The highly anticipated new Sydney Fish Market has officially opened its doors this morning, marking a major milestone for Australia’s seafood industry. As the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, the new precinct reimagines one of Sydney’s iconic institutions as a world-class destination for seafood, dining and community.
Set on Blackwattle Bay and home to 42 retailers and 19 seafood wholesalers, the new Sydney Fish Market spans more than 26,000 square metres and features an exciting mix of fresh produce, dining and retail, celebrating Australian seafood and global cuisines.
Seafood trading at the innovative new site officially kicked off at 4am this morning with the first
auction, where charity items were auctioned to mark the milestone. A fisherman’s basket
celebrating the very best of NSW produce including Yellowfin Tuna (donated by Joe Lagana and
Shane Ralph – Calibre), a box of Mud Crab (donated by the Lee and Ben Monin, Commercial
Fishermen’s Co-op) and a box of Eastern Rock Lobster (donated by Danny Stewart, Coff’s
Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op) were auctioned using traditional voice auction.
The winning bid for the $41.8kg Yellowfin Tuna was Tony Muollo from GetFish / GetSashimi for
$15,500, The boxes of Mud Crab Eastern Rock Lobster were won by Sim Chua from Casula Fish
Market for $13,000.
Sydney Fish Market matched the generous bids, reaching a total donation figure of $57,000.
Proceeds from the auction will be donated to OceanWatch Australia. OceanWatch Australia is a
national, not-for-profit environmental organisation dedicated to advancing sustainability in the
Australian seafood industry by protecting marine habitats, improving water quality, reducing
impacts, and promoting sustainable practices.
Adam Mourad, Sydney Fish Market, Chief Commercial Officer says, “The new market preserves
the authenticity of Sydney Fish Market, while significantly improving the environment for both
trade and public customers. It also opens up the working market to the public, giving people a
view of the live auctions and daily operations in a way that has never been possible before.”
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 and Australia’s seafood industry.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper says, “An architectural and engineering triumph,
the Sydney Fish Market features state-of-the-art systems, cutting-edge facilities and a
purpose-built design that supports a fully operational wholesale and retail hub, built to serve
generations of seafood lovers.
“The new Sydney Fish Market is set to become one of Australia’s must-visit destinations, ready
to welcome up to six million visitors a year and deliver a major boost to Sydney’s tourism
economy and jobs sector.”
Designed by 3XN GXN Architects, in association with BVN Architecture and ASPECT Studios,
the market features a globally significant waterfront building with expansive public spaces and
purpose-built facilities for both industry operations and public access.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully says, “With a unique mix of wholesalers,
retail and dining all housed in a state of the art building the new Sydney Fish Market is a
landmark and world leading destination you simply can’t miss.
“Whether you’re a foodie, fisher or architecture enthusiast Sydney Fish Market has something
for everyone from fresh seafood, to take-away fish and chips, fine dining overlooking the
Western Harbour and opens up fantastic new public spaces for the community to relax and
enjoy.”
Bringing everything under one spectacular roof, the revitalised market is expected to attract
over six million visitors annually. Beyond the huge variety of fresh and cooked seafood, visitors
can experience a range of exciting retailers including fresh produce, deli goods, baked items,
gelato and even Australia’s first olive oil concept store. Immersive experiences include behind-
the-scenes tours, masterclasses at Sydney Seafood School, and cultural storytelling that
celebrates First Nations fishing traditions.
Sydney Fish Market CEO, Daniel Jarosch, says, “The opening of the new Sydney Fish Market
marks a defining moment not only for our organisation, but for Australia’s seafood industry. This
new precinct creates a global platform for our fishers, wholesalers and retailers, while offering
visitors an authentic, immersive experience that celebrates the quality, diversity and
sustainability of Australian seafood.
“Our vision is to create a destination people will return to again and again, not just to buy
seafood, but to experience it. From watching live auctions, oyster shucking at Sydney Seafood
School to tasting your way through its multitude of cuisines, we expect it to become a must-visit
destination for locals and tourists both throughout Australia and around the globe.”
With extended trading hours from 7:00am to 10:00pm on weekdays (Sunday to Thursday) and
until midnight on weekends (Friday and Saturday), the market invites locals and visitors alike to
experience Sydney’s seafood culture across the day and into the night.
For more information on the market’s retailers, dining experiences, and tours, or to plan
your trip, visit: www.sydneyfishmarket.com.au
