By Daniel G. Taylor
1. Central Market Books
This pop-up style store capitalises on market traffic. Wide-ranging collections fill the space, but the bargain table commands attention with prices that transform browsing into buying. Friday night sessions until 9 pm offer book browsing when the market takes on a distinct energy.
Where: East side (Victoria Square side), Adelaide Central Market
When: Tuesday (7am to 5:30 pm); Thursday (9am to 5:30pm); Friday (7am to 9pm); Saturday 7am to 3pm
0419 816 778
2. D. A. Horn Antiquarian Books
Adelaide’s most elusive bookshop operates without street signage. Office building directories reveal the location to determined seekers. Penelope Horn, 86, has commanded this literary fortress for 51 years. Books average $8 each, though most sales occur online. Hours occasionally shift when classical music calls, making discovery feel like archaeology.
Where: Unit 2, 1st Floor, 66 Wyatt Street
When: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 5pm (hours vary – check website)
8223 5066 | dahornbooks.com.au
3. LetterPress Books
Mystery defines this bookshop operating on severely restricted schedules – only 12 hours monthly. The owner’s wife refuses book accumulation at home, transforming this space into a sanctuary for his beloved Australiana collection. The limited opening creates urgency that makes any discovery feel precious. Seriously dedicated book hunters only.
Where: Upper level, South side, Gay’s Arcade (accessed from Rundle Mall/Grenfell Street)
When: First and third Friday of each month, 10am to 4pm, or by appointment
0419 821 626
4. Michael Treloar Antiquarian Booksellers
Serious antiquarian dealing commands respect at this establishment that caters to collectors rather than casual browsers. Complete sets demand serious investment – a set of George Orwell’s complete fiction recently displayed a tag exceeding $2000. Most business occurs beyond retail sales, so visits feel like entering a specialised auction house where rarity justifies premium pricing.
Where: 196 North Terrace, Ground Floor
When: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5:30pm
8223 1111 | treloars.com
5. New Morning Books
Students gravitate here (New Morning Books pictured in hero image at top), drawn by $10 averages that stretch limited budgets. This shop uniquely houses the complete Great Books of the Western World set for $400 – other shops offer only scattered volumes. Art gallery upstairs operates Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday with variable hours, which creates afternoons that satisfy multiple creative appetites.
Where: 155 Frome Street
When: Tuesday to Friday 9:30am to 4pm, Saturday 9:30 am to 3pm
8359 3266
6. O’Connell’s Bookshop
Tradition flows through three generations at Adelaide’s oldest secondhand bookshop, established in 1957. Ben O’Connell represents family continuity that spans nearly seven decades. This establishment houses 70,000 books with older classics that dominate the atmosphere. Family heritage creates literary stewardship rather than commercial transaction, which attracts readers who prefer established reputations.
Where: 19 Bank Street, Roma Mitchell House
When: Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm
8231 5188
7. Orchard Bookshop
“Hand-picked books” translates to beautiful editions of quality titles. I consistently discover SF Masterworks editions here – familiar treasures like Dune alongside hidden gems like Gregory Benford’s Timescape. Frequent sales reward regular visitors who understand that patience yields bargains. Careful curation ensures impulse purchases satisfy long after checkout.
Where: Adelaide Arcade, Shop 26
When: Tuesday 10am to 4:30pm; Wednesday to Thursday 10am to 5:30 pm; Friday 10am to 6pm; Saturday 10am to 3pm
orchardbookshop.com.au
8. Oxfam Books
Donations fuel constant renewal that generates literary abundance across every genre. Dollar bargain shelves complement regular stock, which rarely costs over $4. Personal development sections span recognised classics and obscure discoveries. Visitors who’ve almost emptied their book budgets at pricier establishments will find remaining funds stretch much further here.
Where: Suites 2-3, 81-89 Hutt Street
When: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm
8122 5870 | oxfambookshop.au
9. Page & Turner
Sixty thousand books that focus on newer titles guarantee successful shopping trips. The writing craft section – the most comprehensive I’ve encountered in any Australian bookshop – deserves special recognition. Twelve-to-sixteen-dollar averages reflect newer stock and excellent condition. Central location and extended Friday hours accommodate various shopping schedules.
Start with O’Connell’s for classics, visit Page & Turner for contemporary selections, then hunt bargains at Oxfam. Each bookshop rewards curiosity, patience, and serendipity – qualities no algorithm can replicate.
Where: Second floor, Myer Centre
When: Monday 11am to 3pm; Tuesday to Thursday 9:30am to 5pm; Friday 9:30am to 9pm; Saturday 9:30am to 5pm’ Sunday 11am to 5pm
7225 2318 | pageandturner.com.au
