Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore in BondiCredit: Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore
A beloved café-bookstore that feels like stepping into a seasoned traveller’s living room, walls are lined with both second-hand and new books ready to be discovered.
From BookTok to Bookshelves: Discover Sydney’s Best Bookshops
Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore in Bondi Credit: Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore
Craving your next read and the feel of a real book in hand? Sydney’s new and second-hand bookstores offer a mix of trending page-turners and vintage classics all through the city and beyond.
Step off your screen, wander the shelves, and let friendly staff help you uncover hidden gems while enjoying the atmosphere only a physical bookstore can provide.
Gertude and Alice Cafe Bookstore
Where: Bondi
Named after literally figures Getrude Stein and Alice B Toklas, you wouldn’t expect to find a rustic gem like Gertrude & Alice tucked away in beachy Bondi. A beloved café-bookstore that feels like stepping into a seasoned traveller’s living room, walls are lined with both second-hand and new books ready to be discovered. Cozy corners, mismatched furniture, and a small menu make it perfect for a losing a few hours on a lazy day.
Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore
Where: Paddington
Set in a historic terrace on Oxford Street, Ampersand is an unassuming Eastern Suburbs favourite for literary lovers and brunch seekers alike. With shelves stacked with over 30,000 titles, it offers everything from rare finds to best sellers. Don’t sleep on the cafe though, the excellent coffee and menu is best enjoyed in the leafy courtyard while you start on your latest page-turner. The venue was also voted the sixth most beautiful book-cafe in the word by 1000 libraries.
Kinokuniya
Where: Sydney CBD
In the heart of the city, facing the Queen Victoria Building, Kinokuniya is a vast, light-filled bookstore that feels like a literary metropolis. Houses one of Australia’s most impressive collections of international, non-English titles, alongside art, design, and pop culture gems. Manga enthusiasts will find paradise here, while curated stationery and gifts add to the allure. Grab a seat in front of their many light filled windows and watch the hustle of Sydney CBD go by.
Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore in Bondi Credit: Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore
Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore in Bondi Credit: Gertrude and Alice Cafe Bookstore
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Girl reading a book inside the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Girl reading a book inside the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
Better Read than Dead
Where: Newtown
A must-visit when exploring Newtown's vibrant King Street, Better Dead Than Read is a haven for unconventional book lovers. Spread across two floors, it specialises in cult classics, counterculture titles, and hard-to-find literary gems, offering a treasure trove for adventurous readers. Vintage posters, eclectic décor, and a quirky mix of furniture create a space that feels lived-in and distinctly rebellious.
Beyond books, the store hosts underground zines, rare editions, and occasional author events, making it a hub for Sydney’s alternative literary scene. Whether you’re hunting for obscure reads, seeking inspiration, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, BDTR rewards curiosity at every turn.
Potts Point Bookshop
Where: Potts Point
A favourite of many a discerning reader, including Nigella Lawson, Macleay Street’s Potts Point Bookshop is a refined haven for discerning readers. Though small, the collection is thoughtfully curated, with knowledgeable and helpful staff making each visit feel personal. Perfect for picking up a gift for a loved one or just yourself, it’s the kind of neighbourhood bookstore that invites lingering and rewards curiosity perfectly matching Potts Point’s stylish village vibe.
Hill of Content
Where: Balmain
Head to Sydney’s Inner West to experience Hill of Content. This independent bookstore feels authentic and has become a real centrepiece of the community and a short stroll from Balmain’s picture-perfect water views. Stacks of literary fiction, children’s books, art, non-fiction and beautifully bound gifts line its shelves. Whether for a thoughtful present or peaceful browse, it’s the kind of store you come away having discovered something special.
Bookoccino
Where: Avalon Beach
Prefer to drink some wine while deep in a novel? This Northern Beaches location is the place for you. Its shelves feature a mix of contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, chosen for quality rather than quantity. Owned by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Ray Bonner and 2025 Bookseller of the Year, Sally Tabner, the store also hosts talks, community events, and small performances, making it a lively gathering spot.
Better Read Than Dead Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Better Read Than Dead Bookshop, King street, Newtown
Better Read Than Dead Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Better Read Than Dead Bookshop, King street, Newtown
Noahs Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Couple relaxing at Noahs Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Beach.
Noahs Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Couple relaxing at Noahs Bondi Backpackers, Bondi Beach.
More Inspirational Stories
Sydney Harbour AerialsCredit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of North Bondi overlooking Bondi Golf & Diggers Club and Bondi Beach.
Looking for a fresh way to experience Sydney this summer? Sydney’s golf scene is booming, and it’s one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors while discovering some of the city’s most beautiful landscapes.
With over 100 courses within two hours of the CBD, Sydney offers a diverse range of public-access golf experiences, from cliffside fairways to lush hinterland greens. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just looking for a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon, there’s a course waiting for you.
Golf Near the City
Just 15 minutes from the CBD, Moore Park Golf is a public 18-hole championship course nestled in the heart of Centennial Parklands. With a top-tier driving range, expert coaching, and a relaxed bistro, it’s the perfect spot for a quick round or a full day of play.
A short drive away, St Michael’s Golf Club in Little Bay offers a dramatic links-style course perched above the Pacific Ocean. Open to guests and members, it’s a must-visit for golfers who love a challenge with a view.
Moore Park Golf, Sydney Credit: Centennial Parklands
Moore Park Golf, Sydney. Sydney's premier public golf course.
Moore Park Golf, Sydney Credit: Centennial Parklands
Moore Park Golf, Sydney. Sydney's premier public golf course.
Coastal Classics
Imagine teeing off with the iconic Bondi Beach as your backdrop. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Bondi Golf Club, a nine-hole course with sweeping ocean views and even the chance to spot migrating whales between May and November.
Nearby, Woollahra Golf Club offers a harbourside nine-hole course that’s open to the public—perfect for a quick game with postcard-worthy views.
Head north to Palm Beach Golf Course, nestled between Pittwater and Palm Beach, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views all the way to Lion Island. Just down the coast, Mona Vale Golf Club offers 18 scenic holes that are as challenging as they are beautiful.
To the south, Randwick Golf Course delivers a relaxed links-style experience with ocean views. It’s open to the public on Mondays and Fridays, and afternoons the rest of the week. After your round, treat yourself to a meal at the Bay Window Restaurant, where local chef Nik Eberhardt serves up contemporary Australian cuisine with views over Malabar Beach.
Palm Beach Golf Club Credit: Palm Beach Golf Club
The nine-hole Palm Beach Golf Course sits between Pittwater and Palm Beach, with views all the way to Lion Island.
Palm Beach Golf Club Credit: Palm Beach Golf Club
The nine-hole Palm Beach Golf Course sits between Pittwater and Palm Beach, with views all the way to Lion Island.
Greater Sydney Gems
Venture a little further and you’ll find even more golfing treasures. In the rural outskirts near Camden, Camden Golf Club offers an 18-hole course with a stunning Blue Mountains backdrop.
In the southwest, Bankstown Golf Club welcomes public players to its championship course. And in Sydney’s western hills, Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, designed by Greg Norman, offers a premium experience on a world-class layout.
Make It a Golf Getaway
Want to turn your Sydney golf experience into a full-blown holiday? The Pure Golfer and LuxGolf offer bespoke golf tours, giving you access to exclusive courses, luxury transport, and curated itineraries that make the most of your time on and off the green.
Whether you're chasing birdies or just soaking up the sunshine, Sydney’s golf courses offer a fresh and scenic way to explore the city. So grab your clubs, hit the fairways, and discover why golf is one of the best ways to experience Sydney this summer.