~ Markets In Sydney  ~

Sydney’s Markets are filled with creativity, fashion and flavour — and are waiting for you.

The Rocks Markets

The historic site of Sydney's first European settlement, The Rocks contains many beautifully restored buildings from Sydney's early days as a colonial town. Explore the maze of original, cobblestone lanes that lead to a range of shops, cafes and restaurants. The shopping ranges from Australian design in fashion, art, craft and jewellery to unique collectables and souvenirs. The Rocks has more than its share of restaurants run by some of Sydney's best chefs. Try bel mondo, Doyles, The Waterfront, Quay, Rockpool or Sailors Thai. However, it is just as easy to find a casual cafe, restaurant or pub for a snack or light meal, such as the garden courtyard of the Sydney Cove Provedore's or Gumnut cafe.

Balmain Markets

A combination of alternative lifestylers and well heeled locals, where you can browse amongst the second hand books, recycled art, contemporary galleries and jewellery plus sample home made vegetarian snacks

Glebe Markets

Everything from original design clothing, pre-loved attire, bric-a-brac, books and records, to arts and crafts, jewellery and hats. There are food stalls and some outdoor entertainment including bands, jugglers and acrobats. With around 200 stalls, there's a lot of stuff to wade through. And while there's a heap of junk, there is some truth in the adage that one person's rubbish is another's recycling project. Who knows, a good search may unearth a true gem - what wouldn't you give for an original Leo Sayer single, or a Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go T-shirt? Your best bet is to get there early to avoid the lunchtime and early afternoon crush. The multicultural food stalls lend the atmosphere a subliminal exotic aroma, and it won't be too long before you're tucking into samosas on the small stretch of grass and pretending, like everybody else, that you're back in Woodstock. Alternatively, opt for any of the cafes on Glebe Point Road, from Well Connected Internet Cafe across the road to Blackwattle Canteen down on the water.

Bondi Markets get packed but they're worth a visit. Be prepared to be tempted by distinctive designer product unique to local lifestyle. The attitude of the stall holders doesn't alienate and some let you barter, though prices aren't over the top, and the wares are current and attractive. If you like old junk it's there, or you might prefer a refurbished fashionable antique, imported furniture from the East or works of local artisans. Young designers display their latest fashion lines at non-trendy prices, and while some second-hand clothing dealers are hip to demand, others are free and easy. Alternative stalls are big, so are Eastern, and there's the reliable down-home chutney stall. Apart from that, there's no food to speak of but you'll find vendors wandering around with baskets, if you've got any money left that is.

The Paddington Bazaar is a meeting place for new ideas with a Bohemian atmosphere. 250 stalls including fashions, jewellery, plants, books, paintings, pottery, hats, massages, etc. Good place to buy current fashions. Many up and coming designers come here to sell their creations. Always lots of buskers, fire jugglers and singers. Takes place on the corner of Oxford and Newcombe Streets, in the Uniting Church Village Centre, Paddington.

Australia's only working fishermen's market, the Sydney Fish Markets is colourful and vibrant and offers visitors and Sydney-siders the opportunity to experience an authentic working fish market. Business for the Market begins at 5.30am when seafood buyers arrive to check the day's catch before the auction where 1000 creates every hour and 65 tonnes of fresh catch are auctioned. After 10.00am the Market becomes a shopping and dining attraction for visitors and Sydney-siders. Sydney Fish Market is home to the city's seven top seafood retailers as well as a sushi and an oyster bar, fresh fruit and vegetable supplier, delicatessen, cafes, bakery, ice supplier, bottle store and net and tackle shop. These stores are open everyday (except Christmas Day) from 7.00am to 4.00pm. Market visitors have the opportunity to buy a wide variety of fresh seafood or enjoy a fresh seafood meal on the wharf overlooking the water. The Sydney Seafood School is also located at the Market, it holds a variety of seafood cookery classes including popular favourites: laksa, chilli crab, barbecue, paella and risotto along with arrange of other classes including some hosted by guest chefs. For more information and bookings call Fish Line (02) 9552 2180. There is extensive car parking at the Market, which is located on the corner of Pyrmont Bridge Rd and Bank Street. Otherwise visitors can travel to the Market on the Light Rail or by bus or enjoy a 15 minute stroll from the city. Tours: Sydney Seafood School auction tours: Fish Line (02) 9552 2180 Sydney Seafood School private tours: Minimum 15 people Sydney Seafood School Manager : Roberta Muir Group tours, School's VIP Tours : (02) 9956 5288 Car Parking on site, $2.00 for two hours.

Sydney Growers Markets

A relatively new institution happening each month - it's a boutique market with specialty produce. Over 30 different farmers and producers display their cheeses, homemade pate's, vegetables, grain feed lamb, breads and eggs.

Farm fresh produce brought to you direct each week from the local growers. Seek out a wonderful range of fruit and vegetables, free range poultry, game and meats, farm-fresh eggs, cheeses and dairy.