Sydney has a brand-new icon – and it smells delicious. After years of anticipation, the new Sydney Fish Market has officially opened on the sparkling edge of Blackwattle Bay, ushering in a bold new era for one of the city’s most beloved institutions. Bigger, brighter, and bursting with flavour, this world-class destination brings seafood trade, dining, retail, and culture together under one spectacular roof – and it’s ready to welcome more than six million visitors every year.
Whether you’re a devoted foodie, a curious tourist, an architecture lover, or simply someone who never says no to great fish and chips, the revitalised Sydney Fish Market is set to become one of Australia’s ultimate must-visit experiences.
A Legendary Market, Reimagined
Long known as the heartbeat of Australia’s seafood industry, Sydney Fish Market has now been transformed into the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, spanning more than 26,000 square metres and housing 42 retailers and 19 seafood wholesalers.
But this isn’t just a market – it’s a fully immersive destination. The new precinct seamlessly blends the buzz of a working wholesale fish market with vibrant public spaces, waterfront dining, and retail experiences that celebrate both Australian seafood and global cuisines.
As Sydney Fish Market Chief Commercial Officer Adam Mourad explains, the new site preserves the soul of the market while opening it up like never before. Visitors can now watch live auctions, see daily operations in action, and experience the energy of a working market from up close – something previously reserved for industry insiders.
Opening Day with Purpose (and Plenty of Seafood)
The first day of trade began bright and early at 4am, marked by a special charity auction celebrating the best of NSW seafood. Using traditional voice auction calls, some truly spectacular produce went under the hammer – all in support of OceanWatch Australia, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to sustainability in the seafood industry.
Highlights included:
- A 41.8kg Yellowfin Tuna, snapped up for $15,500
- Boxes of Mud Crab and Eastern Rock Lobster, fetching a combined $13,000
Sydney Fish Market matched the generous bids, bringing the total donation to an impressive $57,000. The message was clear from day one: this new market isn’t just about scale and spectacle – it’s about sustainability, stewardship, and supporting the future of Australia’s seafood industry.
A Feast for All the Senses
Step inside the new Sydney Fish Market and you’re met with a vibrant mix of sights, sounds, and irresistible aromas. Beyond the incredible range of fresh seafood, visitors can explore a diverse lineup of retailers offering fresh produce, deli goods, baked treats, gelato, and even Australia’s first olive oil concept store.
Food lovers can graze their way through everything from casual takeaway classics to elevated waterfront dining overlooking the Western Harbour. Whether you’re grabbing oysters to go, settling in for a long lunch, or planning a special dinner with a view, the market offers experiences for every appetite and occasion.
And with extended trading hours – from 7am to 10pm on weekdays and until midnight on weekends – it’s a place you can return to morning, noon, or night.
More Than a Market: A Cultural Experience
What truly sets the new Sydney Fish Market apart is its focus on education, storytelling, and connection. Visitors can take part in behind-the-scenes tours, sharpen their skills at the famous Sydney Seafood School, and learn about the rich history of fishing in Australia – including First Nations fishing traditions that have sustained communities for tens of thousands of years.
Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch describes the precinct as a global platform for Australia’s seafood industry, designed to showcase quality, diversity, and sustainability while offering an authentic and memorable visitor experience.
“Our vision is to create a destination people will return to again and again,” he says. “Not just to buy seafood, but to experience it.”
Architecture That Makes a Statement
Designed by 3XN GXN Architects, alongside BVN Architecture and ASPECT Studios, the building itself is a showstopper. With expansive public spaces, sweeping waterfront views, and state-of-the-art facilities, the market has been praised as both an architectural and engineering triumph.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper calls it a landmark built to serve generations, while Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully says the destination has something for everyone – from food lovers to fishers to architecture enthusiasts.
The result is a space that feels open, welcoming, and unmistakably Sydney – a place where locals and visitors can relax, explore, and connect with the harbour.
A Major Boost for Sydney
Delivered by the New South Wales Government as a state-significant infrastructure project and constructed by Multiplex, the new Sydney Fish Market represents a major investment in Sydney’s visitor economy. It’s expected to deliver a significant boost to tourism, create jobs, and strengthen Australia’s position as a global leader in seafood.
With its combination of industry operations, public access, dining, and education, the market sets a new benchmark for how working food hubs can thrive in the heart of a modern city.
Why You Should Visit – Again and Again
This is not a “visit once” attraction. The new Sydney Fish Market is designed for repeat discovery. One visit might be about lunch and a wander. The next could be a cooking class, a late-night dinner, or a behind-the-scenes tour. Every trip promises something new – a different dish, a different stall, a different story.
From early-morning auctions to late-night waterfront dining, the market pulses with life at every hour.
Plan Your Visit
The new Sydney Fish Market is now open at Blackwattle Bay.
For details on retailers, dining options, tours, and experiences, visit www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au and follow Sydney Fish Market on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates.
Sydney’s seafood scene has always been iconic – now it’s all under one roof, bigger and better than ever. Dive in.