
2. Check for Student Discounts: Many bookshops in Melbourne offer student discounts. Stores like Readings and Dymocks sometimes have special deals for students. Always carry your student ID and ask about discounts at the counter.
3. Look for Book Events and Author Signings: Some bookshops host book readings, signings, and literary events. Readings Carlton and Hill of Content Bookshop frequently organize events where you can meet authors and fellow book lovers.
4. Visit Second-Hand and Discount Bookstores: If you’re on a budget, second-hand bookstores like City Basement Books and Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller offer great deals. You can find rare books, textbooks, and novels at much lower prices than new ones.
5. Try Online Bookstores for Convenience: If you can’t visit in person, check out Melbourne’s online bookshops. Websites like Readings, Avenue Bookstore, and Booktopia allow you to order books with home delivery. Some even have free shipping options for students.
FAQs
Melbourne has many amazing bookshops, including Readings Carlton, The Paperback Bookshop, Hill of Content, and Embiggen Books. These stores offer a mix of new, rare, and second-hand books, making them perfect for book lovers.
The Little Library offers a free book exchange option in Melbourne.
Hill of Content Bookshop is the oldest one, with its establishment dating back to 1922.
Indeed, you can make money by selling your old and unused books in Melbourne. The preferable choices to sell the old books include second-hand bookstores, library sales or book fairs and conventions. You can also sell your books online.
Yes! Hill of Content, The Little Bookroom, and Readings Carlton are some of the best independent bookshops in Melbourne. They have a warm, cozy atmosphere and a carefully curated selection of books.
Yes, you can! Bookshops like Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller and Alice’s Bookshop specialize in rare and collectible books. They have first editions, signed copies, and old manuscripts.
Yes! Many incredible bookshops in Melbourne for book enthusiasts host book signings, author readings, and literary events. Readings and The Sun Bookshop frequently organize such events.
Melbourne does not have 24-hour bookshops, but some stores like Readings and The Paperback Bookshop stay open late, making it easier for night owls to browse books.
Yes! Many bookshops like Readings, Hill of Content, and Embiggen Books offer online shopping and home delivery. This is useful for students who prefer to shop from home.
Some incredible bookshops in Melbourne for book enthusiasts looking for second-hand books are Alice’s Bookshop, Syber’s Books, and Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller. They have a great collection of rare and vintage books at affordable prices.
Above mentioned are just a few of the most renowned bookstores in Melbourne. Be sure to escape from the busy, monotonous schedule and grab a book to read at home or spare an hour and go through a chapter of a book with a sip of coffee. Happy reading!
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