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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

Anastasia The Musical

The hit Broadway musical ANASTASIA arrives in Brisbane this September, bringing romance and adventure to QPAC

Sep 16 - Oct 18

Crafty Party

Museum of Brisbane’s much-loved Crafty Party series is back

17 Sep & 12 Nov

Scorched Earth - Brisbane Festival

Scorched Earth is part crime-drama, part psychological thriller landing at the Brisbane Powerhouse.

Sep 17-20

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers returns this spring with blooms, food and family fun.

Sep 18 - Oct 5

WSQ 40th Annual Watercolour Exhibition

Celebrate 40 years of watercolour with vibrant art and hands-on creativity at this free Brisbane exhibition.

Sep 18-20

Rock on Ice

Get ready to rock around the rink with Paradise Resort

From Sep 18

FLAME BBQ & Music Festival

FLAME BBQ & Music Festival has something for everyone

Sep 19

Kids doing activities at Museum of Brisbane

Spring School Holidays at Museum of Brisbane

Get creative at Museum of Brisbane these school holidays

Sep 19 - Oct 5

Grand Central Floral Parade

Toowoomba’s streets burst into bloom with a colourful parade celebrating flowers, art and community.

Sep 19

FLAME BBQ & Music Festival

FLAME BBQ & Music Festival has something for everyone, from delicious BBQ fare and live music to fun rides and kids' activities

Flame BBQ & Music Festival

MUST DO

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers returns this spring with stunning blooms, delicious food and endless family fun

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do Sep 11-13

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers kicks off, the Temper Trap takes over Roma Street Parkland, a massive sculpture festival hits the Gold Coast and Brisbane's biggest LEGO fan event returns

This Weekend Sep 11-13

COMING UP

What's On in October In & Around Brisbane

From beloved musicals, unique exhibitions and live shows to Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers events, cinema programs and culinary experiences, the top things to do in and around Brisbane in October

What's on in October

HOT TICKET

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

Jane Austen gets a hilarious musical makeover in this Olivier Award-winning comedy coming to Brisbane

Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of)

FAMILY FUN

Century Pools Family Raceday Doomben Racecourse

The annual Century Pools Family Raceday is back with a jam-packed day of live racing, free family entertainment and plenty of Wiggles-inspired fun

Century Pools Family Raceday Doomben Racecourse

MUST VISIT

Brisbane Festival 2026 at Brisbane Quarter

Brisbane Quarter is blooming this September, with a striking new installation, limited-edition dining experiences and plenty of pink-inspired treats in celebration of Brisbane Festival 2026

Brisbane Festival 2026 at Brisbane Quarter

BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs

Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Best Of Brisbane

Brisbane's Best 50 Bars

Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars

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A brand-new Nutcracker is coming to Brisbane