Podcasts & Books

Perth’s Best Bookstores To Inspire Your Next Good Read

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a bookstore in Perth

With the rise of Booktok, book review podcasts and book club culture, reading is having a real moment in 2024. Let's face it, though, no Audiobook or Kindle can mimic the magic of getting lost in your favourite Perth/Boorloo bookstore and clutching the cover of your new time-waster. 

At OB真人视讯, we’re all for shopping local and supporting the indies, and really you can't go wrong at these incredible independent bookstores in Perth.

Planet Books Mount Lawley

636 Beaufort St, Mount Lawley WA 6050

Inside Planet Books in Mount LawleyImage credit: Planet Books | Instagram

For those of us who grew up around Mount Lawley, Planet Books holds a particular nostalgia and although the big blue corner Planet building is no longer with us, this jam-packed piece of history remains a favourite all across Perth. Along with their brilliant books, they have a big focus on games, knick knacks and diaries all great for gifts and a weekend away. They’re already ready to give you a banging recommendation of what’s next on their own personal read lists, and will happily order you anything you can’t find in store. 

Typeface

7 Ardross St, Applecross WA 6153

Inside Typeface bookstore in Applecross
Image credit: Typeface | Instagram

 is a welcoming little bookshop in the leafy riverside 'burb of Applecross. Run by local Guinevere, they've got an awesome range of reads for all ages, plus some gorg little gifts as well. If you're a local too, why not become a member? Your monthly membership gets you discounts and even free advanced copies of new releases. Plus, you're also doing your bit to keep great indies like Typeface alive.

Diabolik Books & Records

149 Scarborough Beach Rd, Mount Hawthorn WA 6016

Inside Diabolik Books & RecordsImage credit: Diabolik Books & Records | Instagram

Diabolik Books & Records is a bursting little pop culture hive in Perth set amongst the Scarborough Beach Road strip in Mount Hawthorn. With the newest reads, classics, records, quirky gifts and a massive array of cards and notebooks, you’ll find anything unique that you’re on the lookout for.  On weekends, they often have vinyl sales out the front to entice the most hipster of us too! During lockdowns, they’ve even offered to-your-door delivery to save the bland trapped days of readers united. 

Open Book

124 Wellington St, Mosman Park WA 6012

Open Book's bookshop owner leaning on a bookshelf ladderImage credit: Open Book | Instagram

Mossie Park really lucked out when it scored . Set amongst a secret garden, with a lovely leafy courtyard out back to settle in with your new read, this top book shop is building a bustling community of readers. The store hosts regular book clubs, readings and meet-ups, so you can head along and chat all things books even if nobody else in your friend group is into it.

Crow Books

1/900 Albany Hwy, East Victoria Park WA 6101

Inside Crow Books in East Victoria ParkImage credit: Crow Books | Instagram

Crow Books is East Victoria Park’s little shining literature jewel tucked amongst the chaos of the Albany Highway cafe strip. They specialise in hard to find books, and can order you in just about anything at a moment’s notice. Their comfy chesterfield brown couches are the perfect place to curl up while you decide which little gems to take home.

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Planet Books Northbridge

192 William St, Northbridge WA 6000

View of books displayed at Planet Books in NorthbridgeImage credit: Planet Books Northbridge | Instagram

There’s nothing like dinner, dessert and a trip to . This late night wonderland always seems to be open right in the heart of Northbridge to explore and adore. As you walk in, they have a big table of all the hottest and most recommended novels to take the guesswork out of your choosing, as well as whimsical children’s books, gifts and games to play. The staff are literarily-wise as they get, and so you’ll leave with a little piece of gold in a brown paper bag. 

Elizabeth’s Bookshops

8 South Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160, 23 Queen Victoria St, Fremantle WA 6160 and 856 Hay St, Perth WA 6000

Secondhand books at Elizabeth'sImage credit: Elizabeth's | Facebook

Elizabeth's is where pre-loved books wait for new love at a fraction of the price. These books are ready to take home and save some space in your wallet at the same time, making reading even more sustainable. If you’re not too sure what to read next why not try Liz’s —a gift-wrapped mystery book with a few clues on the front to lure you in for less than $10. A perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Edicole

State Buildings, St Georges Tce &, Barrack St, Perth WA 6000

A collection of green books displayed on shelves at Edicole bookstore in Perth CBDImage credit: Edicole | Instagram

If we could hand out an award for Perth's most aesthetic bookshop, it'd have to go to . Set within the stunning heritage postal hall inside the State Buildings, this bookstore truly caters to the most creative souls—hell, the books are even organised by colour. On the shelves you'll find artful coffee table pieces full of beautiful images through to inspiring prose designed to whisk your mind away. They also offer an annual subscription, where you can get a new handpicked book delivered to you each month.

