The Lifeline Bookfest Brisbane is officially underway, offering a special five-day summer edition running from Saturday, December 13 to Wednesday, December 17. Hosted at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre across two massive halls, this year’s iconic community event arrives at the perfect moment for families and gift-hunters due to the commencement of school holidays and the approaching Christmas season. Entry to the event is free.

The Bookfest is loaded with more than one million pre-loved items, including books, games, comics, puzzles, CDs, and collectibles. Shoppers can browse a wide range of materials, such as fiction, non-fiction, biographies, textbooks, magazines, sci-fi, games, CDs, DVDs, and special rare finds. Book prices start at $2.50. The event features two distinct shopping areas: the $2.50 Hall, where all items cost $2.50 each, and the High-Quality Hall, where prices are individually marked.

Every purchase made at the Bookfest serves a greater purpose, as the event is Lifeline’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the sales directly support Lifeline’s 24/7 Crisis Support Services, which are available anytime via phone (13 11 14), text, and online chat. The event is a feel-good tradition that brings people together while providing real support, with dedicated staff and volunteers sorting, pricing, and preparing the millions of donated items.

ComicFest Returns with More Space

The crowd-favourite ComicFest section has returned for the summer edition, featuring graphic novels, retro games, and pop culture collectibles guaranteed to delight gift-givers and fans of all ages. The Comic Fest area has been allocated more space this year and is filled with more than 10,000 comics, memorabilia, and other collectables.

This year’s summer Bookfest is a little shorter and has shifted earlier than its traditional January date due to renovations scheduled for the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in the new year.

Visitor Information

The event runs from December 13 to December 17 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Daily operating hours are as follows:

• Saturday: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
• Sunday – Tuesday: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm daily
• Wednesday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Organizers note that items are regularly restocked throughout the event to keep the thrill of discovery alive. Visitors exploring the over 4 km of books and other items are highly recommended to wear comfortable footwear. While morning entry can sometimes have queues, afternoons are generally quieter for those wishing to avoid crowds.