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.
Audiobooks count as reading.
Yes, even the ones you listen to in the car.
Whether you’re turning pages or pressing play, you’re still discovering stories, learning, and getting lost in a great book.
When you choose your next audiobook through Libro.fm, you’re not just listening, you’re supporting Farrell’s and independent bookselling.
More stories. More reading. More support for your local book community.
Our @libro.fm link is in our bio.
Time Travel for Beginners by @jaclynmoriarty
Publication Date : July 28th
Inside, you’ll be welcomed by the smell of freshly brewed coffee, a selection of baked goods . . . and the question, Where in time do you wish to go?
The guidelines are simple: you can go whenever you wish into the past, and there’s no fear of altering the present. Have tea with Jane Austen, scream at a Beatles concert, witness the Olympics in ancient Greece. Perhaps a more personal trip? Visit your long-lost grandmother, recapture the heady days of your youth, return to the idyllic time when your teen was a babbling baby—or watch yourself make the one decision that changed everything.
Is it a hoax? And if it’s real, what’s the catch?
Pre order now. In store July 28th.
Jemma is currently reading: The Book Witch by Meg Shaffer
A story about a book witch who can step into fictional worlds? Say less.
With magical libraries, beloved literary characters, page-turning adventure and a love story that breaks all the rules, this feels like the ultimate read for anyone who`s ever wished they could disappear into the pages of their favourite book. Because let`s be honest... haven`t we all wanted to live inside a story at least once?
Jemma is completely enchanted so far. Would you read this one?
@hachetteaus
I Can`t Tell You But I Will by @magda_szubanski will be released 29th September 2026. Pop in store and pre order your copy now or jump online www.farrells.com.au
The second memoir from a beloved Australian icon of TV and cinema follows Magda`s journey from daughter to orphan, from comedian to campaigner.
I Can`t Tell You But I Will is the powerful and tender new memoir by Magda Szubanski, author of the bestselling, award-winner Reckoning.
In her book she writes with searing honesty about her complicated relationship with her dying mother Margaret As Magda stepped into the fight for same-sex marriage in Australia, she was also confronting the heartbreak of her mother`s decline.
This unforgettable book describes the true cost of caring, the courage it takes to keep going, and the impossible pull between public duty and private grief.
A beautiful hardcover, I Can`t Tell You But I Will is for everyone who has loved or lost someone, or tried to hold themselves together when life demands everything at once.
@text_publishing
These are Indy`s all-time favourite series. And they`re perfect for readers who love to escape into richly imagined worlds.
Whether you`re drawn to strange and unsettling mysteries, urban fantasy with sharp wit and magical intrigue, or character-driven sci-fi full of heart and hope, these series prove that speculative fiction can be as thought-provoking as it is immersive. If you enjoy unforgettable world-building, compelling characters and stories that stay with you long after you`ve turned the final page, these are well worth adding to your TBR.
Have you read any of Indy`s favourites? Or which series would you recommend next?
Five books. Endless conversations from @hardiegrantbooks
From unforgettable fiction to fearless memoir, groundbreaking food writing to iconic fashion, and music history that belongs on every shelf—these are the books everyone will be talking about.
Discover:
A brilliant new novel from Jaclyn Moriarty.
Alan Joyce’s candid account of leadership, controversy and corporate life.
Josh Niland’s extraordinary celebration of Saint Peter.
Megan Hess’s beautifully illustrated love letter to Barbie.
Rob Hirst’s definitive legacy project, sharing stories from a life in music.
The kind of books you`ll want to read, gift, display, and chat about long after you`ve turned the final page.
Which one is going straight to your TBR?
#Bookstagram #BooksToRead #NewBooks #ReadersOfInstagram #TBR
One Knight Stand by @amiekaufmanauthor & @meaganspooner
I loved being reunited with all our brave and lovable favourite characters from Lady’s Knight!
Again we have cuteness, adventure and snacks, but this time there is even more danger, magical creatures, a whole lotta trauma and some absolutely wild mysteries to solve.
Listened to on @librofm (truly amazing narrators!)
Read by Jemma
@allenandunwin
Take your story to The Next Chapter, @@wheelercentre landmark writing program.
Applications for The Next Chapter 2027 are now open and will close at 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026.
The Wheeler Centre`s The Next Chapter program supports a selected group of writers with manuscripts in progress, helping them bring their work to life.
Each recipient receives a $15,000 stipend and is paired with a handpicked mentor who works closely with them throughout the development of their manuscript. Participants also have the opportunity to attend a residency at Varuna, The National Writers` House in Katoomba, NSW, along with other professional development opportunities throughout the year.
At the heart of the program is a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in Australian literature. The Next Chapter creates opportunities for writers from marginalised communities and helps break down barriers to accessing traditional publishing pathways.
Since its launch in 2018, The Next Chapter has supported 55 writers, showcasing the rich diversity of Australian identities and experiences.
This year`s recipients will be selected by an esteemed judging panel comprising Melissa Lucashenko, Micaela Sahhar, Cher Tan and Melanie Saward.
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).