Standout Sydney Markets

Every Saturday, more than 70 stalls fill the Eveleigh Railyards with regional produce, artisan breads, cheeses, jams, fresh coffee, and flowers. 243 Wilson St., Eveleigh, 61/(0) 2-9209-4735. This appeared in the August/September 2013 issue. Image: Petrina Tinslay

The Rocks is undoubtedly one of Sydney‘s most beautiful areas. Follow George Street until the very end and it’s almost like you’ve stepped back in time—there are cobblestones under your feet, quaint stores to browse, and great pubs to visit. One of the best experiences you can have in Sydney is to visit the Rocks Markets, especially on Friday nights during spring and summer for the Rocks Markets by Moonlight. The warmer months in Sydney are the most exciting; pair them with all the beauty of the famous Harbour Bridge, Opera House and this historic hub and you’ve got the best version of this amazing city. There are stalls offering everything from handmade gifts and sweets to unique jewelry and fashion, but the atmosphere is set off by all of the other quirks that you would never have expected—puppeteers and magicians roaming the crowd, dozens of people young and old wearing headphones and dancing at a silent disco, musical performances and pet displays with some of the most enormous cats and rabbits you’ve ever imagined. All of this set among historic buildings and Sydney’s oldest sites makes for a truly unique experience indeed.

On the first Saturday of the month, locals shop for vintage apparel and antique home decor at this flea market.

On the second Sunday of the month, this makers faire spreads through the Burton Street Tunnel and out into view of the Harbour Bridge. Stalls range from vintage clothing and discount jewelry to blown glass and handmade ceramics. Once you’re done shopping, head to the incredibly diverse food area which has African, Chinese, Turkish, Thai, and Malaysian dishes as well as Dutch poffertjes topped with ice cream.

Twice yearly in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney, the Finders Keepers Market brings more than 150 design and art stalls from local and national makers. The Sydney event is currently held one weekend in June and another in December at Australian Technology Park in Eveleigh. The giant warehouse brims with all manner of crafty clothing, accessories and housewares, including letterpress stationary, tribal jewelry, and silk scarves pressed with real eucalyptus leaves.

The Sydney Fish Market hosts the largest daily fish auction in the southern hemisphere. That means about 2,700 crates (or 50-55 tons) of more than 100 species of the freshest catch from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands is sold every single day. Simply browsing the stalls or downing fresh tiger prawns and Sydney rock oysters on the Pyrmont waterfront is satisfying, but there are more unique ways to discover the market, whether it’s through a cooking class at the Sydney Seafood School—the city’s oldest culinary institution—or a 6:40am behind-the-scenes tour. The latter is the best way to see the daily auction in action and learn about the market’s efforts to promote marine stewardship.