The Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail: A Bibliophile’s Guide
For those who believe the best way to see a region is through its independent stores, the Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail is a curated journey through six unique shops scattered across six villages from Glenbrook to Blackheath.
Whether you are a collector of rare antiquarian finds or a seeker of the latest Australian fiction, here is your itinerary for the ultimate literary road trip.
Blue Dragon Books
⦿ 11 Ross St, Glenbrook
Located at the base of the mountains, Blue Dragon Books is an essential first stop for those who love the hunt. With a staggering collection of over 18,000 quality second-hand titles, the shop prioritises the ‘serendipitous browse’. You’ll find everything from pristine general fiction to rare local history volumes, all organised with a meticulous eye for condition and variety. They also stock a selection of new books about the Blue Mountains and its history.
Image | Blue Dragon Books
Turning Page Bookshop
⦿ 1/125 Macquarie Rd, Springwood
Located in the heart of Springwood, the Turning Page Bookshop is the quintessential independent bookstore that celebrates the joy of reading. This family-owned gem, which has been trading for more than 40 years, is a haven for bibliophiles, where floor-to-ceiling shelves are packed with a meticulously curated selection of fiction, non-fiction, and local history. It is particularly renowned for itschildren’s section, which fosters a love of storytelling in the next generation of mountain readers.
Image | Turning Page Bookshop
Rosey Ravelston
⦿ 1 Badgery Crescent, Lawson
This isn't just a bookshop; it's a social enterprise with a mission. Rosey Ravelston stocks a beautifully curated mix of new and donated pre-loved books, with 50% of its profits going to local refugee charities. Run by avid readers, and Echo, the bookshop dog, the store combines a love of reading with a passion for supporting & advocating on behalf of refugees.
Image | Rosey Ravelston
Megalong Books
⦿ 183 Leura Mall, Leura
Regarded as one of Australia’s premier independent bookstores, Megalong Books is a must-visit in the heart of Leura Mall. The shop is renowned for its extensive fiction and non-fiction sections, as well as a very popular children's department. Their specialised collection of Blue Mountains history, local flora and fauna, photographic and bushwalking guides makes it the definitive resource for local knowledge.
Image | Megalong Books
The Little Lost Bookshop
⦿ 181 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
Tucked away in the charming Hapenny Lane, the whimsical Little Lost Bookshop is a self-described ‘home to music and musings’. More than just a retail space, it hosts poetry readings, storytelling sessions, and late-night chats. It’s a place for seekers and dreamers, where you’re encouraged to stay a while and discover a book you didn't even know you needed.
Image | The Little Lost Bookshop
Gleebooks
⦿ 21-25 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath
The Blue Mountains branch of the iconic Sydney institution, Gleebooks Blackheath brings an intellectual hub to the village. The shelves are packed with an impressive range of contemporary fiction, children’s literature, and deep-dive non-fiction, often reflecting the community’s interests in history, politics, and environmentalism.
Image | Gleebooks