There’s something so calming about going into a bookshop. Especially the cozy locally owned ones with charm and personable appeal. Sure, we can always head into a Kmart or a chain bookstore to get the book we’re looking for and be on our way, but I always like to make the extra effort to make book shopping an experience while also supporting a small business. So I’ve listed a few bookshops in Cairns that are locally owned along with a few Little Free Libraries around the area.
Cairns Books
Location: Cairns Central 2nd Level near Woolworths end
If you’re looking to purchase a newly released book or if you’re looking for something specific, this is my go-to bookstore. They are a smaller bookstore, but they have a great selection from viral new releases to a selection by local authors. They also carry bookish gifts such as puzzles and posters and a small selection of stationery such as Paperblanks. The staff is super helpful if you’re looking for a specific book, they can even order one for you if they don’t have it in store. Cairns Books is located in Cairns Central so it’s convenient and a nice treat to the end of a big shopping day.
Pearl Books n Music
Location: Oceana Walk, 25/55 Lake St, Cairns City
This is a small secondhand bookshop that also has a small selection of vinyls and CDs. They also carry a small selection of games and archive magazines such as Frankie Magazine. They carry a range of books from children’s/middle-grade to nonfiction and memoirs with fair secondhand prices. Pearl Books is located in the city in Oceana Walk Arcade, which is also home to a few of my favorite shops: Vintage Seeker, LP Records, and Pantry 15.
Ree’s Bookshop
Location: 157/173 Mulgrave Rd, Bungalow
This is probably my favorite secondhand bookshop in Cairns. This is a larger shop with a wide variety of books. The owner is really kind and helpful. You can also sell and exchange books here. I’ve exchanged my books once before and it was a really good experience. At the time, for every book I exchanged, I got 50% off every book I purchased that same day. Not sure if this is always the exchange rate, but it’s definitely worth doing. Ree’s is also next to an op shop, which makes it a fun one-stop shop.
Little Free Libraries
- The Nest, 180 McManus St, Whitfield
- Corner of Forest Ave and Woodward St, Edge Hill
- 108 Martyn St, Parramatta Park
- Yorkey’s Knob Esplanade
- 129 James Cook Drive, Kewarra Beach
bonitappétit 