Newcastle Bookshop Trail

Today's adventure is all about books with a bit of bespoke shopping thrown in for good measure. So, let's do a Jack Kerouac and get 'On the Road'…

Betty Loves Books at The Station is where it all begins, with an eclectic mix of new and second-hand books, plus a host of gorgeous giftware. This colourful and inviting space will have you wanting to curl up in the corner and slip into a world among the pages. Soak it up and select your faves. Plus, for specialty tea lovers, there's an ultra-cute range worth checking out.

Just a couple of doors down is the artist-run collective, Make Space. A joyful celebration of artistic creativity, Make Space is known for selling one-off and limited-edition home décor, beauty, and fashion items. Also, artist-run workshops and events often fill the space with an abundance of creative energy, so it's well worth taking a quick peek at their events page before planning your trail adventure.

For those who appreciate quality stationery or are keen to take your letter writing to new literary heights, Honest Paper will be a welcome stop. Just up the road at Wolfe Street is a curated collection of goods boasting aesthetic prowess and thoughtful design. Shoppers are treated to the house-brand Daymaker Stationery, along with beloved pens, journals, planners, and so much more.

A quick walk down Newcastle's leafy mall and sitting across from QT Newcastle is The Book Grocer. Specialising in new and second-hand books across the vast gamut of fiction and non-fiction genres, this family-owned business has a welcome point of difference. Thrifty shoppers rejoice. Because shoppers here can expect to find books below RRP. Yep, more books for less, is always a good thing!

Just along from Newcastle Art Gallery along Darby Street is Cooks Hill Books & Records. A veritable treasure trove stacked with pre-loved books and vinyl, book and music lovers can spend hours browsing the tightly filled shelves. Plus, right next door is Blackbird Corner, which sells all things quirky and fun for the curious collector — artist-made jewellery, clothing, accessories, and more.

Back on Hunter Street, The Press Coffee and Book House is calling. Carefully curated books line the cosy café space, where quality coffee and pastries are the order of the day. A favourite pastime of many a book lover in Newcastle is also tucking into their literary-inspired toasties, like the Bukowski or Hemingway, while admiring all the pre-loved classics and special editions.

One of Newcastle West's best-kept secrets is the stationery, book, and art print haven, Paper Caravan. The sweet little space has an eclectic range of colourful art and coffee table books, bespoke gift cards, a host of unique pencils and pens, and many quaint artist tools. Plus, there is a great collection of A4 and A3 artist prints, perfect for gifts or that quiet little reading nook at home.

Heading into the heart of Hamilton's Beaumont Street sits Qs Books, specialising in pre-loved, rare, and out-of-print books. A family-owned, community-minded book trader, Qs Books is the go-to bookshop for those wanting to track down a special edition or hard-to-find gem. With a collection of between 100,000 to 150,000 books, there truly is something for everyone.

Another second-hand booklover's favourite on Beaumont Street, and Newcastle's oldest is Rices Bookshop. A popular amongst locals since 1969, Rices sells comics and old magazines through to first editions and collectables. Music lovers can also find a host of pre-loved beauties, including tapes, CDs, and LPs, and can even get their hands on second-hand stereos and turntables.

Last, but certainly not least on this epic book trail are the independent local legends behind MacLean's Booksellers. Another Beaumont Street favourite, this full-to-bursting bookshop is known for its diverse collection, including many talented local authors. An ardent supporter of author events and a regular book club host, MacLean's is a community hub and new release hot spot.