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Brisbane's Best Secondhand Bookshops

The Cupboard Under the Stage Paddington

Updated: Nov 08, 2025

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:

Lifeline Shop
Lifeline Shop, Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland, op shop, thrifting, preloved clothing, discount manchester, charity donations
Spread across two floors, there's a wide range of great finds to score when you visit this popular hinterland op shop
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Cystic Fibrosis Queensland Bookshop
Shelves of books at the 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
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Bent Books
Exterior of Bent Books, West End
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
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Salisbury Community Bookshop
Exterior of 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
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The Really Good Bookshop
Books on shelves and stacked on the floor inside The Really Good Bookshop Hillcrest
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
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Archives Fine Books
Books on shelves and on tables inside 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
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The Cupboard Under The Stage
Books on shelves with blue rear wall inside The Cupboard Under The Stage, Empire Revival, Paddington
Booklovers will be over the moon when they discover The Cupboard Under the Stage, a hidden gem of Paddington
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Mount Gravatt Bookshop
Exterior of Mount Gravatt Bookshop

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

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Street Libraries
Street library in Brisbane
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
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