Your Guide To The Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail

You won’t need your hiking boots for this Blue Mountains trail.

You’ve heard of the countless incredible nature walks in the Blue Mountains. But what about those of us who prefer to stay inside and exercise our minds rather than our bodies?

There’s a different kind of trail enticing travellers to the region, replacing water bottles with cups of coffee and hiking boots with books. Stopping at 11 bookshops along the way, the Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail is perfect for everyone who loves a good read, from the well-read bibliophile to bookish beginners.

1. Blue Dragon Books, Glenbrook

The trail begins at the foot of the Blue Mountains in Glenbrook, known for its hip cafes and friendly community. Located in an unassuming arcade, Blue Dragon Books is stacked with second-hand tomes. With over 18,000 books lining the walls (and sometimes the floor!), it’s truly a book lover’s paradise.

New stock is added almost every day from donations, which the staff may exchange for store credit if you bring something they’re looking for. Buy as many books as your hands can hold, everything is priced affordably. And before you leave, peruse the handmade bookmarks and trinkets at the front desk.

Blue Dragon Books in Glenbrook, NSW — Blue Dragon Books is brimming with second-hand reads.

2. The Turning Page Bookshop, Springwood

Your next stop is Springwood, home to The Turning Page Bookshop and the recently closed Springwood Book Lounge, which whittled the list down from 12 to 11. Located on the main drag, The Turning Page is bright and homely, with soft music guiding you through the rows of books.

A shelf full of staff favourites and recs greet visitors upon entry, adding to the air of friendliness and familiarity. Many happily fall into the trap at the door; a collection of bookish paraphernalia including bookmarks, pencil cases, tote bags, socks, stationary, cards and notebooks. They make for the perfect addition to a book-filled purchase.

3. Chapters and Leaves, Faulconbridge

Two of a bookworm’s favourite things combine at Chapters and Leaves in Faulconbridge: tea and books! The teahouse has over 150 delicious teas on offer, which you can sip in-store as you read or purchase to take home.

The locally owned space is all about community. Chapters and Leaves sells a range of ‘Mountains made’ gifts and hosts regular book clubs, craft groups and charity events. Whether you opt to sit outside with your favourite brew and a plate of homemade scones or browse the shelves for a good book inside, Chapters and Leaves is sure to delight.

4. RoseyRavelston Books, Lawson

Stepping into RoseyRavelston Books in Lawson is like visiting your favourite grandma. From the classical carpets to mismatched photo frames and a big leather armchair in the corner, it’s comfort at its finest. With an extensive collection of fiction, non-fiction and rare books, it’s a shop any book lover could spend hours in.

It can even be hired out for private groups, meaning you and your friends can have the whole place to yourself for up to two hours. RoseyRavelston isn’t just any old bookstore either, it’s making a difference, one book at a time. As a strong advocate for refugees, 50 per cent of profits made at the shop go to local refugee charities.

RoseyRavelston Books in Lawson, NSW — RoseyRavelston in Lawson is the epitome of cosy.

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5. Good Earth Bookshop, Wentworth Falls

Next on your bookish adventure is Good Earth Bookshop, where the idea for the Blue Mountains Book Trail originated. Good Earth is all about making the world a better place with books. The cosy store is brimming with preloved books, with a small selection of new editions as well.

You can also join one of the many groups hosted here, from a variety of book clubs to zine-making sessions and crafty collabs with a side of tea. Make sure to add a few vintage collectables, games or toys to your cart on the way to the register, too. Located within Renae’s Arcade, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Good Earth Bookshop in Wentworth Falls, NSW — Snuggle up with a good read at Good Earth Bookshop.

6. Wyrd Books, Wentworth Falls

Just down the road, you’ll stumble into Wyrd Books. With a specific focus on fantasy, sci-fi and horror, this bookshop may not have something for everyone, but it’s still worth a visit. And for those who love these three genres, it may just become your new favourite.

The shop also prioritises first-edition hardcovers, meaning your collection just got a whole lot cooler. If you can’t make it to the store, fear not. The prized collection at Wyrd is completely catalogued on their website and available for purchase. Book blurbs online also come with reviews and recommendations!

7. Megalong Books, Leura

Megalong Books is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s the quintessential bookstore; soft music, packed wooden shelves and that bookish smell that every reader loves.

Megalong houses almost every genre you can think of. From gardening to cooking, history to politics, poetry to classics and everything in between, all bookworms are catered for here. And if all this book shopping is making you hungry, you’re in luck. There are plenty of cosy cafes in Leura to dine at before you hit the trail again.

