Cooks Hill Books & Records

Cooks Hill Books & Records sits on Darby Street at Cooks Hill, in the heart of Newcastle's much-loved cafe-and-dining scene. A characterful bookshop and record store, it's earned a near-flawless reputation among book and music lovers — offering a wonderful range of books and vinyl records along with knowledgeable, friendly service, the kind of treasure-trove shop that crate-diggers and bookworms adore.

The appeal is that combination of a great, curated range of books and records and the genuine joy of browsing in a characterful local shop: whether you're after a good read, a vinyl record or just a happy rummage, the selection and the atmosphere are a real treat. For book and music lovers, a quality independent shop like this is a genuine find, and the near-perfect feedback speaks to a beloved spot.

A 4.9 rating from more than 150 reviews is an excellent result and a strong endorsement. The stock, range and opening hours vary — and second-hand stock changes constantly, which is part of the fun — so it's worth checking current details if you're after something specific, though for a browse through the books and records, it's often just a matter of dropping in on Darby Street at Cooks Hill.