Boffins Bookshop

88 William St, Perth WA 6000

Boffins Bookshop in Perth
Image credit: Boffins | Facebook

Defined as someone who is enthusiastic and knowledgeable in any pursuit, activity or area of study, the passionate crew at are true to their name. The specialist CBD bookshop has been around since 1989 and offers one of the most comprehensive selections of new reads, bestsellers and more from publishers big and small. Can't find what you're looking for? They'll hunt those harder to find books down and order it in for you.

Millpoint Caffe Bookshop

254 Mill Point Rd, South Perth WA 6151

Inside Millpoint Caffe Bookshop in South PerthImage credit: Millpoint Caffe Bookshop | OB真人视讯

Get a side of culture with your coffee at Millpoint Caffe Bookshop in South Perth. Once you’ve browsed the shelves for your next rave read (be sure to ask the Millpoint crew for suggestions), sit down and enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or treat. You’ll want to book a table if it’s the weekend, this place can fill up fast with literary folk and book lovers alike.

New Edition Bookshop

41 High St, Fremantle WA 6160

Outside New Edition Bookshop on High St in FremantleImage credit: New Edition | Instagram

No Perth bookstore list could be published without Fremantle’s beloved New Edition Bookshop. Housed on a quiet corner of High Street, this unpretentious bookstore is a utopia for biblophiles and children alike, boasting a massive collection of unique children’s literature as well as big people’s. New Edition also places an emphasis on First Nations literature, something we should all be reading more about.

Collins Booksellers

23 Napoleon St, Cottesloe WA 6011

A staff member holding new books for sale at Collins Booksellers in CottesloeImage credit: Collins Booksellers | Instagram

Nestled between the luxe stores of Napoleon Street lives  run by beautiful people united in their adoration of books. Once again, the classics and newest releases live in kahoots with ever-changing recommendation tables and staff ready to have a conversation about what they themselves have loved recently. Collins is kind enough to ship books free of charge if you can’t get there, another saviour when life gets busy and offers gift vouchers to allow new readers to find a new place of enchantment.

Rabble Books & Games

2/46 Eighth Ave, Maylands WA 6051

The store window at Rabble Books & GamesImage credit: Rabble Books & Games | Instagram

 manages to pack a real punch in new releases and the latest literary smash hits. Big, bright and bold with expert knowledge over the counter and big smiles ready to help you out with whatever you need. Rabble is the perfect ending to a wander down Whatley Crescent after a tea and shop.

Lane Bookshop

52c Old Theatre Lane, Claremont WA 6010

Lane Bookshop in Old Theatre Lane in ClaremontImage credit: Lane Bookshop | Website

It may have changed hands once over the years (selling to one of their diehard bookshop regulars in 1994), but  has been proudly sharing good reads and book love since 1980, so we reckon it's safely earned its icon status. The staff are great, the book selection is top notch and there's a great little cafe right across the way too. Plus, the ye old Claremont laneway gives the shop serious charm too—perfect if you wanna romanticise your next book-shopping adventure.

White Dwarf Books

1/469 Wellington St, Perth WA 6000

For our Sci-Fi and fantasy lovers, head directly to  in whatever type of hovercraft or space shuttle suits you best. In the market for a supernatural romance? Or maybe something cyberpunk? You'll find it here. The crew are super friendly (they're self-professed geeks), and they stock a bunch of cute plush microbes too.

Bodhi Tree Bookstore

1/416-418 Oxford St, Mount Hawthorn WA 6016

Another bookstore-cafe cross, allowing you an excuse to spend the entire morning wandering and eating as you go. focuses on holistic, uplifting books to help you become your best self in the year ahead. There is also a range of crystals, note cards and other knick-knacks great for presents (or yourself!). A gorgeous peaceful space to rest and recharge.

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Main image credit: Renee Ardon

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