Caryota Book Exchange
Caryota Book Exchange
4.5
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
A wonderful book exchange featuring 5 large rooms filled with thousands of books in all genres. From Fiction, Literature, Cooking, Classics, Australiana, Romance, History, Military, Reference, Young Adult, Children's, Self Help, Alternative, Spiritual, Religion, High Brow, Sci Fi, Fantasy, Gardening, Westerns, True Crime, Biographies, Paranormal and many more. Easy access only 15 mins from the CBD & Airport & Casuarina Shops. Bus stops on Dick Ward Drive and then only a 2 min walk. The store features good condition second hand books, all books in store are for sale, no exchange is necessary. In the wet season the store is fully air conditioned with a few chairs here and there for a relaxing read and a freshly ground coffee which is complimentary. Sharon also offers Ka Huna Massage for women by appointment only. Please call into the store you will be pleasantly surprised.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
47 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Andy
1 contribution
Sept 2020
I had mixed expectations when I first saw the shop. But once I opened the door and stepped inside it was like a different world.
I was greeted by the lovely stuff and later on had a very interesting conversation. Also when I returned on a different day, I met the owner with her small dog, which was running around greeting everyone. (Though the owner asked every customer, if they are ok with the dog).
The overall atmosphere invited to spend some time there and just leisurely look through all the shelves. And comfy seating was also available. The shop had aircon as well as an outside area with free books and couches to relax in.
They have a big variety from out of print books to the latest ones to affordable prices.
I can highly recommend a visit.
You will find a book you might've not been looking for.
Or you have been looking for a book all over the place and they might just have that one waiting for you on one of the shelves.
I was greeted by the lovely stuff and later on had a very interesting conversation. Also when I returned on a different day, I met the owner with her small dog, which was running around greeting everyone. (Though the owner asked every customer, if they are ok with the dog).
The overall atmosphere invited to spend some time there and just leisurely look through all the shelves. And comfy seating was also available. The shop had aircon as well as an outside area with free books and couches to relax in.
They have a big variety from out of print books to the latest ones to affordable prices.
I can highly recommend a visit.
You will find a book you might've not been looking for.
Or you have been looking for a book all over the place and they might just have that one waiting for you on one of the shelves.
Written 30 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so very much for your wonderful review. It's really lovely hearing everyone's different experiences, I do hope to see you back again very soon. Have a lovely weekend. Kind regards Sharon
Written 2 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dini915
Greater Melbourne, Australia28 contributions
June 2024 • Solo
One of the best secondhand bookstores I’ve ever been to - a wide array of books from every genre, easy to spend over an hour browsing! Well set out and fairly priced, staff are lovely and helpful and there was a very cute puppy around for a cuddle or two. Highly recommend as a must visit when you’re in Darwin.
Written 18 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amelia D
1 contribution
Nov 2020
Great ambience and liked how the place is set out as there are seats where you can take the time to read. The lady working was lovely and had the cutest dog with her. Would definitely recommend this place if you enjoy reading and want to spend time somewhere quiet away from the heat!!
Written 18 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your wonderful response. Kind regards Sharon
Written 27 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mazzaintazza
London, UK303 contributions
Dec 2020 • Solo
This is a lovely shop tucked away in the Coconut Grove retail estate. You will get a friendly welcome from the staff member on the door and a good explanation of their system for buying and exchanging books (they won’t buy books from you, but will give you $1 or $2 per book as credit to go towards buying one of their books, or if you take back a book you bought from them you can also get credit towards buying a book). There’s 4 or 5 well organised little rooms and I found several decent music biographies and a couple of shelves of ‘classics’. While the ambience and info is terrific I only give 3 stars because it’s all pretty expensive for second hand books- there’s not a lot under $10, even for paperbacks, and I couldn’t spot anything less than $7, so I didn’t buy anything. Try the Book Exchange in Winellie for a bigger stock and everything priced at $5 (whether hardback or paperback!), plus dvds at $1.
