Record collecting is a pastime that never seems to grow old. With that special, warm crackle and pop of spinning vinyl, the ritualistic process of digging through crates is still a big part of music lovers’ lives.
You don’t have to be a J Dilla to appreciate the experience of selecting a special release, sliding out the disc from the sleeve, and dropping it onto your player. Luckily for record lovers, DJs, casual collectors, or newbies just beginning their vinyl lovelife, Melbourne has a huge selection of shops to choose from.
Our guide to Melbourne's best record stores
Skydiver Records
Skydiver Records is a well-known independent record store in Collingwood, founded in 2016 by three local DJs. Specialising in new and second-hand vinyl records, the store stocks house, techno, disco, Italo, synth-pop, ambient, and electronic music from local and international labels.
More than just a vinyl shop, Skydiver also operates as a bar and event space, hosting regular record launches and DJ performances. With pizza, wine, and a relaxed courtyard, it’s a must-visit Melbourne record store.
Rocksteady Records
Rocksteady Records is a Melbourne record store with a strong focus on vinyl and local music culture. Owned by record store veteran Pat Monaghan, the shop specialises in new and second-hand vinyl across soul, rock, reggae, funk, jazz, hip hop, indie, and new wave. A passionate supporter of Australian independent artists, Rocksteady regularly stocks local releases and hosts in-store live performances.
Northside Records
Northside Records is a long-standing Fitzroy record store that has been at the heart of Melbourne’s soul, funk, and hip-hop scene since 2002. Run by Triple R’s Chris Gill, the shop is renowned among DJs and collectors for its deep vinyl knowledge and carefully curated selection.
Also covering reggae, jazz, and house, Northside stocks rare and new releases across multiple formats. With fresh international arrivals and a strong commitment to Australian and First Nations music, it’s a trusted destination for serious diggers.
Rathdowne Records
Rathdowne Records is a Northcote-based Melbourne record store known for its deep jazz roots and large vinyl selection. Founded in 2007 by Joel Shortman, the shop has grown into one of the city’s most respected jazz record stockists while also offering strong selections of funk, hip hop, techno and global sounds. Rathdowne is a favourite among collectors and DJs looking for rare finds and quality vinyl across multiple genres.
Licorice Pie
Licorice Pie Records is a highly regarded second-hand vinyl record store in Collingwood. Established in 2002 and now located within the Collingwood Arts Precinct, the store stocks more than 10,000 pre-loved records across rock, pop, psych, metal, funk, soul, and rare international grooves.
Known globally for its attention to detail and hard-to-find vinyl, Licorice Pie also trades vintage hi-fi equipment and maintains an active Discogs presence, making it a must-visit destination for serious Melbourne record collectors.
Wax Museum Records
Wax Museum Records is a long-running Melbourne record store and live music venue that has been shaping local music culture since 2006. Known for staying ahead of music trends, the shop stocks new and second-hand vinyl across jazz, soul, hip-hop, electronic and club-focused genres. It’s a go-to destination for discovering fresh releases, hidden gems and live music under one roof.
Oh! Jean Records
Oh! Jean Records is an independent Melbourne record store offering a carefully curated selection of new and second-hand vinyl across indie, jazz and hip hop. Known for its welcoming, community-driven atmosphere, the shop champions Australian releases and features a dedicated New Zealand section.
Oh! Jean regularly hosts live in-store performances from local and touring artists, while also serving coffee in a relaxed, browse-friendly space. With knowledgeable staff and a hands-on approach to sourcing records, it’s a favourite spot for discovering new music and vinyl.
Record Paradise
Record Paradise is a beloved independent record store in Brunswick, Melbourne, offering a huge selection of new and second-hand vinyl, CDs, DVDs, books, and vinyl accessories. Owned by local music enthusiasts Paul Allen and Renae Maxwell, the shop specialises in local 7” releases for collectors and DJs.
Known for its friendly, community-driven vibe, Record Paradise is a go-to Melbourne vinyl shop for discovering rare finds, supporting local artists, and enjoying a hands-on, personal record-shopping experience.
Round & Round Records
Round & Round Records is a long-running independent vinyl store on Sydney Road, Brunswick, open since 2008. The shop stocks an extensive range of new and second-hand records, covering everything from Krautrock, Italian prog, and avant-jazz to psych, indie, soul, reggae, hip-hop, and experimental music.
With custom-built wooden racks crammed with vinyl, Round & Round is a favourite destination for collectors, DJs, and music lovers searching for rare finds, underground gems, and classic hits alike.
Heartland Records
Heartland Records is a Victoria Street, Melbourne vinyl store that has been a favourite among collectors since 1992. The shop offers an extensive selection across all genres, with a strong focus on heavy metal and punk, particularly Australian bands.
From classic reissues to indie rock favourites, shoppers can explore titles from Nirvana, Alice Cooper, Anthrax, Iron Maiden, Arctic Monkeys and more. With its spacious layout and carefully curated stock, Heartland is a must-visit destination for serious vinyl enthusiasts in Melbourne.
Greville Records
Greville Records is a legendary Southside Melbourne record store with over 40 years of history in punk, independent and classic rock vinyl. Known for its deep knowledge and hard-to-find releases, the store is a go-to destination for collectors chasing ultra-limited pressings, rare B-sides and obscure gems.
Owner Warwick Brown also stocks music books, tour posters, and unique memorabilia, making Greville Records more than just a vinyl shop. A true staple of Melbourne’s music culture, it remains one of the city’s most respected independent record stores.
Thornbury Records
Thornbury Records is located in Northcote, and remains a community hub for music lovers who value collecting and listening beyond streaming. Thornbury Records offers an extensive range of vinyl across multiple genres, along with expert advice on turntables, parts and repairs. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and deep music knowledge, it’s a trusted destination for both new collectors and seasoned vinyl enthusiasts in Melbourne’s inner north.
Dutch Vinyl
Dutch Vinyl sources both new and second-hand vinyl records from around the world, all available at their Abbotsford, Melbourne store. Each year, the team travels to the Netherlands to personally source high-quality Dutch and European pressings, prized for their superior sound and pressing standards. Records are carefully cleaned using professional equipment and presented in crystal-clear Blake sleeves, with fair, transparent pricing.
Honorable Mentions:
- The Searchers Records – 93 Smith St, Fitzroy, Victoria
- Happy Valley Shop – 294 Smith St, Collingwood, Victoria
- Goldmine Records – 355 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North, Victoria
- Discrepancy Records – 301 Rossmoyne St, Thornbury
- Profile Music – 147 Greville St, Prahran, Victoria
Time To Go Digging!
From long-standing institutions to hidden neighbourhood gems, Melbourne’s record stores reflect the city’s deep love of music and vinyl culture. Whether you’re digging for rare pressings, supporting local artists, or simply browsing with a coffee in hand, these stores offer far more than records.
They’re places where Melbourne’s music community continues to thrive.
