Best Bookstores and Libraries Around Sydney to Drive To
Best Bookstores and Libraries Around Sydney to Drive To
If you’re the kind of traveller who packs a book for every mood—or just loves the smell of pages—you’re in for a treat. Sydney has no shortage of amazing bookstores and libraries, and with a rental car from YesDrive, you can easily explore literary gems both in and out of the city.
Whether you’re after indie bookshops, historic libraries, or cosy reading nooks with coffee nearby, here are some of the best bookish spots to drive to from Sydney.
Table of Contents
Inner-City Favourites for Book Lovers
Start your adventure close to the city with some of Sydney’s most beloved independent bookstores:
Gleebooks (Glebe): A Sydney institution since the ’70s. Great for new releases, political reads, and quirky staff picks. There’s also a second-hand section upstairs.
Better Read Than Dead (Newtown): Perfectly located on King Street, this shop is colourful, community-focused, and has a fantastic range of fiction and non-fiction.
Kinokuniya (CBD): If you want an extensive international selection, including Japanese and graphic novels, this is your spot. It’s near Town Hall, but with parking options nearby, it’s easy to visit with a rental car.
Day Trips for Readers with a Car
If you’re ready to hit the road, there are some truly charming bookshops outside the city limits:
Berkelouw Book Barn (Berrima): Just under two hours from Sydney in the Southern Highlands, this converted barn houses thousands of second-hand books and a lovely café.
The Bookshop Bowral: Stylish and curated, it’s a must-stop if you’re already headed toward the Highlands.
Blue Dragon Books (Lithgow): For those headed west, this small store is known for its rare finds and friendly service.
Libraries Worth the Drive
Some of Sydney’s and NSW’s libraries are worth visiting even if you don’t plan on borrowing a book:
State Library of NSW (Macquarie Street): Grand architecture, free exhibitions, and a quiet place to browse. Parking nearby makes it a good city stop.
Wollongong City Library: If you’re doing a south coast drive, pop into this award-winning modern library.
Katoomba Library (Blue Mountains): A good excuse to escape the city. It’s small but cosy, and surrounded by cafés and mountain views.
Tips for Literary Road Trips
Pack a book basket. Reusable bags or crates help keep purchases safe on the road.
Check for events. Many shops and libraries host author talks, workshops, or poetry nights.
Combine stops with coffee. Most of these places are located near great cafés—perfect for reading breaks.
How YesDrive Makes It Easy to Explore Sydney’s Bookish Side
Driving around Sydney gives you the freedom to explore offbeat neighbourhoods, mountain towns, and hidden gems. YesDrive helps by offering:
Easy pick-up from Sydney Airport or city locations
Compact and hybrid options for navigating inner-city stops
Unlimited kilometre options for longer road trips
Supportive staff who can recommend extra stops and travel tips
Ready to turn the page on your next adventure? Book your Sydney car rental with YesDrive and explore NSW, one bookstore at a time.
