Sydney CBD is home to more than just big-name bookstores and shopping centres.
For stationery lovers, it is also a place to discover Japanese paper goods, beautifully designed notebooks, writing instruments and thoughtful gifts.
The best part? Five of our favourite stops sit within an easy walk of one another.
Here is your stationery-lover’s guide to exploring Sydney CBD, one beautiful notebook at a time.
1. Books Kinokuniya Sydney
If you love stationery with a Japanese influence, start here.
Kinokuniya began in Tokyo in 1927 and opened its first Australian store in Sydney in 1996. Its current CBD home has been at The Galeries since 2002.
The store is best known for its enormous book collection, but its stationery department deserves its own visit. Expect Japanese stationery, notebooks, pens, journals, character goods and paper products. Its art and design section also makes this a great stop for creative inspiration. The selection changes regularly, so there is always something new to discover.
Address: Level 2, The Galeries, 500 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
2. Dymocks Sydney
Dymocks brings a very different kind of stationery experience.
The Australian bookseller dates back to 1879, when William Dymock opened his first bookshop on Pitt Street. The brand has maintained a long connection with George Street.
Today, stationery sits alongside books, gifts and lifestyle products. Its range includes familiar names such as Moleskine, Leuchtturm1917, Rhodia, Kaweco and Rifle Paper Co.
It is worth visiting when you want practical stationery with a little personality. You can browse for a new notebook, writing instrument or gift before continuing your bookshop wander.
Address: 424–430 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
3. Milligram Sydney
Milligram is where stationery becomes a design experience.
The brand began in 2007 as an online business called NoteMaker. It later became Milligram as its focus expanded from stationery into design-led lifestyle products.
Today, its collection brings together cult stationery brands including LAMY, Kaweco, Moleskine, Hobonichi, Kakimori and Midori.
The store is particularly good for notebooks and writing instruments. You can also try selected products in person, with notebook personalisation available at the George Street store.
If beautiful, functional design is your stationery weakness, leave some room in your tote.
Address: 430 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
4. Bespoke Letterpress, Strand Arcade
For something more tactile, head into the historic Strand Arcade.
Bespoke Letterpress is a lovely stop for people who appreciate the craft behind stationery. Its world revolves around beautifully printed paper goods, greeting cards, wrapping and giftable pieces. Rather than focusing on everyday office supplies, the store celebrates stationery as something worth keeping, giving and displaying.
The Strand Arcade setting adds to the experience, making this a particularly charming stop on your CBD stationery walk. Take your time browsing the cards and paper goods before exploring the arcade’s heritage architecture.
Address: Ground Floor, The Strand Arcade, 412–414 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
5. kikki.K QVB
Finish your stationery crawl at kikki.K inside the Queen Victoria Building.
The Australian brand is known for turning organisation into something beautiful. Its signature collections span planners, diaries, notebooks, journals, pens and desk accessories, making it a natural destination for anyone who loves getting organised. It is also a good place to look for gifts, especially if you are shopping for someone who loves planning, journaling or a beautifully arranged desk.
The QVB location makes the experience even better. Once you have browsed the stationery, take a little time to wander through one of Sydney’s most recognisable heritage shopping buildings.
Address: Shop LG24, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Make a Day of It
These five stationery shops are close enough to turn into a relaxed CBD walking route. Start at Kinokuniya, then head towards Dymocks and Milligram on George Street. Continue towards the Strand Arcade before finishing at kikki.K in the QVB.
Bring a tote, leave some space in your schedule and prepare to say, “I definitely don’t need another notebook.”
We know how that usually ends.
Photos: Online sources
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