Twenty-two book lovers climbed aboard a bus in Emerald on Saturday morning, 17 May, for a literary road trip that took them through some of the Yarra Valley’s most beloved independent bookshops.
Organised by Grace and Louie Booksellers, the tour marked their very first Yarra Valley Book Trail, and judging by the smiles and stuffed tote bags, it won’t be their last.
The day kicked off at Grace and Louie Booksellers in Emerald, where guests were greeted by shop owner Lyn Watson and their enthusiastic hostess for the day, Melinda Moulday.
After a wander through the shop’s shelves and some early bookish purchases, the group boarded the bus and set off for Woori Yallock.
At their first stop, A Thousand Lives Book Haven, the group was treated to a surprise meet-and-greet with local romance author Devon May. Known for its focus on fantasy and romance, the store charmed visitors with its cosy vibe and warm hospitality.
From there, it was off to Verso Books in Healesville. Owner Nina and her team welcomed the group with open arms, and a playful book-themed lucky dip added a bit of extra excitement to each purchase.
Ms Moulday said the group left Verso with 43 books and games between them, a boost that didn’t go unnoticed by the store.
“Nina told us we’d made their day,” Ms Moulday said.
“Not just with our energy, but with our support.”
The group then stopped for a long lunch at the picturesque Zonzo Estate. With good food, fine wine, and sweeping views, it was the perfect mid-tour pause. Some guests even squeezed in a visit to the cellar door.
In the afternoon, the tour rolled on to Novel Nook in Yarra Glen. Set in a beautiful historic building, the shop wowed visitors with its spacious layout and expansive range of books, gifts and merchandise.
No Yarra Valley outing would be complete without a sweet treat, and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice-creamery was a clear crowd-pleaser. Guests sipped hot chocolate, sampled tastings, and stocked up on goodies to take home.
Throughout the day, the bus buzzed with conversation, literary trivia and games, all led by hostess Ms Moulday.
The sense of community and connection was unmistakable.
“It turned out to be so much more than a shopping trip,” Ms Moulday said.
“There was a genuine warmth, not just within the group, but from the bookshop staff too.”
Ms Moulday first came up with the idea over summer as a fun day out with friends. Little did she know that Ms Watson had been thinking along similar lines. Once the two teamed up, the idea quickly came to life under the Grace and Louie banner.
“It’s truly been a dream come true,” Ms Moulday said.
“Seeing the joy on people’s faces and the appreciation from each bookshop was incredibly rewarding.”
For Ms Watson, it was also a celebration of everything that makes independent bookshops special.
“Each shop has its own unique feel,” she said.
“They’re not just places to buy books, they’re a vital part of their communities. They support locals, host events, and bring people together.”
With the success of the first tour, Grace and Louie Booksellers are already looking ahead.
“We’d love to run more tours through the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges,” Ms Moulday said.
“It’s a joyful way to support small businesses, bring people together, and celebrate the magic of books.”
And if the buzz on the bus was anything to go by, this book trail might just become a much-loved tradition.
