A Bookish Directory for the Central Coast

There’s just something so incredibly entrancing about walking into a bookstore!  Or, coiling up with a good book, especially as the season starts to change and our days and months start to see cooler weather, and, we know many of you bookish Coasties out there feel the same. We are lucky here on the Central Coast that we have a variety of cool book shops to choose from, not to mention a fair few amazing authors too.

Now, if it’s a new read you’re after, a bookish outing for your book club or a new reading hangout, we’ve got your next book date sorted. We have road-tested and compiled a handy list of all the best bookshops, reading spots and literary events the Central Coast has to offer.  So, go on then, grab a cuppa and settle in.

Best Bookshops on the Central Coast

Umina Beach Book Nook 

Taking out the title of best bookshop on the Central Coast (in our opinion at least) has to be Umina Beach Book Nook.  This isn’t just a bookstore—it’s a literary destination for the whole community.  A cosy sanctuary for book lovers, a source of excellent recommendations from their knowledgeable and passionate team, lively book clubs, author-hosted events, free weekly kids’ storytime plus did we mention a delightful range of bookish gifts and unique stationery?  Oh and if we didn’t love Umina Beach Book Nook enough they are also committed to sustainable practices, ensuring accessibility for everyone and celebrating diversity and inclusivity. ALL readers are welcome here, including four-legged friends. 

Nestled in the heart of Umina Beach, this cute and charming, independent bookshop boasts a carefully curated collection spanning fiction, non-fiction, classics, and even thought-provoking banned books. They are open daily with monthly late-night shopping (yes please).  Find your next page-turner or a hidden gem from a local author at Umina Beach Book Nook – an absolute must-visit for literature lovers of the Central Coast. 

They’re conveniently located at 9/327 West Street, Umina Beach. Keep up to date with new releases and some fabulously entertaining social media over at @uminabeachbooknook.

Coast Book Exchange, Gosford

Tucked into the main street of Gosford is the book lovers’ dream destination, say hello to Coast Book Exchange. With towering shelves filled with books of every genre, there’s no limit to how many times you can take home in your book haul. It’s a lovingly maintained second-hand book shop, which means the books are crazy cheap despite the stellar selection, and can also be exchanged for store credit after you’re finished with them.

The store owners Yukari and Jeremy, as well as their friendly team, are the most passionate and experienced readers we know, walking libraries who can name every author, book and storyline under their roof, as well as the personalities and preferences of many of their regular customers. So, if you’re looking for a personalized recommendation or simply a chat about your favourite book, this is the place to go!

Bookface, Erina Fair

You could spend hours in this place. Litera-ry. Bookface Erina is one of six small, independent bookstores stretching across NSW, QLD and ACT with an ethos of passion and connection. What makes them unique is their adorable collection of knick-knacks and gifts for sale – book lamps, mugs, pens, diaries…all the book lover’s essentials. The atmosphere is warm, quirky and cosy, with staff that are incredibly helpful – in the rare chance the book you want isn’t in store, they are more than happy to order it in for you and also offer a rewards program that allows you to accrue savings to put towards your next read.

About all things literary, these guys also host in-store book launches, author talks and zoom book club meetings, so be sure to keep updated via their website!

Bookmania, Woy Woy

There’s a fine line between order and chaos in this mortal realm, and this second-hand bookstore, Bookmania (just across from Woy Woy Station) toes it quite precariously. There are simply books everywhere – in stacks, on tables, against walls, on the floor, dozens and dozens of books. It feels as though you’re stepping into Wonderland – and a goldmine. You have to do a double take at the quality and cheap price of these books, some of them current bestsellers, others timeless classics. The store is run by the same owners as Coast Book Exchange, so you can also expect extremely knowledgeable staff, store credits, well-maintained and loved books, CD’s, DVD’s and records.

Rubys Café and Books

If you often find yourself struggling to leave your book corner for things like meals, then this cute little café in Umina is for you. You can enjoy Ruby’s delicious brunch and coffee menu without having to put your book down! Bring your own or browse through the store’s collection of second hand novels – either way, it’s the perfect bookish outing for individuals, families or book clubs.

