Hot off the heels of Melbourne being named the best city in the world for 2026, Sydney is now having its time in the sun.
Prestigious US magazine TIME has released its annual list of the World’s Greatest Places, listing 100 extraordinary destinations to visit this year.
And one unexpected spot in Australia’s harbour city has made the list.
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The newly-renovated Sydney Fish Market, which opened in January, is officially one of TIME’s greatest places to visit for this year.
Located on the waterfront in Pyrmont, it’s the world’s third-largest fish market for volume sold and second-largest in terms of variety.
According to the publication, “food lovers will find nearly 40 dining outlets under one roof, from Malaysian favourites at Tam Jiak to Aegean charcoal grilling at Hamsi”.
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A far cry from the old, bright blue box building that once housed the Sydney Fish Market, its new home is bright and airy, with plenty of alfresco dining, and a distinctive wavy roof covered in solar panels.
The renovation of the fish market also comes with the opening of a brand-new waterfront walkway, which, when open, will stretch 15 kilometres, connecting Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.
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When the new fish market first reopened, it drew criticism from locals for its high prices. However, the general consensus is that, overall, it is far better than the old one.
In fact, estimates predict that the new building will bring in double the amount of tourists, with the fish market expected to welcome over six million visitors a year.
“While foodies will travel far and wide, I think it’s really important that this market will still cater for local families who just want to come down with the kids to have some fish and chips on a hot summer afternoon,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said when it opened.
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Greatest places in the world for 2026
Three other Australian spots made the prestigious TIME list.
The Sea Sea Hotel in Crescent Head, one of many motel revivals to open in the last couple of years, is celebrated by the publication for its on-site dining and meticulous decor.
Located on the NSW coast between Sydney and Byron, it’s in the perfect spot for a laid-back beach holiday.
On Board Tasmanian Expedition Cruises also got a nod, a family-run expedition company that offers stunning cruises through the Tassie wilderness.
TIME recognised the two-night Port Davey Highlights expedition for opening up one of the most remote and protected parts of Tasmania – a region with “no access roads, towns or hotels”, known for having some of the “purest air on Earth”.
Australia’s latest UNESCO World Heritage Site, Murujuga Cultural Landscape in WA, made the list as well, an area of ancient Aboriginal rock art that is older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza.
Australian-owned expedition operator Aurora Expeditions’ newest purpose-built expedition vessel, the Douglas Mawson expedition ship, was also given kudos by TIME.
Designed specifically for exploration in some of the planet’s most remote regions, the ship carries 130 guests on far-flung expeditions to Antarctica in comfort and style.
“Douglas Mawson was designed as a platform for discovery – bringing together adventure, science and responsible travel in some of the most extraordinary places on Earth,” said Katie Malone, Chief Marketing Officer at Aurora Expeditions.
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