Megalong Books in Leura, NSW — Megalong Books is a reader’s paradise. (Image: Taylah Darnell)

8. Mr Pickwick’s Fine Old Books, Katoomba

After fuelling up in Leura, make tracks for Mr Pickwick’s Fine Old Books, just a page-turn away in Katoomba. As the name suggests, this store is a haven for old and rare books. Those visiting the area may be thrown off when they enter the store, as the ground level is adorned with everything vintage. Think clothes, homewares, toys, jewellery, furniture and art.

But downstairs is where the real magic happens: the bookstore. There are plenty of modern novels, but just like upstairs, there’s a whole lot of vintage, too. Collectors will have a field day here, with books dating back to the early 1800s.

Mr Pickwick's Old Fine Books in Katoomba, NSW — Head downstairs to check out the bookshop at Mr Pickwick’s.

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9. The Little Lost Bookshop, Katoomba

Hidden down Hapenny Lane among a selection of small stores perfect for wandering through is The Little Lost Bookshop. The two-story reader’s haven is a peaceful place promising plenty of books. On the first floor, visitors will find a range of fiction and non-fiction reads, as well as a good selection of Blue Mountains-based books.

Upstairs, second-hand books await their new home. You can pick up board games, cards, bookmarks and unique gifts, too. Fitting 12 bookshops into one day may be a challenge for some. With so many great places to stay in Katoomba, spend the night to wake up refreshed and ready to round out the trail the next day.

The Little Lost Bookshop in Katoomba, NSW — The Little Lost Bookshop sits on Hapenny Lane. (Image: Taylah Darnell)

10. Gleebooks, Blackheath

Popular Sydney bookstore Gleebooks has set up shop in Blackheath. Fans of the Dulwich Hill and Glebe locations will know this one is a must. Sitting between an art gallery and an antique store on the main drag, Gleebooks is another one of those bookshops that readers could while the day away in.

Shelves upon shelves of books entice many “just one more" comments from browsing bookworms. Gleebooks Blackheath also hosts community events throughout the year, including author talks, live readings and book launches. All are welcome!

Gleebooks Blackheath in NSW — Gllebooks Blackheath is the 11th stop on the trail. (Image: Seamus Reece)

11. A Reader’s Heaven, Lithgow

If the name doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will. Follow the Great Western Highway down the Mt Victoria side of the mountains and you’ll find the cosy town of Lithgow, home to A Reader’s Heaven. This bookshop may be the last on the Blue Mountains Book Trail, but it’s worth the extra bit of travel time.

Home to a vast collection of both new and preloved books, visitors here are sure to get lost among the shelves. The couple who own and run A Reader’s Heaven, Paul and Jo, are very friendly, always offering fantastic book recommendations, and they love their bookstore so much, that they even got married there.

A Reader's Heaven Bookshop in Lithgow, NSW — Get lost among the maze of books at A Reader’s Heaven.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast, however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed. Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s.

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics. Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare. One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

This Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail is a bibliophile’s dream come true

You won’t need your hiking boots for this Blue Mountains trail.

1. Blue Dragon Books, Glenbrook

2. The Turning Page Bookshop, Springwood

3. Chapters and Leaves, Faulconbridge

4. RoseyRavelston Books, Lawson

5. Good Earth Bookshop, Wentworth Falls

6. Wyrd Books, Wentworth Falls

7. Megalong Books, Leura

8. Mr Pickwick’s Fine Old Books, Katoomba

9. The Little Lost Bookshop, Katoomba

10. Gleebooks, Blackheath

11. A Reader’s Heaven, Lithgow

A Japanese-inspired bathhouse just opened in the Blue Mountains

This spectacular Blue Mountains light show is back by popular demand

This new boardwalk reveals a hidden side of the Blue Mountains

The sprawling Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains has it all

Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Central Coast oyster experiences

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

Organic dining

Paddock-to-plate dining

You won’t need your hiking boots for this Blue Mountains trail.

1. Blue Dragon Books, Glenbrook

2. The Turning Page Bookshop, Springwood

3. Chapters and Leaves, Faulconbridge

4. RoseyRavelston Books, Lawson

AI Prompt

5. Good Earth Bookshop, Wentworth Falls

6. Wyrd Books, Wentworth Falls

7. Megalong Books, Leura

8. Mr Pickwick’s Fine Old Books, Katoomba

9. The Little Lost Bookshop, Katoomba

10. Gleebooks, Blackheath

11. A Reader’s Heaven, Lithgow

A Japanese-inspired bathhouse just opened in the Blue Mountains

This spectacular Blue Mountains light show is back by popular demand

This new boardwalk reveals a hidden side of the Blue Mountains

The sprawling Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains has it all

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Central Coast oyster experiences

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

Organic dining

Paddock-to-plate dining