Christmas | 36-Hour Seafood Marathon

Sydney Fish Market’s famous annual 36-Hour Seafood Marathon is back again in 2021. Our retailers will be open for 36 hours non-stop, from 5:00am Thursday 23 December, to 5:00pm Christmas Eve.

It’s the Christmas tradition that has stood the test of time for over 20 years, giving Sydneysiders access to all the premium, local seafood and produce they need for a stunning Christmas spread. While we are famous for our supply of local seafood, many don’t know that we also offer a full basket of produce, with a butcher, greengrocer, bakery, deli, gift shop, and bottle shop on-site, in addition to our six famous wet fish retailers. The Market is a one stop shop to purchase everything needed to celebrate this season.

Sydney Fish Market is open every day throughout the festive period, aside from Christmas day.

Read on for everything you need to know to plan your visit!

COVID Safety

The Sydney Fish Market 36-Hour Seafood Marathon is a 26-year long tradition, however, this has been a year like no other, and our first priority is the safety of our customers and staff.

Health and safety precautions, including controlled queuing, will be in place and enforced by on-site COVID Marshals. In accordance with the NSW Health guidelines announced on 23rd December, all shoppers must check in via the Service NSW QR codes provided, and must wear a mask in all indoor areas.

For more information, click here.

Parking

Remember to leave extra time for your visit, as this is an extremely busy trading period for Sydney Fish Market.

If you are coming by car, the main Sydney Fish Market car park will be open, with limited parking available. Additional car parking will also be available at Sydney Secondary College Blackwattle Bay Campus (opposite Sydney Fish Market on Bridge Road).

Please note that the general public will only have access to the main SFM car park from 9am on the 23rd December. Sydney Secondary College parking will be available before 9am on the 23rd.

Parking will be charged at a flat rate of $5.

Visitors commuting by public transport can use bus services 501 and 389, which regularly depart from the city. For route and timetable information visit www.transportnsw.info

Online Ordering

Our retailers offer a variety of home delivery options. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, order your Christmas spread online and have our retailers deliver it to your door!

Most retailers are taking Christmas orders already – so if you like to get organised early, place your order today.

Click here to learn more

Opening Hours

Day	Hours
36-Hour Seafood Marathon	5am Thursday 23rd December until 5pm Friday 24th December (Christmas Eve)
Christmas Eve	OPEN until 5pm
Christmas Day	CLOSED
Boxing Day	OPEN (7am - 4pm)
New Year's Eve	OPEN (7am - 4pm)
New Year's Day	OPEN (7am - 4pm)

Individual retailer hours may vary.

Please note that the arcade Sushi Bar will not be participating in the marathon and will be open for regular trading hours only (10am-4pm).

FAQ's

Got a question about Sydney Fish Market’s 36-Hour Seafood Marathon? It’s probably answered here!

What are the quietest times to visit the Marathon?

Usually, the quietest times to visit the 36-Hour Seafood Marathon are as follows:

23^rd December
Between 5am-9am
Between 4pm-6pm

24^th December

Between 2am-4am

Historically, the first day of the Marathon has been quieter than the second.

Do I have to be vaccinated to attend the Marathon?

No, according to NSW Government regulations, customers do not have to show proof of vaccination to shop in our retailers during the Marathon.

Can I sit down to eat during the marathon?

Yes! Our retailers will be offering hot and cold food during the marathon. The boardwalk will be open, and tables in the arcade will be available for visitors to use.

What is the best way to get my seafood home?

Seafood will stay fresh longer if it’s kept cold. When shopping for seafood, use a chiller bag or esky, and ask your fishmonger to pack some ice with your purchase. Chiller bags are also available for purchase from select retailers.

Can I get seafood delivered to my home instead of coming to the marathon in person?

Yes! Our retailers offer a variety of home delivery options. Click here for individual retailers’ online ordering options. Make sure to take note of their cut-off dates!

What species are good value/quality around Christmas?

With all of Australians’ seafood favourites in ample supply, the 2021 Christmas seafood season is shaping up to be a great one. Seafood lovers can rest assured they will be able to find something for every taste and budget at Sydney Fish Market.

Our retailers will be prepared for the high Christmas demand and always strive to offer the best value for money.

Some species that will be of high quality and good value at Christmas time, include:

Barramundi
Prawns
Yellowbelly Flounder
Ocean Jacket
Blue Mackerel
Stargazer (monkfish) fillets
Striped Marlin (steaks)
School Whiting
Kingfish
Snapper
Oysters
Blue Mussels
Blue Swimmer Crab

How do I know what I’m buying is fresh?

Visitors to Sydney Fish Market can rest assured that the seafood served by our retailers is as fresh as it gets. When purchasing seafood, look for shiny, bright flesh, red gills, clear eyes, and metallic skin. When in doubt, use your nose: fresh fish should smell like the sea.

How much seafood should I buy?

Follow this simple guide to ensure the right amount is purchased to prevent wastage and to ensure all guests are satisfied: