Entering Under the Greenwood Tree instantly grounds you, with quirky artwork lining the walls and shelves filled with books that invite you to slow down, browse and discover something unexpected.
Tucked away in Tamborine Plaza, the independent bookshop and gallery have quietly become a cultural touchstone for locals and visitors alike, blending literature, original art and a strong sense of community in one carefully curated space.
Owner Janene Gardner says the shop is intentionally designed to feel open and thoughtful, giving both books and artwork the room they deserve.
“Everything in the shop is one-off, it’s all real art by real people,” Mrs Gardner said.
“I like the gallery to be sparse. I don’t like it being too busy because I want the artwork to breathe.”
That approach extends beyond the visual layout.
Under the Greenwood Tree regularly hosts rotating exhibitions, providing a platform for established and emerging artists while offering something new for returning visitors.
Most recently, respected Monte Lupo artist Peter Hughes was showcased in a solo exhibition, highlighting his distinctive style and long-standing artistic career.
Mrs Gardner said featuring artists of his calibre reflects the gallery’s commitment to meaningful, original work.
“People will pay a lot of money for manufactured rubbish, when they could buy a real piece of art by a real person,” she said.
Beyond its exhibitions, the heart of Under the Greenwood Tree remains its carefully selected book collection.
Rather than focusing on mass-market releases, the store leans toward backlist titles, literary fiction, independent publishers and unexpected discoveries.
“What we want is for people to find books they didn’t know they wanted,” Mrs Gardner said.
“We focus on backlist titles and interesting books, not just the latest releases. It’s about offering something different, something thoughtful.”
The result is a space that feels less like a retail store and more like a place to linger, whether that’s exploring art, chatting about books, or simply enjoying a moment of calm in the middle of the mountain’s busy village strip.
Visitors are welcome to browse the wide range of artwork and books at Under the Greenwood Tree, located at Shop 4/1 Main St, Tamborine Mountain.
The shop is open from 10am to 4.30pm and is closed on Tuesdays.
