Good Reads Guide: The Best Book Clubs in Sydney

Miles away from its famous landmarks and beautiful beaches, Sydney is secretly brimming with charming book clubs that cater to every literary taste.

Whether you’re a fan of gripping thrillers, heartwarming romances, or thought-provoking non-fiction, there’s a cosy corner for you.

Perfect for those looking to escape into the world of words, Sydney’s best book clubs are doing more than suggesting your next read; they provide communities where stories come alive through lively discussions and new friendships.

The best part? Cheese boards and wine are a staple part of the book club fun!

Gertrude and Alice

Moments from Bondi Beach, this gem is a quick stroll from the water. Gertrude & Alice, which sells both second-hand and brand-new books, is curated to perfection with bestsellers easy to find.

The store doubles as a cafe and lends itself to a relaxed peruse that can end with a coffee or wine (and a long read). For those who wish to return to the literature wonderland regularly, the Bondi Literary Salon Book Club is for you. 

Established in 2018, this is one of the best book clubs in Sydney, held in the cosy bookstore after hours, where members can discuss the book of the month (and more) over nibbles and wine.

46 Hall Street, Bondi Beach

The Gloss Book Club

This global book club connects readers from around the world living in the same area, and in great news - Sydneysiders are on the list!

Join The Gloss Book Club for monthly meetups, a cosy atmosphere, a glass of wine and discussion questions that lead to deeper conversations. Each guest can view and prepare their answers early, making this a great option for readers who love to dive deeper into their latest novel.

This paid membership also gives you access to other events in Sydney, including Meet and Greets with authors, discounts and monthly giveaways via The Gloss Book Club private Facebook group. 

Book Club location changes monthly.

Bookoccino

Brews and best sellers are the order of the day at Avalon’s beloved, Bookaccino. With a bustling cafe corner, friendly service, and an all-around literary atmosphere, it offers the ideal spot for a coffee date.

To make the deal even sweeter, Bookaccino host regular events in-store, encouraging connection over written words. 

From morning pastries and chats to book launches, storytelling and evenings of live music, this is one book club you won't regret joining.

If you want to bring your reading club to Bookoccino, the team here is ready and willing to host after hours. Just fill out this form and get the book party started. 

To Be Read Book Club

Local Sydneysiders Pia and Eva are the founding members of To Be Read Book Club, bringing together book lovers and curious minds in Sydney's Inner West.

Meeting once a month for lively discussions over dinner in locations around Sydney, not only is it a great way to keep your reading up, but also an opportunity to connect with like-minded people in your area, who may become new friends.

The girls have recently added a second monthly event called Book Swap, where attendees will enjoy a charming evening of wine, nibbles, and a new book to get lost in.

Book Club dates and locations shared on Instagram

Club Sup

For Sydney locals (and visitors staying a little longer) wanting to make new friends with similar interests, sign up for an event with Club Sup.

Whilst many of the events organised by host Sophie are dinner and drinks, the monthly Book Swap event is always met with much interest and delight.

Once a month, attendees bring their favourite book with a small note to pass along to someone, enjoy some snacks in a warm and welcoming space, and make new friends as they go! It's a win, win... win!

Book Swap locations shared on Instagram.

Better Read Than Dead

It is too easy to linger longer than you should in this bookstore. Better Read Than Dead is a Newtown institution with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined with a curated collection of books.

The staff are well-versed and encourage a good chat about your latest read and host regular author events held throughout the year.

If you want to take the discussion further, join one of their clubs! With multiple communities to join, from the Bad Women Book Club discussing problematic female characters to the Other Worlds Book Club which dives into worlds of fantasy and science fiction, there is a club for everyone. 

Difficult Women Book Club

The Sydney Book Club championing diversity and inclusivity, everyone is welcome to sit down for a chat with Difficult Women Book Club.

A new book is announced on the 15th of each month, with all books written by female authors to support women in literature. On the last Thursday of the month, meet up in person for snacks, wine, conversation and questions about the book of the month!

The meetups are usually inner-city and close to public transport, with 3 separate sessions making it easy to find a time that suits your schedule.

Books and meeting locations are shared on Instagram.

Shameless Book Club

Does a busy schedule make it hard to commit to monthly in-person meetings? That shouldn't stop you being able to join a discussion about a story you love

The women behind the popular podcast 'Shameless' have started their community book club, with recommended reads given at the beginning of the month, and a virtual discussion at the end of the month. 

Members are encouraged to send their thoughts and questions, and hosts Michelle, Zara and Annabelle will record an extra podcast episode for book lovers to devour. It's a book club without having to leave the house (or bed) - love it!

Available on all podcast platforms.

FNKY Coogee Beach

Combining our favourite things in life - the Coogee coastline, good wine, great chats and page-turning reads, FNKY Coogee Beach is providing the goods with their monthly Read Between The Wines event.

A space for bookworms to socialise and connect in a laidback space, Read Between The Vines is open to all. To join the community, sign up online. From here, you will be notified of each book of the month, as well as dates and times for each meetup.

With wines for the event supplied by DeBortoli Wines, it's a good time for everyone!

186 Arden Street, Coogee

Has our guide to the best book clubs in Sydney inspired you to up your social game? Why not gather the girls and head away for a weekend of wines and good chats? We've got guides to the Central Coast and Byron Bay to get the planning started.