Whoa Nellie

Queensland’s smallest independent bookstore has just opened in Victoria Point in the form of a curated vending machine with a rotating selection of page-turners and gifts behind the glass.

Whoa Nellie is the brainchild of primary school teacher Ellene Lye who hand selects every item that goes into the vending machine with her team. There’s no algorithms or bestseller lists—just real recommendations you can browse on a screen built into the machine open during the same hours as Victoria Point Shopping Centre for your convenience. 

Expect an ever-changing mix of classics and new releases across genres, plus pictures books, washi tape, stickers, keyrings, notepads and novelties by local artisans (think Lawn Bowls, Rodeo Embroidery, Odd Hand Co., and Rachel Burke). Plus, the machine itself is a beauty to look at, wrapped in fantastical worlds featuring a cast of 70s-inspired oddball characters. 

“I want Whoa Nellie to really stay true to the ethos and vibe of your local independent bookseller, where people can trust that every single book is going to be carefully selected for its quality and the joy it brings. The most formative books I’ve read are those that were picked for me by a passionate bookseller,” said Lye.

You’ll find Whoa Nellie Novel Vending inside Victoria Point Shopping Centre near Kmart (Coffee Club entrance).

Image credit: Whoa Nellie | Supplied