Record Stores in Melbourne: Your Complete Vinyl Shopping Guide
Melbourne stands as Australia's undisputed vinyl capital, with over 45 record stores scattered across its creative neighborhoods. From the indie havens of Fitzroy and Collingwood to the specialist shops lining Flinders Lane in the CBD, the city offers an unparalleled record shopping experience. This vibrant scene reflects Melbourne's deep-rooted music culture, shaped by decades of live music venues, independent labels, and a community that never stopped buying physical music. Whether you're hunting for rare Australian pressings, digging through crates of second-hand gems, or seeking the latest releases, Melbourne's record stores deliver.
All Record Stores in Melbourne
Dropouts
Level 1/395 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
NATURESTRIP
Nicholas Building, Shop 5, Ground Floor/37 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
OH JEAN RECORDS
276 Nicholson St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
I HEART KPOP Melbourne
Shop 6a/278 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Dutch Vinyl Record Store
269 Johnston St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia
Northside Records
236 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Goldmine Records
355 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North VIC 3068, Australia
Plug Seven Records
313A Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Heartland Records
420-422 Victoria St, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia
Greville Records
152 Greville St, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia
PLAY Music & DVDs
shop 8/50 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
The Searchers Records
93 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Round & Round Records
Round & Round Records, 556 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
Goldmine Records
369 Nicholson St, Carlton North VIC 3054, Australia
Old Plates
384 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Wah Wah Records
196 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Rocksteady Records
MITCHELL HOUSE, Level 1 (Upstairs/358 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Wax Museum Records
250 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Licorice Pie Records
Collingwood Yards 3, 30 Perry St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia
Music Room
Level 1/270 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
The Vinyl Scene in Melbourne
Melbourne's vinyl culture is inseparable from its legendary live music history, with venues like The Espy, The Corner Hotel, and Cherry Bar nurturing generations of local talent. The city birthed influential labels like Mushroom Records, Au Go Go, and Missing Link, which released seminal Australian punk, indie, and rock records now highly sought by collectors worldwide. This musical heritage never faded—even during the CD era, Melbourne maintained a strong network of independent record stores that kept vinyl culture alive. The 2010s resurgence saw the scene explode, with new stores opening alongside longstanding institutions, creating a thriving ecosystem that supports both major reissue campaigns and micro-labels pressing experimental music. Today, Melbourne hosts one of the Southern Hemisphere's most active vinyl communities, with stores regularly hosting in-store performances, album launches, and listening sessions that blur the line between retail and cultural hub.
Best Neighborhoods for Record Shopping
Fitzroy and Collingwood form the beating heart of Melbourne's vinyl scene, with Brunswick Street and Smith Street hosting a concentration of stores ranging from punk specialists to jazz archives. This inner-north area rewards a full day of crate-digging, with shops within walking distance of each other and plenty of cafes for breaks between sessions. The CBD, particularly around Flinders Lane and Bourke Street, offers a different experience with larger format stores, specialist classical and electronic shops, and easier access for visitors staying centrally. Northcote and Preston have emerged as secondary hubs, offering slightly lower prices and a more relaxed vibe, with stores that focus heavily on second-hand stock and local pressings. St Kilda's Acland Street and Fitzroy Street maintain a handful of eclectic stores that blend vintage clothing, books, and records, perfect for those who enjoy a broader treasure-hunting experience.
What Genres & Pressings to Look For
Melbourne's record stores excel in Australian indie and alternative rock, with original pressings from The Birthday Party, The Go-Betweens, Rowland S. Howard, and Courtney Barnett commanding serious collector interest. The city's deep electronic and techno scene means exceptional selections of local labels like Analogue Attic, Butter Sessions, and Efficient Space, often available before they sell out internationally. Punk and post-punk receive particular attention, reflecting Melbourne's historical connection to the genre through bands like The Saints' early recordings and Radio Birdman releases. Jazz and soul sections tend to be surprisingly strong, with knowledgeable buyers stocking both international classics and Australian pressings from labels like Jazzhead and Newmarket. Look for reissues from local pressing plants and labels that maintain high quality standards—Melbourne-pressed records often feature superior mastering and heavyweight vinyl that justifies their premium prices.
New vs. Used Vinyl in Melbourne
Melbourne's stores offer an excellent balance between new releases and used stock, with many shops dedicating separate sections or even floors to each category. New vinyl typically ranges from $35-$60 AUD for standard releases, with audiophile editions and imports pushing $80-$150, reflecting Australia's geographic distance from pressing plants. The used market is particularly strong, with condition standards generally high—most reputable stores grade conservatively and price fairly, with common records starting around $10-$15 and rarer items negotiable. Bargain bins remain a feature of many stores, offering $5-$10 records that range from overlooked gems to genuinely worn copies, perfect for casual listeners or sampling unfamiliar genres. Expect stores to be knowledgeable about pressing variations, with staff who can discuss Australian versus international pressings and help identify first editions or valuable variants.
