Hill of Content

Melbourne


Melbourne’s oldest bookshop (established 1922) has a large range of general titles and an extensive stock of books on art, classics and poetry.

Founder AH Spencer was told he was crazy to open a bookstore during a recession in this then-seedy part of the city. During a walk through the Fitzroy Gardens, inspiration struck and he came up with the name, Hill of Content.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Melbourne attractions

1. Tolarno Galleries

0.09 MILES

Tolarno was an integral player in Melbourne’s most famous midcentury artistic marriage: that between Georges and Mirka Mora. The gallery was once…

2. Chinese Museum

0.12 MILES

The fascinating and often fraught history of Chinese people in Australia is showcased in this wonderful little museum in the heart of Chinatown. Start on…

3. Parliament House

0.16 MILES

The grand steps of Victoria’s parliament (1856) are often dotted with tulle-wearing brides smiling for the camera as well as placard-holding protesters…

4. Chinatown

0.17 MILES

For more than 150 years this section of central Melbourne, now flanked by five traditional arches, has been the focal point for the city's Chinese…

5. Old Treasury Building

0.21 MILES

The fine neoclassical architecture of the Old Treasury Building (1862), designed by 19-year old JJ Clarke, is a telling mix of hubris and functionality…

6. West Space

0.22 MILES

One of Melbourne’s oldest nonprofit, artist-run galleries, West Space has a varied exhibition schedule featuring young and emerging artists. Expect a…

7. Collins Street

0.27 MILES

The eastern end of Collins St is lined with plane trees, grand buildings and luxe boutiques (hence its ‘Paris End’ moniker). Ornate arcades also lead off…

8. Melbourne Town Hall

0.31 MILES

Since opening in 1870, this grand neoclassical civic building has welcomed everyone from Queen Elizabeth II, who took tea here in 1954, to the Beatles,…