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Brisbane's Best Secondhand Bookshops

Updated: Jan 02, 2026

In our increasingly fast-paced world where technology rules the roost, the simple act of losing one's self in a good book can be a blissful experience. Fortunately, there are still some fantastic secondhand book shops dotted around the greater Brisbane area for those who appreciate just how magical reading - the old-fashioned way - truly can be:

The Cupboard Under The Stage

Booklovers will be over the moon when they discover The Cupboard Under the Stage, a hidden gem of Paddington

Lifeline Shop

Spread across two floors, there's a wide range of great finds to score when you visit this popular hinterland op shop

Cystic Fibrosis Queensland Bookshop

This not-for-profit bookshop is one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets, boasting wall to wall books of every genre; from children's books and Young Adult fiction to romance novels, fantasy, sci-fi and

Bent Books

It's almost impossible to walk past this brightly-coloured West End bookstore, and why would you want to? They've got practically every book under the sun, plus an owner ready and willing to help with

Salisbury Community Bookshop

Readers of all ages will get a kick out of this not-for-profit bookstore in an industrial southside estate. Housed in an old Salisbury grenade factory, this cute store houses a huge collection of books including

The Really Good Bookshop

The name says it all really. This Hillcrest store is so fantastically jam-packed with titles that unearthing a new read can be an exciting adventure in itself

Archives Fine Books

Over half a million fine old books from all genres and eras are crowded into the ceiling to floor dusty shelves of Archives

One of Brisbane's best secondhand book stores, the Mount Gravatt Bookshop is a local institution and well worth a browse if in the neighbourhood

Street Libraries

From phone boxes to retro fridges and a whole lot in between, street libraries of all shapes and sizes are literally popping up all over the place, and chances are there's one near you

QAGOMA’s Drawing Festival

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Jul 25 - 26

Aerial view of James Street Food & Wine Trail

James St Food & Wine Trail

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Jul 26

Peaks To Points Festival 2026

Discover the beauty in greater Brisbane’s backyard

July 25-Aug 9

Breast Cancer Trials’ Q&A - SEX, FERTILITY AND PREGNANCY

Breast Cancer Trials is hosting a Q&A on the 7th July to answer questions about fertility, pregnancy and more.

Jul 28

Night Feast

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Jul 29 - Aug 23

International Cake Show Australia

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Jul 31 - Aug 2

GreazeFest 2026

GreazeFest is back for 3 huge days of music, cars and kulture!

Jul 31 - Aug 2

International Cake Show Workshops & Mini Classes

For anyone with an interest in baking or decorating

Jul 31 - Aug 2

Ashton's Great Australian Circus

Step inside the big top as Ashton's The Great Australian Circus returns

Jul 31 - Aug 9

GreazeFest 2026

GreazeFest, the iconic hot rod and rockabilly festival, is back for three huge days of cool cars, live music and kustom kulture

GreazeFest 2026

MUST DO

International Cake Show Australia

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International Cake Show Australia

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James St Food & Wine Trail returns, QAGOMA's Drawing Festival begins, and a vibrant arts trail transforms the Sunshine Coast, while a must-visit new patisserie opens in Fortitude Valley and a Sicilian-style family trattoria brings the flavours of Italy to West End

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