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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

Carlos Bárcenas & John Woods: Alma Latina!

Prepare for a night of passion and rhythm with well-known tenor Carlos Bárcenas

July 17 & 18

2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships

The world’s best BMX racers are in Brisbane this July for the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships.

17 - 25 Jul

The Princess Theatre Brisbane Open House

Brisbane Open House 2026

Take a peek inside Brisbane’s prominent and landmark buildings

Jul 18-19

Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever

Dress up in red for a real life re-enactment of the famous Wuthering Heights film clip

Jul 18

Milton by Moonlight Market

Spend a magical night out under the moonlight with food, music & more

Jul 18

The Queensland Pioneer Luncheon Train

A unique fine dining rail experience

July 19

Jetty 2 Jetty

Experience Queensland’s most scenic and longest-running fun run

Jul 19

SEADECK Winter Season

SEADECK has returned to the Brisbane River for an extended winter season

July - September

The Music of Video Games

Gamers and music buffs, grab your controller - or, rather, your tickets

Jul 24-25

Brisbane Open House

Take a peek inside some of Brisbane’s most prominent buildings for free when Brisbane Open House returns for a weekend to remember

Brisbane Open House 2026

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International Cake Show Australia

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Arterial

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