Record Store Day & Local Vinyl Events
Record Store Day in Melbourne is a major event, with participating stores opening early and drawing queues of hundreds for exclusive releases and special pressings. Many shops enhance the day with live performances, DJs, food trucks, and special sales that transform the shopping experience into a community celebration. Beyond RSD, Melbourne hosts regular vinyl markets including the Northside Records Fair and various pop-up events in venues like the Abbotsford Convent and inner-city warehouses. Monthly listening sessions, label showcases, and album launch parties occur throughout the year, with stores like Northside Records and Readings hosting events that bring together collectors, musicians, and casual fans. The city's vinyl community stays connected through social media groups and mailing lists that announce new arrivals, private sales, and collection purchases before they hit the floor.
Vinyl Shopping Tips for Melbourne
Visit on Weekdays for Better Browsing
Melbourne's record stores get packed on weekends, especially in Fitzroy and Collingwood. Visiting Tuesday through Thursday means more space to browse, better access to staff knowledge, and first crack at collections that arrived earlier in the week. Many stores receive new stock mid-week, making Wednesday and Thursday ideal for fresh arrivals.
Check Store Instagram for New Arrivals
Melbourne record stores actively post new arrivals, collection highlights, and rare finds on Instagram, often before items hit the sales floor. Following your favorite shops means you can call ahead to reserve items or time your visit around significant stock updates. Some stores even offer holds or postal service for followers who spot must-have records online.
Plan Routes Around Tram Lines
Melbourne's tram network makes record shopping efficient—the 86 tram connects Smith Street stores to the CBD, while the 96 runs through St Kilda. Most inner-north stores in Fitzroy and Collingwood sit within a comfortable 20-minute walk of each other, making it easy to hit multiple shops without transport. Bring a sturdy bag as records add up quickly, or ask stores to hold purchases for end-of-day collection.
FAQ - Record Stores in Melbourne
| Where can I buy vinyl records in Melbourne? | Vinyl records are available throughout Melbourne, with the highest concentration in Fitzroy and Collingwood along Brunswick and Smith Streets, where you'll find over a dozen stores within walking distance. The CBD offers several large-format stores around Flinders Lane and Bourke Street, easily accessible via tram or train. Northcote, Preston, and St Kilda also host excellent independent stores, while suburban areas like Footscray and Glen Waverley have hidden gems worth exploring if you're venturing beyond the inner city. |
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| What are the best record stores in Melbourne? | Melbourne's record store scene includes specialist shops focusing on specific genres like jazz, electronic, punk, and metal, alongside general stores with comprehensive new and used sections. You'll find established chains with extensive catalogues, beloved independent stores run by passionate collectors, and vintage dealers specializing in rare Australian pressings and international imports. The "best" store depends on your interests—some excel in new releases and reissues, others in deep crates of affordable used records, and several combine retail with label operations or distribution. |
| Where to find used vinyl records in Melbourne? | Used vinyl dominates many of Melbourne's independent record stores, particularly in Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Northcote where second-hand stock often outnumbers new releases. The Camberwell Sunday Market and various charity shops in suburbs like Richmond and South Melbourne occasionally yield bargains, though condition varies widely. Dedicated used stores offer properly graded stock with fair pricing, while some shops maintain separate bargain sections where records sell for $5-$15. |
| Do record stores in Melbourne buy vinyl collections? | Most Melbourne record stores purchase collections, either for cash or store credit, with many offering higher value for credit. Stores typically want to view collections in person or via detailed photos before making offers, and they're selective about condition and content—sought-after genres and well-maintained records fetch better prices. Some stores offer house-call services for large collections, though expect them to be discerning as shelf space is valuable. |
| When is Record Store Day in Melbourne? | Record Store Day occurs annually on the third Saturday in April, with Melbourne stores participating enthusiastically through exclusive releases, live music, and special sales. Many stores announce their RSD stock lists in advance and some offer pre-order systems for high-demand releases, so following your favorite shops on social media helps secure sought-after titles. Arriving early is essential for popular releases, with queues forming before opening at major participating stores. |
| What vinyl is Melbourne known for? | Melbourne is renowned for Australian indie, punk, and post-punk pressings, particularly from labels like Mushroom Records, Au Go Go, and Missing Link Records that documented the city's vibrant 1970s-1990s music scene. Local electronic and techno labels like Butter Sessions and Analogue Attic have gained international recognition, with their limited pressings becoming instant collectibles. Original pressings from Melbourne bands like The Birthday Party, Rowland S. Howard, Courtney Barnett, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are highly sought, often appreciating significantly in value. |
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