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The new Sydney Fish Market has officially opened at Blackwattle Bay

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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Your guide to a summer staycation in Sydney

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
    Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

    Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

    Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

    Where to stay

    The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

    the Fullerton Hotel Sydney
    Sleep inside a 151-year-old icon.

    Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

    Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

    the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom
    Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

    Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

    The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

    Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

    Where to drink & dine

    1. The Bar

    the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar
    Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

    Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

    Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

    The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of  Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

    On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

    Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

    2. The Place

    the Fullerton Hotel the place dining
    Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

    On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

    3. Local gelato

    Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks
    Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

    What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

    What to do/see

    1. GPO Heritage Tour

    the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby
    Be awed by the building’s history.

    Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

    From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

    2. Circular Quay

    aerial of circular quay sydney
    Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

    An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

    3. Royal Botanic Gardens

    view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden
    Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

    It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

    4. Theatre Royal

    a show at Theatre Royal
    Take in a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Daniel Boud)

    Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

    Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.