This is one for the bookworms. While Down Under famously caters to the outdoorsy, those of us who prefer the comfort of a flat white and a good novel have plenty of places to choose from. With that in mind, discover our favourite bookshops in Australia.

Photo credit – Google Maps Street View

Melbourne

The Paperback Bookshop
60 Bourke Street

Independent bookseller icon since the 1960s.

Where to stay: Rydges Hotel Melbourne

Perimeter Books
748 High Street, Thornbury

Sleek stockist of short runs and obscure, artsy titles.

Where to stay: Aluxstay Apartments Bell City Preston

Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookselllers
The Assembly Hall Building, 156 Collins Street

Premier haven for rare books and C.S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien-types.

Where to stay: Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Metropolis Bookshop
Level 3, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street

Metropolis is just the place to geek out over hard-to-find, niche titles in Melbourne.

Where to stay: The Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure Melbourne

Hares & Hyenas
63 Johnston Street, Fitzroy

Possibly the best LGBTQ bookshop on the planet.

Where to stay: Tyrian Serviced Apartments Fitzroy

Melbourne City Guide

Sydney

Gleebooks
49 Glebe Point Road, Glebe

The paragon independent bookseller in the New South Wales capital.

Where to stay: Novotel Hotel Rockford Darling Harbour Sydney

Ariel Booksellers
42 Oxford Street, Paddington

Ariel has been a Paddington staple since 1985.

Where to stay: Arts Hotel Sydney

MCA Store
Circular Quay Foyer, Level 1, Museum of Comtemporary Art, The Rocks

The pretty store at the Museum of Contemporary Art sells more than just coffee table tomes and books for art history students.

Where to stay: The Russell Hotel Sydney

Kinokuniya
Level 2, TGV, 500 George Street

While big on titles from Japan, Kinokuniya stocks a wide selection and has a fine café too.

Where to stay: Hilton Sydney

Brisbane

Folio Books
80 Albert Street

Winner of Queensland Specialist Book Store award in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Where to stay: Royal On The Park Hotel Brisbane

Riverbend Books
193 Oxford Street, Bulimba

Steps from Bulimba Ferry Terminal, Riverbend is a teahouse and bookstore oasis.

Where to stay: Spicers Balfour Hotel Brisbane

Archives Fine Books
40 Charlotte Street

If vintage is your bag, Archives Fine Books is the answer.

Where to stay: M On Mary Apartment Hotel Brisbane

Brisbane City Guide

Adelaide

Imprints Booksellers
107 Hindley Street

Warm, convivial, intellectual vibes in West End Adelaide.

Where to stay: The Sebel Playford Adelaide

Mary Martin Bookshop
249 Rundle Street

Mary Martin, circa 1945, is one of the oldest bookstores in Oz.

Where to stay: The Majestic Roof Garden Hotel Adelaide

Adelaide City Guide

Perth

Oxford St Books
119 Oxford Street, Leederville

Go-to independent in metro Perth, with free Minties and bookmarks at the cash.

Where to stay: The Richardson Hotel And Spa Perth

Bookcaffè
137 Claremont Crescent, Swanbourne

A gem in the coastal ‘burb of Swanbourne and three-time Independent Bookseller of the Year in WA.

Where to stay: Cottesloe Beach Chalets

Perth City Guide

Margaret River

Margaret River Bookshop
Shop 1/109, Bussell Highway

Local owners and a strong selection of books for oenophiles.

Where to stay: Basildene Manor Estate

Margaret River Wine Region Guide

Alice Springs

Red Kangaroo Books
79 Todd Street

The most literate spot in Central Australia specialises in books on Aboriginal culture.

Where to stay: Best Western Elkira Resort Motel Alice Springs

Alice-Springs City Guide

Canberra and ACT

Beyond Q
44 Curtin Place

Superb bar and café in the ACT suburb of Curtin that just so happens to carry a massive selection of books.

Where to stay: Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Canberra City Guide