The Best Independent Bookshops in Melbourne
Melbourne is widely considered to be Australia’s cultural capital, and is a UNESCO city of literature. The city has a strong and diverse literary heritage, with indigenous Australians writing stories on rocks, bark or possum skins for over 40,000 years. Melbourne has also been home to many famous writers, such as Marcus Clarke, C.J. Dennis, Peter Carey, Helen Garner, Christios Tsoilkas and Nam Le. The city is Australia’s literary hub, and it supports a diverse cadre of writers, a hugely prosperous publishing industry (Lonely Planet being the most successful), numerous literature festivals, and a strong culture of independent booksellers. We take a look at some of the best bookshops in the city.
Paperback Bookshop
Located on Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD is this independent bookstore that was established in the early 1960s to offer a wide selection of books, especially paperbacks, that are not commonly found in Melbourne. There is something for everyone at the Paperback Bookshop, which sells good Australian and international new releases and classics. It is open until late most days, and shoppers are encouraged to grab a coffee at Pelligrini’s next door. They also have a monthly newsletter and an online shop. This store is packed wall-to-wall with books, making it a real haven for book-worms anywhere.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 9.30am-10om; Fri 9.30am-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 12-7pm
The Paperback Bookshop, 60 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC, Australia, +61 3 9662 1396
Hares & Hyenas
Originally opening as a speciality bookstore selling books and magazines of the LGBTQ+ genre, Hares & Hyenas has transformed into a café and bar where you can come with friends for a drink, or just have a browse through the thousands of available titles. They also have regular readings from well-known writers. Hares & Hyenas was involved in the ‘Word is OUT’ exhibition, which looks at Melbourne’s LGBTQ+ history through the eyes of some of its greatest writers.
Opening ours: Mon-Sat 7am-7pm; Sunday 12-6pm
Hares & Hyenas, 63 Johnston St, Fitzroy VIC, Australia, +61 3 9495 6589
Embiggen Books
Located just behind the State Library of Victoria, Embiggen Books is an independent and family-run bookstore with an ever-changing collection. You will feel right at home thanks to décor that is reminiscent of a traditional bookshop. They stock many popular titles, but also thrive on stocking new, and self-published authors, so there is always something new and interesting to get your hands on. Their events programme is well-known, and has already attracted an international philosopher and a Nobel Prize winner. The staff are very knowledgeable, and if you have a brief idea of what you are looking for they will be able to point you to a few different titles that are sure to not disappoint.
Openng hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am-7pm; Sat-Sun 10.30am-5pm
Embiggen Books, Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC, Australia,+61 3 9662 2062
Coventry Bookstore
Coventry Street in South Melbourne is the beautiful home of Coventry Bookstore, a small independent bookstore providing a modern and spacious outlet for international and Australian fiction, as well as children’s fiction and non-fiction titles. Coventry Bookstore is free from the clutter and complexity that is so often found in other bookstores; here you will find a clean and tidy store that is easy to navigate and a pleasant book-browsing experience.
Opening hours: Mon-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun 9.30am-4.30pm
Coventry Bookstore, 265 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC, Australia, +61 3 9686 8200
The Brunswick Street Bookstore
Located in Fitzroy, Melbourne’s hub for alternative culture and the hipster life, is this bookshop that specialises in good service and stress-free browsing. The Brunswick Street Bookstore opened it’s doors in 1987, just in time for the cultural boom that was experienced in this cool, inner-city suburb. The Brunswick Street Bookstore is a cosy store where you can find the newest release books as well as backlist fiction and non-fiction, including arts and crafts, design and fashion.
Opening hours: 10am-10pm daily
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
