I am visiting Sydney later this year and as well as doing the tourist thing, I'd like to find some brick and mortar stores with Sci-Fi themed books and other merchandise.
I visited Sydney about 15 years ago and there was one store within walking distance of Circular Quay, but I can't remember the name.
I used to shop at Minotaur in Melbourne, so I'm looking for shops with a similar theme to that. I'd like prices to be reasonable but I'm also looking for shops that are interesting to browse through, for example themed decor in sci-fi art etc.
I guess if I wanted sci fi merchandise bargains I could buy on the internet but visiting these stores will be part of the holiday fun of Sydney so I don't mind paying a little bit extra for stuff that I can see and touch before buying.
I've also heard about some of the museums or similar places having sci-fi/fantasy exhibitions. Are there any that have permanent exhibitions or is it all seasonal? I'm guessing the waxworks will have some interesting figures but it would be good to know if there is anything else in the same theme out there.
Thanks for your contributions in advance. I know I can find some of this stuff on the web but I'm also interested in personal opinions of the various stores and exhibitions so I can get a personal feel of the attractions before I go there.
Galaxy Books is pretty good for sci-fi/fantasy stuff
http://www.galaxybooks.com.au/galaxy-bookshop/home.do
Kings Comics might also have things of interest
http://www.kingscomics.com/
Kinokuniya
http://www.kinokuniya.com.au/corp_contact
Good Games carry some stuff that ties in to Sci-Fi/Fantasy:
http://www.goodgames.com.au/stores/nsw/sydney-town-hall.html
http://www.goodgames.com.au/stores/nsw/sydney-central.html
If your timing is good, your visit might coincide with pop culture conventions like OzComicon or Supanova. Though its probably not much different to what you'd get in Melbourne anyway