Written 1 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew Y
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Solo
The shop has several rooms stuffed with interesting books of all kinds. I spent an hour poring over the collection and picked up some very unexpected titles. Around the corner there's a great cafe as well, so you can take your books and go through them over a coffee.
Written 2 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Andrew!
Written 15 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Derek F
Melbourne, Australia50 contributions
Mar 2020
If you have books to exchange don't go here. The terms are very unfair. 5 good books resulted in one book credit valid for 6 months. As if this wasn't bad enough no consideration was given for Covid 19 lockdowns and the record of my credit was thrown out the day it expired. I was probably 2 days late. Please give your books to charity rather than to a business that has such practices.
Written 8 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Mr Farrell,
You happily agreed to the Terms and Conditions and accepted a $7 credit for your books. Also written in the Terms and Conditions and explained to you on writing your credit note that 6 months is the validity for such a transaction, which once again you happily agreed to.
It was after you left the store after having a tantrum that your reusable card was found and was 4.5 weeks overdue. If you had have remained in the store for that little bit longer & with a more pleasant attitude the card would have been found and for $7 we would have gladly allowed you this discount as we do to others.
Also regarding the Covid the shop's trading hours didn't alter, we were open to serve the local and interstate community throughout this period.
Mr Farrell for a phone call if you had have remembered your credit I would have happily extended your credit as I did to many other customers that did remember theirs during the Covid period.
Have a good day Mr Farrell.
Written 2 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
7sistas
Darwin, Australia44 contributions
Mar 2020
My husband and I visited this place for the first time today - we opened the unassuming front door and found ourselves in an amazing adventure house of books. I’d be surprised if you couldn’t find what you’re looking for here and if not, the friendly staff seem to know exactly where you’ll lay your hands on it. Before you go online to look for that book you’re after, keep your money in the Territory and look here first, you won’t be disappointed.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! Thank you so very much for your wonderful response & of course we look forward to seeing you both soon.
Kind regards Sharon
Written 16 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mariascam2017
Darwin, Australia2 contributions
Dec 2016 • Friends
What a fantastic place in Darwin!
I went to Paris recently and found it amazing to find so many bookshops everywhere in the city, even opened at night. Sadly one by one, bookshops have disappeared from Darwin...
Caryota Book Exchange is a hub of culture where you can select readings from all areas of interest, including the most recent publications. A cheap way to buy books or to exchange them. A relaxed pleasant outdoor area enables you to explore a number of titles while enjoying a coffee, and...and... the staff is welcoming and so wonderful.
Anne-Marie Marias
I went to Paris recently and found it amazing to find so many bookshops everywhere in the city, even opened at night. Sadly one by one, bookshops have disappeared from Darwin...
Caryota Book Exchange is a hub of culture where you can select readings from all areas of interest, including the most recent publications. A cheap way to buy books or to exchange them. A relaxed pleasant outdoor area enables you to explore a number of titles while enjoying a coffee, and...and... the staff is welcoming and so wonderful.
Anne-Marie Marias
Written 13 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Anne-Marie for a wonderful review, hoping to see you again very soon!
Yours in Reading
Sharon
Written 24 May 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pete S
Darwin, Australia11 contributions
Jan 2017 • Couples
An awesome range of books to choose from, something for everyone! I picked up an entire series I haven't seen in years.
Written 5 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's always exciting to find a long awaited series, enjoy the read!
Written 6 January 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
_clart52
Darwin, Australia2 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
A real treasure trove of books to meet all tastes and age groups. Such a well organised venue. One can browse with a cup of coffee or access the odd beanbag or comfy chair. Great customer service, the knowledgeable staff readily provide assistance to locate a particular title or genre. Definitely give this bookshop the thumbs up for the avid reader.
Written 28 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So pleased you enjoyed your visit, many thanks for your wonderful review, hoping to see you in store soon!
Kind regards
Sharon
Written 29 October 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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