Tasmania’s cosiest bookshop cafes

In New Norfolk, a very cool little bookshop and cafe has become a firm favourite for locals and visitors, and was one of a few factors that convinced a travelling family to put down roots in the area. “Black Swan was a huge part of our first impression of the area,” says Tash Stubbs, who with her partner Josh runs the rural tiny-home accommodation Ukiyo.  

The young family (with three-year-old George) visit the cute shop – which overlooks New Norfolk’s Arthur Square, a community green space – frequently and have become close with owner Alexander Okenyo.  

“From the moment I walk in, I get a feeling of being invited to slow down,” Tash says. “There’s the music, the lighting, the books and of course, Alexander’s smiling, welcoming face.” 

Tash and Josh love nabbing a warm spot by the window. Tash orders the signature hot chocolate but adds an unexpected twist: an Earl Grey tea bag – “It’s a vibe!” she insists – while Josh recommends the double-shot flat white, with a “cheeky date slice”.  

Tash says she notices something unusual in the little bookshop, something that stands out in this tech-dominated age. “One of my favourite parts is that, usually, not a single person is staring at their screen. I notice this time and time again. People are there to connect, to be creative, to enjoy the space.”  

Josh sums it up perfectly: “A good book, a lovely chat, a warm seat by the window with beautiful coffee, watching the world go by… it’s a perfect spot for a winter’s day.”

For a completely different feel, Campbell Town’s The Book Cellar is a unique bookshop housed in the heritage convict cellars under Foxhunters Return – an 1830s coaching inn.  

Long seen as the perfect pit stop on a north-south or south-north road trip, the main street of Campbell Town has plenty of options for a quick feed. But lingering a little longer to peruse the shelves at The Book Cellar – which has a particular focus on heritage and nostalgia titles as well as Tasmanian books – makes for a relaxing and replenishing stop.  

The Book Cellar may not have a full cafe menu but does serve coffee and cold drinks, with a side of interesting atmosphere as you sit among the collection of books and the exposed sandstone and brick.  

Closer to Hobart, the Richmond Reading Room is a hidden gem known for its eclectic, curated mix of books as much as for the excellent coffee, friendly staff and fresh local pastries (the croissants are spot on). It’s an intimate cafe space, so if you can grab a seat, do it!  

Finally, no tour of bookshop cafes in Tasmania would be complete without popping in – and potentially spending a lot longer than intended – at St Helens Books. Run by local stalwarts Veronica and Clive Jupp for more than 15 years, the bookshop is as much a community service as it is a business: offering a warm and familiar space for whoever needs to sit a while. Veronica’s scones are locally famous, and kids will love the casual outdoor setting where the curious neighbouring sheep can be watched through the fence. With games and puzzles, an unexpected mixture of books to peruse and even a piano, you could spend hours here.   

“I think it’s more than just a shop,” says Clive, who is proud that people of all ages and backgrounds feel welcome in his shop. “During the tourist season we get lots of tourists but otherwise we have our regulars, and a lot of our clientele are quite elderly. It’s a social gathering space and it’s an extension of our philosophy. 

“Book-wise, we have everything from an easy holiday read through to high-end collectables,” says Clive. “There’s a nice selection here; there’s a little something for everyone.”  

Coupled with a good book, Clive recommends you grab the daily soup from the winter menu. And of course, some of Veronica’s scones.