The 10 Best Bookshops In Perth

Calling all Perthians! Steer clear of the Dymocks chain and head to one of these bookshops that will delight your little heart. Whether you’re looking for that one particular book, or seeking that old book smell and feel, these stores are bound to become your new wonderland.

Boffins Bookshop

Since 1989, Boffins Bookshop has been a little gem for all the book lovers of Perth. Famous for their non-fiction collection, featuring books from cooking and law to art and design and philosophy, the two-floor bookshop also offers children’s best sellers and the classics. No matter what you are looking for, this colourful space will brighten up any bookworm’s day.

Monday to Thursday 9AM-5.30PM, Friday 9AM-8PM, Saturday 9AM-5PM, Sunday 12PM-5PM

Crow Books

Bookstore, Park

Fly into Crow Books for a range of publications not found elsewhere. Specialising in independent and alternative titles, there is a large variety of topics including tattoo, lowbrow art, graphic novels, gay sections, photography and vintage and modern classics. Although the shelves of this little bookstore are packed to the edge, it’s that amazing old book smell that will bring you back day after day.

Monday to Wednesday 10AM-9PM, Thursday & Friday 10AM-10PM, Saturday 9AM-10PM, Sunday 9AM-9PM

Diabolik Books & Records

Store

Appealing to a variety of niches, Diabolik Books & Records steers clear of the mainstream, focusing on the unusual and cult books. If you are a keen superhero lover, you cannot miss a trip to Diabolik for their books and comics. Whether you want to have a browse through some books on the comfy chairs before purchasing, or stock up on some records and board games, there’s more to this store than meets the eye.

Sunday to Thursday 9AM-9PM, Friday & Saturday 9AM-10PM

The Lane Bookshop

Bookstore

This friendly and local bookstore, originally opening in 1980, is Claremont‘s true gem. The Lane Bookshop is an independent seller of books offering an extensive collection, with a knack for sci-fi, performing arts and architecture books. Also selling fictional and children’s books, this small bookshop has a little something for everyone passing through the lane.

Monday to Wednesday & Friday 9AM-5.30PM, Thursday 9AM-8PM, Saturday 9AM-5PM, Sunday 11AM-2PM

Millpoint Caffe Bookshop

Shop

What could possibly be better than enjoying a good coffee with a great book? Surround yourself with books galore – from picture books to modern-day best sellers and timeless novels – at the Millpoint Caffe Bookshop. South Perth’s purple icon is a cosy little place to order fresh juice, coffee or brekky as you wander through the shelves. Just remember not to let your coffee get cold!

Monday to Sunday 8.30AM-5.30PM

New Edition Bookshop

Store

No matter how many times you walk through the New Edition, you will never leave the store empty-handed. Catering to bookworms seeking long lost literary classics and political pieces, there is also an array of non-fiction books from photography and gardening to travelling, fashion and design. Not only do they cater to these interests, but this independent store also sells a range of books by local authors for you to discover.

Monday to Sunday 9AM-9PM

Northside Books

While away your day at Northside Books discovering local publications, classics, design and film books, and possibly everything in between. This tiny place will make you feel like you have found your new home with their array of fiction, non-fiction and children’s books to accompany a decent coffee and something from their selection of baked goods. What more could you ask for?

Monday to Wednesday 10AM-9PM, Thursday to Saturday 10AM-10.30PM, Sunday 10.30AM-9PM

Oxford St Books

At Oxford St Books, there is no need to rush, as this quaint place allows you to browse their shelves well into the night. Not only does that glorious smell of paper and ink hit you at the door but also their standout areas, which are their photography and design sections – which isn’t common amongst bookstores. Although their specialty is in these sections, their fiction books are always up to date.

Sunday to Friday 10.30AM-10.30PM, Saturday 9.30AM-10.30PM

Planet Books

Store

Planet Books is a ‘bit of a Mount Lawley institution’, starting its life as an iconic video store – ah, those were the good ol’ days. This delightful bookshop holds a large selection of fiction, cult, pop culture and art and design titles, importing from local and international reads. Further supporting the local Perth creatives, this bookshop must be visited.

Sunday to Thursday 10AM-10PM, Friday & Saturday 10AM-11PM

Stefen's Books

The newest independent bookshop to arrive on Perth’s book scene is Stefen’s Books. Specialising in fantasy, horror, crime, sci-fi, comics, urban fantasy and speculative fiction, Stefen shows off his passion and knowledge for books of sorts. Not only does he supply new books, but he has also found those old and rare books you’ve been hunting down for a while.

Monday to Thursday 10AM-6PM, Friday 10AM-8PM, Saturday 9.30AM-5PM, Sunday 11AM-5PM

About the author

Ellie Griffiths

Growing up in the most isolated city in the world, Ellie moved to London embarking on a new journey and embracing her love for all things culture-based. Despite making her way across the world taking photographs of everything and eating her way through anything sweet and sugary, Ellie continues to celebrate all things Australian.