about farrells
We are a proudly independent general bookshop located in Mornington Victoria, about an hour south-east of Melbourne on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
We have been part of our community for more than 40 years, sharing our passion for books and reading and providing our customers with quality service and specialised knowledge. Farrells is a welcoming and inclusive space to connect with other book lovers.
At Farrells we strongly believe in the relevance and importance of independent bricks and mortar bookshops in the 21st century – the desire is greater than ever for people to connect within their communities and enjoy face to face relationships with those who can provide them with passionate service and advice.
our philosophy
We believe that books matter. Reading and books have so many benefits – improving your mood, reducing stress, learning new skills or ways of thinking, understanding others and the world around us, and finding connection – to an idea, a feeling, a community. And, of course, entertaining us or giving us a form of escape – without travelling anywhere except the inside of our own heads.
In Farrells we strive to create a place of community, understanding and acceptance, through a shared love of books and everything they can bring us. Matching a reader with a book that will change them, nurture them, reveal a truth they have been searching for or simply bring them pleasure, is what we love to do most. Books can change the world, one reader at a time.
our history
Farrells was established in the late 1970s by Roy and Liz Farrell, who nurtured the business for its first 20 years, before handing the reigns over to Ian and Meredith Horton, formerly of Pages Bookshop in Kew. Both the Farrells and the Hortons were passionately involved in leadership within the book industry in both Victoria and at a national level. They remain active and committed members of the Peninsula community and very regular Farrells customers!
Today Ian and Meredith have passed the mantle to their daughter, Kate. Together with our amazing and passionate staff, Kate works to ensure Farrells continues to evolve to meet the needs of our community. We are constantly humbled by the love our community shows for our little bookshop and the importance it has held in the lives of multiple generations.
What`s on!
If you don`t want to miss a thing. Make sure you are signed up to our mailing list.
Or pop online to www.farrells.com.au/whats-on and check out all of the upcoming events.
#mainstmornington
Countdown time, just 2 months left to enter the Writing Competition!
We’re curious… is your young author planning to enter?
Prompt:
“The sound became louder and I realised it was…”
Mystery? Adventure? A dragon?
We can’t wait to find out
@mainstreetmornington
#morningtonpeninsulakids #lovethepen #morningtonpeninsulamums #mainstmornington
You all know Indy! If you are after a fantasy. YA or middle grade book. She`s your girl.
"I experienced excellent customer service from Indy. I was looking for some book recommendations and she was so thoughtful and knowledgeable with what books to suggest for me while considering my likes and dislikes. Thank you Indy. :)"
Book series we are loving...
The Dream Harbor series by @lauriegilmore_author is pure cosy fun. You can read them in any order, which makes them the perfect pick-up-when-you-need-something-cute kind of books. They’re flirty, charming, and set in the sweetest small town full of lovable characters and dreamy romance. Think Hallmark movie meets Stars Hollow vibes, but cuter, sassier, and with a little extra spice. Basically the ultimate feel-good reads for when you want something easy, comforting, and impossible not to binge.
You`ll find them in romance or staff recs. Plus we`ve got a box set! Perfect winter reads.
@harpercollinsaustralia
#cozyromance #starshollow #bookseries #bookshoplife
June Book Club picks
This month we’re reading Childhood by Brendan James Murray and Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. Two books that are both guaranteed to spark incredible conversation.
Childhood is a thoughtful, nostalgic memoir about growing up, family, school, and the moments that shape us. Even more special, Brendan is a local author and local readers will recognise so many familiar Australian settings and experiences throughout the book
Yesteryear takes us into the world of tradwife culture, curated perfection, nostalgia, and influencer identity. Sharp, addictive, and full of BIG discussion topics
We cannot wait to chat about both of these with you this month
Book online www.farrells.com.au or pop into store to secure your spot. Spots are limited. So get in quick
#bookclub #bookclubpick #bookstagram #readingcommunity #memoir #fiction #australianauthors #localauthor #childhood #yesteryear
Whistler by Ann Patchett
PUBLICATION DATE - 2ND JUNE 2026 - PREORDER NOW!
Order online www.farrells.com.au or pop in store to secure your copy now.
@bloomsburypublishing
#annpatchett #bookish #ordernow
If The Resilience Project resonated with you, we think you’ll love Childhood by Brendan James Murray. Thoughtful, compassionate and deeply community-minded, it opens up important conversations about connection, resilience and what kids really need to thrive.
This is going to be such a rich book club discussion, especially for parents, teachers and anyone interested in raising happier, healthier humans. Plus, it’s written by a local, so you’ll recognise many of the places and moments throughout the book. Don’t leave it too late to book your spot!
Pop in store or online www.farrells.com.au/whats-on to book your seat
#BookClub #NonFictionBooks #TheResilienceProject #BrendanJamesMurray #morningtonpeninsulamums #mainstmornington
Your Next Read
Chapter books designed to keep kids reading, balancing child enjoyment with parent peace of mind, and supporting a science-based approach to reading development.
Engaging, inclusive, and made for every stage of the reading journey. Rec ages 5-9
Come in store and explore the series
@simonschusterau
#YourNextRead #KidsBooks #ChildrensBooks #ReadingJourney #BookstagramKids
community
We are committed to promoting the importance of books and literacy within our community. For several years we have run a Children’s Book Week Story Writing Competition for kids from Prep through to Year 12, which now attracts hundreds of entries annually. We work closely with many local schools to develop their school libraries and reading initiatives, and run pre-school storytimes in store to foster a love of books in our youngest community members. We regularly run events including book clubs and author talks to extend our customer experience and create opportunities to bring the community together to celebrate books.
We also partner regularly with local not-for-profit groups, including Rotary and Lions Clubs, on projects that aim to add value to our community.
We feel lucky to be a part of a regional community that values us and continues to nurture and inspire us in our business and look for every opportunity to give back and nurture that most important of relationships.
In the broader book community we are a proud member of the national industry association known as BookPeople (formerly the Australian Booksellers Association).