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The new Sydney Fish Market has officially opened at Blackwattle Bay

Rachael Thompson 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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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB,  the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.