With the highly anticipated opening of the new Sydney Fish Market fast approaching, there’s never been a better time to reflect on the Market’s rich and fascinating history.

 

Fishy Business, by passionate patron and former Senator John Faulkner, is a richly illustrated and entertainingly told history of one of Sydney’s most beloved institutions. 

From the traditional fishing practices of Sydney’s Aboriginal communities to the bustling seafood trade of Woolloomooloo, Redfern, Haymarket and Blackwattle Bay, Fishy Business traces the evolution of Sydney’s fish trade across centuries. It’s a story filled with colourful characters, political twists, and the triumphs of hardworking families, many of whom arrived in Australia as migrants and built their lives around the sea.

Written by John Faulkner, the book draws on years of interviews and archival research to paint a vivid portrait of Sydney Fish Market’s cultural, economic and social significance. With stunning illustrations and engaging storytelling, Fishy Business is a must-read for history buffs, seafood lovers, and anyone curious about the heart of Sydney’s food scene.

As Sydney Fish Market prepares to enter a new era, Fishy Business offers a timely and compelling look at its journey so far.