Sydney’s New Fish Market: Inside the $836 Million Waterfront Landmark Everyone’s Talking About

Sydney Fish Market

After years of anticipation, Sydney’s long-awaited new Fish Market has finally opened on Blackwattle Bay, unveiling one of the city’s most ambitious waterfront redevelopments. The $836 million complex officially welcomed visitors on January 19, transforming a working wholesale market into a major food, dining and tourism destination set to attract more than six million visitors each year.

Positioned beside the original market site in Glebe, the new Sydney Fish Market blends industry, architecture and dining into a single experience that celebrates Australia’s deep connection to the sea.

A Working Market on a Monumental Scale

At its heart, the new Sydney Fish Market remains a fully operational wholesale seafood market. Purpose-built auction rooms sit at the centre of the complex, open to the public and designed so visitors can observe seafood trading in real time. Buyers move across the auction floor while guests watch from elevated walkways, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s most important food industries.

Live crustacean tanks, preparation areas and direct wharf access allow seafood to move straight from boats into the market below. The facility is engineered for scale, capable of handling up to 20 tonnes of seafood every hour, supported by on-site ice machines running throughout the day to ensure freshness.

Above it all, a dramatic 200-metre-wide roof shelters the precinct. Fitted with more than 400 light fixtures, the canopy illuminates at night in a fish-scale pattern, turning the market into a striking harbour landmark after dark.

A New Destination for Food Lovers

Sydney Fish Market

Spread across three levels, the new market is home to around 40 food and retail operators, ranging from classic fishmongers to waterfront restaurants and casual eateries. Many long-standing traders from the original site have returned, joined by a new generation of culinary names.

Familiar favourites include Peter’s Fish Market, Claudio’s Seafood and Nicholas Seafood, while newcomers bring fresh energy to the precinct. Highlights include Luke Nguyen’s Lua, Tam Jiak by Ho Jiak, Squid Ink Bar & Grill, Cow & The Moon gelateria and The Japanese Collective. Visitors will also find cafes, wine bars, bakeries and patisseries, including Boatshed Cafe, Fisherman’s Fine Wines, Sergio and Stitch Coffee.

The result is a diverse food offering that goes far beyond seafood shopping. From sushi and sashimi to pizza, dumplings, yum cha and gelato, the market has become a true all-day dining destination, with many venues offering indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Blackwattle Bay and extended evening trading hours.

Sydney Seafood School Returns

The much-loved Sydney Seafood School has reopened alongside the new market, featuring upgraded kitchens and modern teaching spaces. The program offers hands-on cooking classes and demonstrations led by some of Australia’s leading chefs, allowing visitors to deepen their understanding of seafood preparation and sustainability while learning new skills to take home.

Planning Your Visit

Sydney Fish Market

The new Sydney Fish Market is located at 1 Bridge Road, Glebe, on Blackwattle Bay. Public transport is the easiest way to visit, with three light rail stops within walking distance and multiple bus routes servicing Harris Street and Glebe Point Road. Central, Town Hall and Gadigal stations are all around two kilometres away.

A dedicated pick-up and drop-off zone has been added at the front of the complex, with future plans including a new ferry wharf and the Pyrmont Metro station, which will further improve access in coming years.

Opening hours run from 7am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday, extending until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Individual traders operate their own hours, so checking ahead is recommended.

What Happens to the Old Fish Market Site

With the new market now operational, the original Sydney Fish Market site is set for major redevelopment. Plans include 1,400 new homes, 2.6 hectares of public open space and a new waterfront promenade that will complete a 15-kilometre foreshore walk stretching from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.

The opening of the new Sydney Fish Market marks not just a change of address, but the beginning of a new chapter for one of the city’s most iconic institutions.

For more information, opening hours and trader listings, visit
www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au

For transport planning, visit
www.transport.nsw.gov.au

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