A warm, clear day, the sound of waves lapping towards the shore, a fresh breeze, and nowhere in particular to be. What a perfect day to wander into a place where the sunshine gently falls through the open door, practically pushing you towards to smell of freshly brewed coffee and the colourful shelves of perfectly organised pages. Upon entering, you’re greeted with a smile from the owner, fresh flowers that would look perfect on your dining table, and a store full of things that would be so easy to convince yourself you need. Sound like heaven? Close! Welcome to Salti Reads bookstore in Caloundra, Queensland.
I was always that child (and teenager admittedly) who loved nothing more than two types of stores – a good stationary store, and a book store. If you haven’t put it together yet, my personality type is a healthy mix between Monica from Friends and Amy Santiago from Brooklyn Nine Nine. So when I first discovered a new aesthetic bookstore was opening a couple years ago, I was beyond excited to check it out!
I was immediately enamoured by Salti Read’s beautiful beachside location and it’s proximity to so many other lovely small businesses along the water. The coffee shop within the store itself was the perfect place to start. With a fresh, hot coffee in hand and the cool winter breeze beyond the doors, I began my wander along the perfectly organised shelves. Not only does the store have a few cosy reading nooks within, but the umbrella covered seating outside makes for a lovely spot to stop and take a breathe while watching the waves beyond. Book merch browsing was also one of the highlights of visiting the store! Shirts, bookmarks, cups and more, all designed with some of my favourite book quotes. Special edition books were another highlight! Stunning sprayed pages, hard covers and collectible items that practically re-filled my almost-empty coffee cup! Needless to say, my “quick stop-in” turned into a half day bookstore browse. And when I finally decided on my book picks of the day, I was farewelled with a smiled and lovely conversation by the owner of the store.
That was my first day at Salti Reads, and it was the day it became my favourite bookstore!
Since that day a few years ago, I have taken any to return to Caloundra just to visit Salti Reads. My own personal tradition for a selfcare day; I venture to the bookstore solo, buy a coffee and take my time wandering around the shelves, reading blurbs, and chatting to the owner about book recommendations. I then take my book pick and sit under the beach umbrella outside, reading and sipping my coffee, and looking out at the blue beyond. Even the rainiest days prove to make the experience all the more cozy! I then often conclude my trip to Caloundra by taking myself on a solo, hour-long walk by the beach with a juice or smoothie, and not a phone in sight.
Remember how I mentioned my other love has always been a good stationary store? Well, if this doesn’t already sound like the perfect day to you, would you believe me if I told you that Salti Reads now has a small stationary store that has recently opened not far from it? Lil’ Salti. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to check it out myself, but I absolutely cannot wait for my next free day to add Lil’ Salti to my day-off tradition too!
Wandering through bookstores is one of my favourite things in the world, and I cannot wait to check out a few more that are on my list! But as of right now, Salti Reads, you have my heart. And to the owner, thank you for creating such a welcoming and cosy space for coffee, flowers, and all things books!
So my Sunday recommendation? If you ever find yourself in Caloundra, Queensland, or anywhere close by, check out this beautiful space and support a small business that is dedicated to providing such a beautiful bookstore experience!
Instagram: @saltireads
