People always ask me where to go digging in Melbourne, and I always say the same thing: everywhere. This city has one of the best record store scenes in the Southern Hemisphere, and each shop has its own personality. Here’s my honest guide, including what each place does well and what you should know before you visit.

Fair warning: I’m going to include my competitors in this list because I genuinely believe a healthy scene benefits everyone. When one shop does well, people buy more records. When people buy more records, we all do well.

Inner North

Northside Records (Fitzroy) — If I had to pick one shop that represents Melbourne’s music culture, it’s Northside. Incredible selection of new Australian releases, excellent curation across genres, and a genuinely knowledgeable staff. Their in-store performance program is legendary. Go for the local sections and the jazz wall.

Polyester Records (Fitzroy) — Been around since the early 90s and still going strong. Great for indie rock, punk, and electronic. Their secondhand section is well-curated and fairly priced. The back room often has treasures.

Heartland Records (Collingwood) — Smaller shop with a focused selection. Excellent for soul, funk, hip-hop, and jazz. The owner knows his stuff and will steer you right. Don’t miss the 7-inch bins.

CBD and Surrounds

Basement Discs (CBD) — A Melbourne institution. The range is enormous, covering everything from classical to metal. Their listening stations let you try before you buy, which is increasingly rare. Great for finding imports you won’t see elsewhere.

Licorice Pie (CBD/Flinders Lane) — From the same family as the original Missing Link crew. Eclectic, surprising, and stocked with staff picks that consistently introduce me to things I’d never have found on my own.

Inner South and East

Greville Records (Prahran) — Another legendary shop. Massive secondhand section with fair pricing. The new release wall is solid, and they’re excellent for Australian releases. The location on Greville Street means you can combine a record shopping trip with a solid coffee circuit.

Rocksteady Records (Prahran) — More focused on reggae, dub, ska, and associated genres. If that’s your thing, this is your shop. The knowledge here is deep and specific.

Western Suburbs

Round and Round Records (Footscray) — This shop deserves more attention. Great selection of punk, garage, and experimental music. The prices are reasonable and the staff are passionate. Footscray is having a moment, and this shop is part of why.

Outer Suburbs

Dixons Recycled Records (multiple locations) — Not really a “dig” shop, but they’re consistent and widespread. Good for basics and the occasional surprise in the secondhand bins. The Malvern and Hawthorn locations tend to have the best stock.

Tips for Digging in Melbourne

Go on weekdays if you can. Saturdays are rammed, especially in Fitzroy. The best finds are usually out on the floor within an hour of the shop opening on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Bring cash for the smaller shops. Most places take card now, but some of the best secondhand dealers still prefer cash, and you might get a better deal.

Talk to the staff. This isn’t like shopping at a chain store. The people behind the counter at these shops live and breathe music. Tell them what you’re into and let them point you somewhere unexpected.

Check the gig guides. Many Melbourne record stores double as gig venues for in-store performances. Northside, Polyester, and others regularly host free in-store sets. It’s a fantastic way to discover new artists and support the shop at the same time.

Don’t rush. Digging is meant to be slow. The best finds come when you’re flipping through a section you wouldn’t normally check. Give yourself at least an hour per shop.

The Scene Is Healthy

Melbourne’s record store scene has been through rough patches. The mid-2000s were brutal, and we lost some great shops. But the scene now feels stable and diverse. New stores open occasionally, the established ones keep adapting, and there’s genuine community between shops.

If you’re visiting from interstate or overseas, set aside a full day for record shopping. You won’t regret it. And if you happen to wander into a shop in the inner-north run by a bloke with too many opinions, that’s probably me. Come say g’day.