The guidebooks probably won’t direct you to this smelly spot, but it’s one of my favorite things I’ve seen here in Sydney. The Sydney Fish Market is the largest in the Southern hemisphere with miles of every type of seafood you could ask for: oysters, crabs, barramundi, Balmain bugs (not the kind you’re thinking of, a smaller lobster-like crustacean), octopus. Vendors wake up at the crack of dawn to sell their goods to restaurants and the public. But you don’t have to wait until you get home to enjoy the food. Most of the shops offer ready-to-eat meals.
Dining options at the Sydney Fish Market
We opted for fish and chips from Doyle’s from the 20 or so vendors, which combined with two drinks, cost about $15. Sit outside for the best view, but watch out for the fiesty seagulls, ready to snatch up your lunch.
Touring the Sydney Fish Market
You can also take a tour of the facilities and see where they bid on products from Australia, New Zealand, and all throughout Asia. Tours are held on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays throughout the year, departing at 6:55 a.m. when all the action of the market is just starting up.
It allows you to see the lobster pen, auction floor, sashimi pavilion, and the Sydney Seafood School. The tour costs $20 for adults and $10 for children. You must wear closed-toed shoes and the SFM will give you an outfit to cover all your clothing.
Getting to the Sydney Fish Market
Parking is the most frustrating thing about the fish market, since there’s so little, and you have to pay $3 for an hour. You may drive around in circles for half an hour before finding a spot. But if you insist on driving, I recommend finding a spot by the bridge at Wentworth Park, which is free for 2 hours.
If you prefer public transportation, the Metro Light Rail goes out of Central, Haymarket, and Darling Harbour and stops at the Fish Market. The Monorail also runs from Darling Harbour. Buses leave from Central Station and George and Bathurst streets on the 501. Alternatively, the 443 leaves from the Queen Victoria Building.
And lastly, if you are arriving by water, you can dock your boat at the market for two hours. If you aren’t taking a tour or buying fish, the whole day can be done for free!
This sounds like so much fun! Might have to work it into the itinerary as a “would like to see if we can figure out timing”. It’s 9:06 am here, and I’m thinking about wanting fish and chips. Maybe I should go eat breakfast…
Alicia told me about this! Totally bummed I missed out–definitely need to check it out next time I’m in Sydney.