You saw ‘best bookshops’ and you clicked straight away—tell us you’re a bookworm without telling us you’re a bookworm. And, no, we haven’t overpromised. These really are the top eight bookstores on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country in 2024.
Love browsing boutiques for second-hand volumes? Prefer that crisp brand-new-book smell? This article covers it all. So, go on—get reading and prepare to clear next weekend’s schedule.
Big B Books
Big B Arcade, 50 James Street, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Nestled in the Big B Arcade on James Street, Big B Books is stacked to the ceiling (or close enough, anyway) with books new and old. This second-hand bookstore supplements trade-ins with new releases—if you can’t find a pre-loved read to take to the beach, there’s always a handful of the latest hits to choose from.
What we love most, though, is Big B’s book exchange system. Here’s how it works: you bring in a book you’ve finished reading, Big B values it, and you get a credit note to use in-store. It’s the perfect way to pass on those fun, one-and-done reads—and pick up something fresh to sink your brain into.
Be warned, though, that your browsing will take place dangerously close to Social Brew. If you grab a cheeky novel and plonk yourself down for an extended coffee break, we won’t judge.
Bundle O’Books
116 Griffith Street, Coolangatta QLD 4225
Bundle O’Books is the sort of classic second-hand bookstore you can get lost in for hours. You know—shelves jumbled with new and niche titles, books piled on every spare inch of floor, and that delightful feeling that you’re about to stumble onto some long-lost volume that will keep you glued to the page.
If you loved the vibe of places like Antique & Collector’s Books in Southport (now sadly closed), Bundle O’Books is absolutely worth a visit. Grab a book or three, add some caffeine from one of Coolangatta’s best cafes, and bask in the sun on Greenmount Beach.
Bookness Mudgeeraba
60 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213
The sign on the door defines ‘bookness’ as ‘the qualities that make a book what it is’, and that’s exactly what this independent store delivers. Warm, inviting, and beautifully presented, Bookness Mudgeeraba offers a seriously broad selection of new titles.
Browse everything from fresh releases and indie novels to philosophy classics and manga (including puzzles, cards, and other assorted gifts). Of course, a big part of Bookness’s popularity is its delightful on-site cafe—perfect for book clubs, digital nomads, and casual visitors. Order a hot chocolate and a scone, and curl up with your latest acquisition on one of the plush leather couches for an afternoon well-spent.
P.S. Parking can be tight over the weekend. If you can’t snag a spot out front, head around the back to the Woolworths parking lot.
Under the Greenwood Tree
92 Main Western Road, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Image Credit: Under the Greenwood Tree | Duncan Croker
There’s something about Tamborine that makes it a natural fit for bookshops. Maybe it’s the cool alpine air, or the old-timey atmosphere, or the bubble of cutesy cafes and bakeries. Either way, Under the Greenwood Tree nails the vibe.
Run by long-time local Janene Gardener, this small but well-stocked store is overflowing with new books, toys, and handmade gifts. Thumb through a classic, check out the latest thriller, or peruse locally crafted jewellery and sculptures—we promise you’ll find something that grabs your attention. Keep an eye on the Greenwood Tree’s socials to sync your visit with one of their monthly artist/author exhibitions.
Canungra Books and Art
6 Kidston Street, Canungra QLD 4275
Housed in a white-washed Queenslander, Canungra Books and Arts is all about the small-town charm. Inside, it’s an eclectic sprawl of books, antique collectibles, and vintage clothes, piled across varnished wood floors and shelves. This is very much a curated collection, so expect a mix of pre-loved and as-new volumes (including contributions from local authors).
Like all good bookstores, the layout sucks you in—be prepared to go from ‘we’ll just pop in for 5 minutes’ to ‘we’ve been here for that long?’. And, if you start to get hangry, don’t stress. You’re literally just over the road from some of Canungra’s best chow, so feel free to duck out, grab a bite, and wander back in for another browsing session.
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Boardwalk Books
88 Marine Parade, Kingscliff NSW 2487
OK, so we cheated a little. Boardwalk Books isn’t technically on the Gold Coast, but border-hopping to reach this Kingscliff bookshop was definitely worth it. Beach to the front, cafes to the side, and new books all around—that’s our sort of scene.
Boardwalk’s lineup includes everything from art and culture hardbacks to the latest romance reads. If you like words, we can pretty much guarantee you’ll find something to take home. (And, if you prefer a little spice with those words, ask the Boardwalk team about their Romance Book Club. Yes, romantasy is the caramel frappe of literature. No, we don’t judge.)
BOOK FACE Pacific Fair
Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach QLD 4218
We’ll say it: BOOK FACE does bookstores really well. This six-store chain has locations across Australia, and its Pacific Fair shop strikes a balance between being cleanly commercial and invitingly cosy. Think pale wood, pendant lights, and piles of brand-new paperbacks.
It’s a fact that coffee is a quintessential part of any book-browsing experience (tea and hot chocolate are also acceptable) —and, luckily, the BOOK FACE team agrees. An adjacent cafe and plenty of half-hidden reading corners make it easy to grab your beverage of choice and while away the day. If you’re not in the mood to splash cash, swap out a pre-loved novel via the cafe’s book exchange program.
QBD Books
Various Locations
Ah, QBD—the queen of Australian book retailers. With bookshops across the Gold Coast, including Robina, Pacific Fair, and Coomera, finding yourself at a QBD counter with an armful of titles is dangerously easy. Expect a range that hits all the genres and lures you in with frequent sales.
And, if you’re after something more eclectic than what’s on the shelf, just browse online, choose from literally millions of options, and pick up your new read in-store. Penguin classics, popular science, the latest Liane Moriarty—it’s all here. We’re all about the small independents, but, hey, we’ll never say no to a QBD browse-and-brunch session.
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Main image credit: Under the Greenwood Tree | Duncan Croker
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