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QBD, Tuggerah & Erina

If you live closer to the northern end of the Coast, don’t feel left out! QBD Tuggerah has got all your reading needs covered, with a broad range of books, puzzles and notebooks available. The staff are super friendly, and they’ve always got some great sales on! Also, check out their store in Erina Fair.

Central Coast Libraries

Is your book list too big for your budget? Or simply after a great spot to read? We’re lucky to have a great Central Coast Library Service to help with that. These public spaces are efficient and reliable, with branches across Woy Woy, Umina, Tuggerah, Toukley, Bateau Bay, Lake Haven, Kincumber, Erina, Kariong and Gosford. Borrow books for free, order them in from other libraries or simply use the relaxed atmosphere and free wifi for study or reading. Use this tool here to locate your next read.

Free Libraries

For a good treasure hunt and book swap, check out the range of free little ‘Street Libraries’ on the Central Coast. These libraries are maintained by locals with a passion for reading, and contain some gems! Find your nearest Street Library using the tool here.

Bookish-Events on the Central Coast

Celebrate and fuel your love of reading by getting involved in some great literary events with other readers! From book launches to writing festivals to book clubs, here’s what’s happening on the Coast in the near future.

Words on the Waves Festival

The beloved Words on the Waves Writers festival hits the Coast each year around the end of May/start of June with each year the festival bringing an even more spectacular program than the year before. Check out their website and socials for more info on the many book launches, writing workshops, author talks, literary cruises (yep!), story clubs and family fun days that hit the Coast during the festival.

Central Coast Good Fiction Club

Need an outlet for your thoughts and feelings about a particular book (preferably to some listening ears), or after some more inspiration? Joining the  Central Coast Good Fiction Club may be something you can consider, then. This passionate group of book-lovers meets regularly across the Central Coast. Keep updated with their regular catch-ups here.

Books, Bush and Bullshit

Kicking off in March 2025, these guys are bringing some pretty damn exciting social events to the Coast for 25 – 40 year olds. We love that they are IRL events, super casual, focused on health, connection and most importantly having a good ol’ laugh.

For a book club where there’s no pressure to finish the book but open to all to come along for a little chinwag. The “books” part of Books, Bush and Bullshit will take place on the first Saturday of each month.

Check out their socials here for all the deets.

Cosy up with a book in these idyllic locations…

Japanese Gardens, Gosford Art Gallery

Isolated, ambient and filled with greenery, the Japanese Gardens are the perfect place to read whilst listening to rustling waterfalls and nearby birdcalls. Finish off your outing with a browse through the attached Gosford Art Gallery, or buy a snack from their inbuilt cafe.

Crackneck Point Lookout

After a nature-filled walk along the Wyrrabalong Coastal Path, plop yourself down on the grassy slope overlooking stunning views of the ocean and read to your heart’s content. It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, and to watch hang gliders jump off the headland beside you.

Kibble Park, Gosford

A sunny, quiet spot amidst the bustling heart of Gosford to take your newest read after swinging by the Library.

Terrigal Beach

With scenic views, dog-leashed areas and a strip of cafes to fuel a morning of reading, Terrigal offers a perfect literary getaway. If you’re after a slightly more isolated spot, simply walk across the boardwalk to the small beach tucked into the Skillion.

RELATED: 15 Central Coast Beaches To Suit Every Mood

Woy Woy Library Reading Room

A beautiful courtyard filled with greenery to put you in an inspired mood.

The Bloom Barn Farm, Peats Ridge 

Something about visiting a farm always puts us in a reading mood. After picking a few seasonal flowers in their vibrant fields and roasting some marshmallows over an open fire at The Bloom Barn Farm, sprawl out on a picnic rug and enjoy your favourite read amidst open farmland. These sessions are not open to the public and do depend on the season, however, so make sure to check out their available sessions via their website and book through there.

If not, simply go for a drive along Wiseman’s Ferry road through the farmlands of Peats Ridge and Mangrove Mountain to find the best spot to sit down and open up your book.

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