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Sydney Fish Market to host free live music event this weekend

(Credit: Tom Roe)

The New Wave Concert Series shines a spotlight on emerging artists against a stunning waterfront setting.

Since its highly anticipated opening on 18 January, the 90,000-square-metre Sydney Fish Market has welcomed thousands of eager visitors, offering fresh seafood from more than 40 retailers, vendors, cafes, restaurants and specialty stores. But that’s not all that’s on offer. Now, the market is taking advantage of its striking architecture and waterfront location by hosting a free evening of R&B, jazz and indie pop, celebrating emerging and rising Australian artists.

A woman sitting at the Civic Plaza at the Sydney Fish Market
The free concert will take place at the Civic Plaza. (Image: Rasmus_Hjortshoj)

The final instalment of its New Wave Concert Series is set to take over the Civic Plaza on Saturday, 7 March. Hosted by Ifeoma (Ify) Peace Obiegbu, a Nigerian creative, poet, and former FBi Radio breakfast host, the line-up of free music runs from 5pm to 8pm and is the perfect excuse to discover your new favourite artist.

The opening act of the night will be Kalena. Shaped by her training at Berklee College of Music and mentorship from global industry leaders, the Sydney-based singer-songwriter has a distinct soulful sound that’s a unique blend of reggae, R&B, pop and country.

Performing next will be vocalist and instrumentalist Yasmina Sadiki, bringing her atmospheric, expressive alt-jazz and neo-soul style to the stage. Closing the evening will be Australian indie-pop artist Yorke, whose expressive sound blends pop production with candid storytelling.

The Civic Plaza at the Sydney Fish Market
The line-up will feature Australia’s rising music talent. (Credit: Tom Roe)

Entry is free, so you can spend your cash on fresh oysters, fish and chips and a Cow & Moon ice cream, while taking in the sunset over Anzac Bridge.

Details

Address: Sydney Fish Market, Civic Plaza. 1 Bridge Road, Glebe, NSW 2037

How to get there: Parking at the markets is very limited, and the safest bet is to take public transport. There are several bus route stops near the market along Pyrmont Bridge Road, and a light rail station (Wentworth Park) is a 5-10 minute walk away. Please note that the original Fish Market stop has been renamed Bank Street.

Tickets: Free –⁠ no bookings required

Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm

Artists: Kalena, Yasmina Sadiki and Yorke

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
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7 Lake Macquarie secrets the locals don’t want you to know

Credit: Beau Pilgrim

An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.

Laid-back Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.

Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.

1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side

Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.

2. There’s a booming arts scene

Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG
Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.

Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.

3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise

three people swimming in lake macquarie
In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.

4. The dining scene is unbeatable

8 at Trinity lake macquarie
Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.

Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.

5. There are hidden coves and waterways

kayakers on lake macquarie local secrets
Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.

6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

ll blue wren sitting on a tree branch
Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)

Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.

7. The lake has islands

sail lake macquarie
Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.

Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.

Start living like the locals at visitlakemac.com.au.