Sydney Fish Markets

The Sydney Fish Market is the largest market of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and the world’s second largest seafood market in terms of variety outside of Japan. A trip to the markets is a really fun thing to do with kids in Sydney, children of all ages will be wide eyed at the up close and personal view of every edible sea creature imaginable, some still swimming in tanks.

Not only can you buy the freshest of fish at the best prices in Sydney but you can watch the boats come in, feed the pelicans who hang out on the dock and have a great, cheap family meal by the water. If you have a transport-mad toddler or pre-schooler, catch the metro light rain or monorail in for a truly memorable family outing.

The Sydney Fish Market also run an excellent Cooking School (for adults) with hands on classes running in the evenings and weekends throughout the year.

ellaslist opinion: even if your child isn’t a seafood lover, the bustle of an authentic, working fish market is sure to entertain. There is even a pizza place, bakery, fruit market, deli and Chinese restaurant so even the pickiest of eaters is catered for and almost all of the outlets have a kids’ menu. We make the trip for the fabulous yum cha at Fisherman’s Wharf, super kid friendly and some of the best dumplings in town. There’s also a very tempting gift shop with well-priced kitchen gadgets and souvenirs for the kids.

ellaslist top tip: make sure you and the kids wear closed shoes even on the hottest day as there tends to be a lot of water on the floors of all the retailers-slippery and not so pleasant between the toes!

Admission: Free

Getting There: The Metro Light Rail is without a doubt, the most pleasant and fun way to travel to Sydney Fish Market. You can catch bus routes 501 (from the corner of George and Bathurst Streets and Central Station and 443 (outside the Queen Victoria Building) Darling Harbour Monorail Station is only a ten minute walk from Sydney Fish Market. Access from Darling Harbour to the Market is via Pyrmont Bridge Road. Paid Car Parking is available on site.

Facilities: Seafood cafes galore, plus bakery, deli, pizza, Chinese, fruit and veg market and decent coffee - all kid friendly. Very easy stroller access and baby change facility available.

Places to Visit Nearby: Walk over the Pyrmont Bridge to Darling Harbour