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The new Sydney Fish Market has officially opened at Blackwattle Bay

Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
The highly anticipated Sydney Fish Market has opened its doors and is set to rival the world’s best.

Sydneysiders have waited nearly a decade for the new Sydney Fish Market to open. The highly anticipated development faced delays from funding challenges and COVID-19, but today, the doors have finally swung open for keen seafood lovers and the some six million annual visitors the market is expected to attract. 

The lush landscape surrounding the Sydney Fish Market
ASPECT Studios were responsible for the lush landscape. (Image: Rasmus Hjortshoj)

Daniel Jarosch, CEO, Sydney Fish Market, shared his enthusiasm for the milestone. “The opening of the new Sydney market marks a defining moment for our organisation and for Sydney. This once-in-a-generation investment supports the future of Australia’s seafood industry while opening the workings of a real, operating fish market to the public."

Having visited the markets this morning, Australian Traveller can confirm it’s a serious upgrade and well worth the wait, asserting itself as one of the best fish markets in the world. 

Where the new Sydney Fish Market is located

Sydney Fish Market's view of the Anzac Bridge
The Sydney Fish Market boasts fantastic views of the Anzac Bridge. (Image: Rasmus Hjortshoj)

Sydney Fish Market sits next door to the original fish market on Bridge Street in Blackwattle Bay, on the western edge of Sydney Harbour. The 90,000 square-metre site overlooks the Anzac Bridge, offering iconic Sydney views to take in while indulging in fresh seafood. Architecture firm BVN collaborated with 3XN to design an architecturally striking building that’s contemporary and airy, with a decidedly maritime vibe. 

Parking is available at the market, but spaces are limited. 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, as it is no longer the closest stop to the market.

Plans for a new commuter ferry wharf have been funded by the NSW Government, but it won’t be operational until late 2026 or the start of 2027. Once complete, visitors will be able to get the scenic ferry service from Bangaroo to the Fish Market. 

Beyond the fish market, the NSW Government is set to add to the public spaces and the public domain in the precinct, with 1500 new homes, a park and a complete 15-kilometre scenic foreshore walk that links Rozelle Bay and Woolloomooloo.

What visitors can eat, see and do at the new fish market

The Auction Hall at Sydney Fish Market
The auction hall is a must-see for visitors wanting the full market experience. (Image: Rasmus Hjortshoj)

The new fish market is a serious upgrade from the old design. There are over 40 operators spanning retailers, vendors, cafes, restaurants and specialty stores. 

Grab a coffee from Stitch coffee to keep your energy levels up while you pursue the classic fishmongers and seafood vendors, including Claudios (a personal favourite), Christie’s Seafood and Get Fish.

Compared to the old markets, there is higher‑end waterfront dining, including Lua – a Southeast Asian restaurant from Luke Nguyen, Ho Jiak and The Japanese Collective. For more casual bites, Get Sashimi and La Dea Pizza both hit the mark. On your way out, make sure to swing by the on-site wine, beer and spirits shop, Fisherman’s Wine, to select the perfect tipple to pair with your seafood. 

There’s also plenty on offer for non-seafood eaters. Award-winning gelato Cow & The Moon has also set up their second outpost here, scooping some of the best gelato in the world. Luxury olive oil and specialty product shop, Olivetta, is also onsite, as is family-owned florist Mayfarm Flowers. 

When can you visit the Sydney Fish Market

The Sydney Fish Market at night
The market is predicted to draw in six million annual visitors. (Image: Rasmus Hjortshoj)

The new Sydney Fish Market is open seven days a week: 7 am to 10 pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 7 am to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. 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 are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

    You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

    All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

    1. Stockton Sand Dunes

    Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

    Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

    Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
    Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

    A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

    History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

    Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
    Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    3. Watch out for whales

    You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

    And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

    A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
    Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

    Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary  to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

    Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

    Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
    See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Diving Port Stephens

    Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

    Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

    At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

    A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
    Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

    6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

    Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

    Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

    Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
    Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

    7. Fish the estuaries

    Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

    If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

    three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
    Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

    8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

    With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

    Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

    Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

    A plate of fresh oysters.
    Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .