Where to Buy Vinyl Records in Australia: Online, In-Store and Second-Hand

You can buy vinyl records in Australia from independent online record stores, local record shops, big retailers like JB Hi-Fi, online marketplaces such as Discogs and eBay, record fairs, and second-hand from op shops and garage sales. Each suits a different kind of buyer. This guide covers the pros and cons of each, what to check before you buy, and how to avoid paying too much.

Quick guide: where should you buy vinyl?

Where	Best for	Watch out for
Independent online record stores	New releases, reissues and collectable records delivered to your door	Shipping costs on small orders; check stock and pre-order status
Local record shops	Browsing, checking condition in person, local advice	Limited range in smaller shops
Big retailers	Popular new releases and chart albums	Small, mainstream range; records not always stored well
Discogs	Specific pressings and rare records	Overseas shipping costs, seller grading varies
eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree	Bargains and bulk collections	Inconsistent grading, poor packing, limited returns
Record fairs and markets	Crate digging, rare finds, meeting other collectors	Irregular dates; bring cash
Op shops and garage sales	Cheap second-hand records	Condition is often poor

1. Independent online record stores

Online record stores give you the widest range without leaving home. Good ones list the pressing details, such as the vinyl weight, colour, whether it's a reissue or original, and the condition of second-hand copies, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Pros: large range, detailed listings, delivered to your door, and Australian Consumer Law protection when you buy from an Australian business.

Cons: you can't inspect the record before buying, and shipping adds to the cost of a single record.

We're an independent online record store based in the Blue Mountains, NSW, selling new and collectable vinyl. Orders ship Australia-wide with Australia Post, with free Parcel Post on orders of $200 or more. Unopened items can be returned within 28 days if you change your mind. See our returns policy for details. Browse our vinyl records or see what's new this month.

Regular customers also earn Heathen Points, our rewards program, on every purchase. Points add up to around 5% off future orders.

2. Local record shops

Nothing beats flipping through crates in person. A good local record shop lets you check the condition of second-hand records before you buy, hear a record on the shop turntable, and get recommendations from people who know their stock.

Pros: you can inspect records, find things you weren't looking for, and support a local business.

Cons: smaller shops have limited stock, and you may need to travel. Prices vary a lot from shop to shop.

Many independent shops take part in Record Store Day, held each year, usually on a Saturday in April, when limited-edition releases are sold only through independent record stores.

3. Big retailers

Chains such as JB Hi-Fi and department stores including Big W stock vinyl, mostly popular new releases, classic albums and chart records.

Pros: convenient, and good for big new releases on release day.

Cons: the range is narrow and mainstream, staff may not know much about pressings, and records are sometimes stored flat or in warm spots, which can lead to warping.

4. Discogs

Discogs is a huge database of releases with a marketplace attached. It's the best place to track down one exact pressing, such as an original first pressing or a specific country's release.

Pros: enormous range, detailed release information, and price history for each release.

Cons: many sellers are overseas, so shipping to Australia can add a lot to the price. Overseas sellers also charge 10% GST on most orders, which has applied to imported goods worth A$1,000 or less since 2018. Sellers grade their own records, so check their feedback and ask questions before buying anything expensive.

If you're buying a specific pressing, our guide to identifying a first pressing explains how to check you're getting the right one.

5. eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree

You can find bargains and whole collections for sale on these sites, but it's buyer beware.

Pros: low prices, local pick-up, and bulk lots.

Cons: sellers often don't know how to grade records, photos can hide scratches, records are sometimes poorly packed, and private sales come with fewer protections than buying from a business.

Ask for clear photos of both sides of the record in good light, and check our vinyl grading guide so you know what grades like VG+ actually mean.

6. Record fairs and markets

Record fairs bring lots of sellers together in one place, and they're one of the best ways to find rare or unusual records. Keep an eye on local event listings and music venues' social media for upcoming fairs.

Pros: huge choice in one place, you can haggle, and you'll meet other collectors.

Cons: they happen irregularly, and the best stock goes early. Bring cash, and a bag that fits LPs.

7. Op shops, garage sales and estate sales

Op shops and garage sales can turn up cheap records, especially older pop, easy listening and classical. Genuine finds are rarer than they used to be, but it's still part of the fun.

Pros: very cheap.

Cons: condition is often poor, with scratches, warps, mould and torn covers. Inspect every record carefully before you buy.

What to check before you buy

• Is it new or second-hand? New records should be sealed. Second-hand records should have a grade for both the record and the cover.
• Is it an original or a reissue? Both are fine, but the price should match. Reissues are usually much cheaper than originals.
• What condition is it in? Look for scratches, scuffs and warps. Our guide to warped records explains what's acceptable.
• What does shipping cost? Shipping can double the price of a single overseas record, so compare the total price.
• What's the returns policy? If a record arrives faulty, an Australian business must offer a repair, replacement or refund under Australian Consumer Law. Private sellers and overseas sellers may not offer the same protection.
• Is it in stock? Many new releases are sold on pre-order or backorder, so check when it's expected to ship. On our site, click "Notify me" on any out-of-stock record and we'll email you when it's back. Restocks often sell out quickly, so it pays to be quick.

How to save money on vinyl

• Combine orders to reduce shipping per record, or reach a free shipping threshold.
• Buy reissues of classic albums instead of originals unless you want an original for collecting.
• Look at second-hand copies in good condition. A VG+ record often plays well for a lot less than a sealed one.
• Sign up to store newsletters for sales and new-release alerts, and join store rewards programs to earn discounts on future orders.
• Look after what you buy. Good sleeves and storage keep records in good condition, and help them hold their value.

Frequently asked questions

Can you still buy vinyl records?

Yes. Vinyl has made a big comeback. In 2024, Australians bought more than 1.1 million vinyl albums, according to ARIA. Plenty of new albums come out on vinyl, and many classic albums have been reissued.

What is the best place to buy vinyl records in Australia?

It depends on what you want. For new releases and reissues delivered to your door, an Australian online record store is the easiest option. For browsing and checking condition in person, visit a local record shop. For one specific rare pressing, try Discogs.

Is it cheaper to buy vinyl from overseas?

Sometimes the record itself is cheaper, but international shipping and GST often cancel out the saving, especially on a single record. Buying from an Australian seller also makes returns easier if something goes wrong.

Where can I buy second-hand vinyl records?

Local record shops, record fairs, Discogs, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and op shops all sell second-hand records. Check the grading and photos carefully, and ask questions before buying anything expensive.

How much should a new vinyl record cost in Australia?

Most new single LPs cost around $40 to $60. Double albums, coloured vinyl, deluxe editions and limited releases cost more.

Start your collection

New to vinyl? Read our beginner's guide to collecting vinyl, or browse our vinyl records and new arrivals.