If you love listening to music or getting stuck into a good book, there’s nothing like your local independent book or record store.
Smaller independent stores are often home to passionate staff who take the time to carefully curate their selections, and give excellent personalised recommendations.
Here are some of our favourite independent book and record stores in Australia.
Adelaide
Clarity Records
Right in the middle of the city, Clarity Records is Adelaide’s go-to destination for punk, metal and alternative music fans, stocking new and secondhand vinyl alongside local Australian releases.
Streetlight Records
Streetlight specialises in new vinyl records, as well as second-hand DVDs, CDs, books and clothing.
Matilda Bookshop
Located in Stirling, in the tranquil Adelaide Hills, Matilda Bookshop is well worth the drive. The store has a strong sense of community, hosting author events and book clubs for kids and adults.
Imprints Booksellers
An icon of the Adelaide literary scene, Imprints has called Hindley Street home for over 30 years. Not sure what to read? Ask their friendly (and very knowledgeable) staff for a recommendation.
Brisbane
Jet Black Cat Music
A popular record store in Brisbane’s West End, also operating as a touring company that promotes local and international artists around the QLD/NSW area.
Rocking Horse Records
Rocking Horse Records is Queensland’s oldest and largest independent record store, selling thousands of vinyl records and CDs, as well as merch, DVDs and books.
Avid Reader
Avid Reader is a much-loved West End bookstore with a strong focus on Australian literature. Avid regularly hosts author talks, book launches and literary events.
Riverbend Books
Located in Bulimba, Riverbend Books is a charming neighbourhood bookstore with a café, so you can enjoy a coffee while you browse.
Canberra
Landspeed Records
Landspeed Records is Canberra’s oldest independent record store and a favourite among local collectors. The shop stocks a wide variety of vinyl across rock, indie, jazz and more.
Songland Records
The home of the hard-to-find, Songland Records specialises in classical and blues, and has been supporting the Aussie music scene for over 30 years.
Paperchain Bookstore
Paperchain Bookstore is a Canberra favourite, known for its wide range of fiction and non-fiction.
Canty’s Bookshop
Located in Fyshwick, Canty’s is a second-hand bookstore with an impressive range of affordable books.
Darwin
Air Raid Records
The Northern Territory’s only secondhand vinyl record store, Air Raid Records, stocks vinyl and CDs, as well as cassette tapes (remember those?), turntables and music equipment.
Vintage Vinyl
Darwin’s newest record store, Vintage Vinyl, is only open on the weekends and sells an impressive range of secondhand vinyl.
The Bookshop Darwin
The Bookshop Darwin is the Northern Territory’s largest independent bookstore. It has a strong selection of Northern Territory history, Indigenous culture and Australian fiction.
Caryota Book Exchange
Packed floor to ceiling with thousands of pre-loved books across every genre, you’re sure to find an unexpected treasure at Caryota Book Exchange.
Hobart
Suffragette Records
Suffragette Records is a family-owned business, selling only music made by female artists. Subscribe to one of their clubs to receive a new album in your mailbox every month.
Music Without Frontiers
Music Without Frontiers has been a Hobart institution for over 50 years, and is stocked with new releases as well as rare collectibles.
Fullers Bookshop
Running since 1920, Fullers Bookshop is one of Tasmania’s most loved bookstores, with a strong focus on Tasmanian authors and local history.
The Hobart Bookshop
Located by the waterfront in Salamanca, The Hobart Bookshop hosts plenty of community events, and has a large selection of books on Tasmanian history.
Melbourne
Northside Records
Northside Records is a Fitzroy icon, famous for its incredible selection of soul, funk and hip-hop vinyl. The store even has its own record label, and hosts regular instore performances, signings and album launches.
Rocksteady Records
Supporting local and independent artists, Rocksteady Records is known for its carefully curated selection of vinyl across rock, indie, soul and jazz.
Hares & Hyenas
Hares & Hyenas is Australia’s oldest LGBTQIA+ bookstore and a key part of Melbourne’s queer cultural scene. The shop stocks a wide range of queer literature as well as non-fiction.
Hill of Content Bookshop
This historic Melbourne bookstore has been operating in the city since 1922. Its beautifully curated shelves focus on literature, history and non-fiction.
Perth
Dada Records
Dada Records is one of Perth’s most famous independent music stores, with a huge selection of new and used vinyl.
Safaris Record Shack
Friendly staff, plenty of new and secondhand vinyl and a resident border collie - all of these can be found at Safaris Record Shack in Northbridge.
Crow Books
Crow Books is a small and beloved bookstore located in Victoria Park, and is open late every night. Keep an eye out for their sales on damaged books!
Stefen's Books
Specialising in crime, science fiction, fantasy and horror, you won’t have trouble finding your new favourite book with the help of their passionate staff.
Sydney
Red Eye Records
One of Australia’s most iconic independent record stores, Red Eye Records, has been serving music lovers in Sydney since 1981. Shop here for vinyl, rare releases and a wide range of music from Australian artists.
Repressed Records
Located in Newtown, Repressed Records specialises in punk, indie and underground music from Australia and around the world.
Better Read than Dead
Better Read Than Dead is a beloved Newtown bookstore that prides itself on its welcoming atmosphere and expert staff. The store regularly hosts author talks, book clubs and community events.
Gleebooks
Gleebooks is a long-running independent bookstore in Glebe with an excellent range of fiction, non-fiction and academic books. The store also hosts over two hundred events each year!
