Berkelouw Book Store Berrima

Hunt for Unique Reads at Berkelouw Book Barn, Berrima

Whether you’re a casual reader, keen collector or budding antiquarian, Berkelouw Book Barn presents the most astonishing array of books you could imagine. Located just outside the historic village of Berrima, this incredible store houses tens of thousands of tomes from rare reads to best-sellers.

Reachable in under two hours’ drive from Canberra, Berkelouw Book Barn and its countryside surroundings make a great literary-themed day out.

Where reading and relaxation align

What the Berkelouw family don’t know about books isn’t worth knowing. They’ve been selling books for over 200 years, relocating from their native Holland homeland to Australia in 1948.

Tragedy struck during WW2 when all their stock was destroyed, but after the fourth generation of Berkelouw’s moved to Sydney, things really took off. Now with stores in nine locations across Australia, the Book Barn is the family’s main HQ.

Set in the attractive Bendooley Estate, the lovingly restored barn oozes rustic charm. High timbered ceilings hung with iron chandeliers loom over row-after-row of shelves, heaving with books of every kind.

The Berkelouw Book Barn and its immediate surroundings invite relaxation and contemplation. It’s a place to bask in the quietude of the countryside while slowly exploring new narratives and stories amid the millions of pages around you.

What can I buy at Berkelouw Book Barn?

From leather-bound, centuries-old history books to vintage French cooking tomes, the Berkelouw Book Barn sells everything that you won’t find in Dymocks. Whether you’re looking for film or food and wine, fiction or non-fiction, each section is vast and includes brand new releases and unique second-hand finds as well.

You can immerse yourself in local history in the expansive Australiana section or grab a good deal in the Berkelouw Bargains section. Unlike many bookstores that discourage browsing, Berkelouw Book Barn encourages it with seating around its show-stopping giant fireplace.

What else can I do around the Bendooley Estate?

It’s not just books in store on the Bendooley Estate. After a morning soaking up literature, enjoy lunch at the magnificent Bendooley Estate Restaurant. Literally adjacent to the Book Barn, you can dine on house Bendooley charcuterie or slow-braised lamb – all backdropped by books and the verdant estate garden outside.

Not to be missed is Bendooley Estate’s Cellar Door. This modern architectural space hosts wine tastings where you’ll be guided through flights of house red, white or reserve wines. Call in to the Bendooley Larder before leaving to pick up some locally made cheese, BBQ dry rub or a luxurious picnic hamper to take away.

Berkelouw Book Barn at a glance

• Berkelouw Book Barn and the Bendooley Estate is 166km and just under two hours’ drive from Canberra.
• Berkelouw Book Barn sells new and second-hand books, from rarities, antiques to best sellers.
• The greater Bendooley Estate also features an excellent restaurant, winery with cellar door, and a deli selling local produce.

Who is Berkelouw Book Barn good for?

Book lovers, gourmets, couples, families and teenagers.

About the ActewAGL evHub

There are now over 20 models of electric vehicles that can go 400kms in a single battery charge ensuring an EV fits seamlessly into your leisure lifestyle. If you need help to find an EV, finance an EV or charge an EV, then visit the ActewAGL evHub today.

For those with an EV, listed below are the three charging stations along the way to help with planning your trip.