Behind the Scenes Tours

IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION – BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS SUSPENDED

As attention on Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues around the world, Sydney Fish Market is taking precautionary measures to protect its staff, workers, visitors and business operations.

Sydney Fish Market’s auction is the only market of its kind in Australia, servicing the seafood trade of hundreds of suppliers and buyers every weekday. Any closure to the auction would cause major disruption to this operation and of those we conduct business with.

Therefore, we have decided to suspend all non-essential access to the auction area to reduce the risk of a potential market closure. This includes a temporary suspension of our Behind the Scenes Tours.

We are monitoring the situation daily and are complying with and responding immediately to any relevant guidelines which are issued by the Australian Department of Health and the NSW Department of Health.

Please refer to the Sydney Fish Market website for updates on the reopening of Behind the Scenes tours.

Sydney Fish Market's Flagship Tour

Ever wanted to know where your seafood comes from? What the Australian seafood industry does to ensure your seafood is sustainable? Or where the top-level restaurants go to get the freshest of the fresh? Have these questions and more answered on the Behind the Scenes Tour.

Sydney Fish Market is the largest market of its kind in the southern hemisphere and the third largest seafood market in terms of variety in the world.  Approximately 2,700 crates (around 50-55 tonnes) of the freshest possible seafood is auctioned each day through the computerised Dutch auction system to approximately 150 buyers. The incredible variety of seafood is sourced from individual fishermen, co-operatives, fishing businesses and aquaculture farms in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific Region with over 100 species available to buyers daily.

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What Will You Experience on the Tour?

Our tour guide will take you behind the scenes to explore all facets of the market

  • Learn about the history of Sydney Fish Market
  • Explanation of how the Dutch auction and buying system works
  • Tour of the auction floor, viewing over 100 species
  • Witness Oyster shucking
  • Find out about sashimi, live product and our specialist seafood retailers

Where and When?

  • Tours are held every weekday (except public holidays and between Christmas and New Year)
  • Tours begin at 6.40am sharp and will end around 8:30am
  • The tour meeting point is at the wooden tables inside the main arcade, just next to Christie's Seafoods. 
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Costs

$45 Adult
$20 Children (ages 10 - 13)

Parking at Sydney Fish Market is included. Please bring your parking ticket with you to be validated.

In the interests of safety, the minimum age of tour participants is 10 years of age, this includes new born babies in carriers.  Please note, there are no exceptions.

What to Wear

  • Due to occupational health and safety concerns, all visitors to the auction must wear flat, enclosed shoes. Those who do not wear enclosed shoes will not be granted access to the auction floor.
  • The auction floor can be wet and it is best to avoid wearing leather shoes as they tend to absorb water.  It is recommended that you roll up your long pants/jeans.

Bookings

Places on the tours are limited and bookings are essential. 

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School and Group Bookings

School, group and Private Tours are encouraged. 

  • Small groups of up to 10 people may be accommodated on the regular Behind the Scenes Tour, subject to availability.
  • Bookings for these tours are essential.
  • Payment for all school and group bookings must be made prior to the tour date. No refunds will be issued.
  • Please ensure that the group arrives promptly by 6:40am.
  • Prices for Private Tours vary depending on inclusions and duration. Please contact us for more details.

Reviews

Check out our current reviews on TripAdvisor.

Please Note:

  • Due to the nature of the environment and for safety reasons, Sydney Fish Market cannot offer wheelchair access to the auction floor portion of the tour.
  • Photography and videography is not permitted on the auction floor.
  • Due to limited places on the tour, we have a strict 48-hour cancellation/rescheduling policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule your tour, please email us, or call 02 9004 1100. No shows or cancellations within 48 hours of the tour start time will not be refunded.

Contact

Alex Stollznow, Tour Guide
Phone: 02 9004 1108
Email: tours@sydneyfishmarket.com.au