The prices are high but the bookstore is very nice. They have a great cafe and a big selection of books. The bookstore is reasonably large which is very good,

Mary Ryan's is an institution. Yeah you can go to Dymocks and buy a cheaper version of that book! But to sit and drink a coffee whilst surrounded by the greatest authors of all time, makes a purchase more memorable then your quick trip to a discount store!

Approximate cost: $10-$15

Books can be expensive but this store is charming and full of character so somehow one tends not to worry too much about the cost! Staff are friendly and when i was there for one of the many evening talks they conduct by famous authors (Jodi Picoult in this case!) we were warmly greeted by staff who were happy for people to browse as long as they liked without being harassed. The author talk was great and the atmosphere was intimate rather than cold.

A great book shop for a browse and a coffee. I came here to kill time while my car was at the mechanic down the street, and Mary Ryan's provides a really nice browsing experience - it's well laid out, easy to find different sections, and there are a number of comfortable couches so you can just sit with a pile of books for a while. You can do this in the cafe too, but only with already purchased items. They sell a range of beautiful gift items and stationery too, which I think makes the shop an even more attractive place to walk through. And if you check in on Facebook and show them your phone you will receive a 10% discount in the bookshop and cafe. The staff are friendly and professional and - even more importantly from my point of view - not constantly hassling you to ask if you need a hand, since often I just love to browse and am not looking for anything in particular. (There is now an Australia Post outlet in the back corner too which is handy for the Milton business centre after the old one flooded.)