The Best Independent Bookstores In Adelaide Australia

It hasn’t been smooth sailing for the publishing industry in recent years, but Adelaide’s bookworms can thank a group of quality independent stores for making sure they haven’t suffered too badly. Check out our pick of the eight best indie bookstores in Adelaide, South Australia.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Imprints Booksellers

Warning: if you dive headfirst into Imprints’ elegant wooden bookshelves, you might never re-emerge, such is the depth of its catalogue. First opened in Adelaide’s West End in 1984 and a fixture on Hindley St since 1999, Imprints boasts more than three decades’ experience filling those shelves with an eclectic array of new and second-hand books.

Located in Station Arcade just across the road from Adelaide Railway Station, O’Connell’s Bookshop is the oldest purveyor of antiquarian and second-hand books in the city. Reg O’Connell opened the shop in 1957 and six decades later his grandson Benjamin is at the helm, curating an extensive collection of rare and unusual publications across a range of genres.

Matilda Bookshop

The leafy surrounds of the quaint Adelaide Hills are almost as beautiful as the tomes on the shelves of this quality bookshop. A Stirling institution for more than three decades, Matilda’s book-loving staff are always quick with a recommendation from their extensive selection, which features a particularly strong kids section.

Booknook and Bean

HTHTP1 Flat white coffee, in a restaurant, on a wooden table HTHTP1_

There are two great reasons to linger at Booknook and Bean. One is the charming wall of donated pre-loved books, which are sold to raise funds for a micro-loan charity. The other is the ethically sourced coffee roasted by De Groot Coffee Co., which is complemented by Tweedvale milk from the Adelaide Hills as well as a menu of tasty sweets and brunches.

Michael Treloar Antiquarian Booksellers

Treloar’s has looked after an incredible catalogue of out-of-print and antiquarian books since 1976, giving them a deep understanding of the rare book market. Stock is maintained at the main outlet opposite the State Library of South Australia as well as the Antique Market Book Room on Grote St, home to 30,000 titles that are sure to keep book lovers browsing for hours.

Dillons Bookshop

Situated in the heart of the Parade in Norwood just east of the city centre, Dillons is the largest independent family-owned bookshop in the state of South Australia. Pop in to peruse its assortment of new release and classic books, as well as CDs, DVDs and gifts at the ABC Centre inside.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.