Pittwater Online News

March 1 - 31, 2026: Issue 652

Turimetta Moods April 2026 + New Fish Markets &...

by Joe Mills

Joe, Pittwater Online's wonderful roving photographer, shares the shift in the colours and Season as the first month of Autumn rolls in - and includes a visit to the Sydney Lunar Dragon Boat Festival 2026 on Darling Harbour, on March 1, and the newly rebuilt and opened Sydney Fish Markets during the first week of March.

This week the NSW Government announced this great new facility has already hosted more than one million visitors since opening.

On Wednesday March 18 the government said:

'Since opening the doors of the spectacular new harbourside location on 19 January, Sydneysiders and visitors have turned up in droves to experience the world’s best fish market and explore the restaurants, fresh seafood vendors, bars, shops in and vibrant new public space.

Lured in by fresh seafood and popular dining options people then stay to gather, relax and hang out by the Harbour with extensive tiered seating and communal tables promoting a welcoming and inclusive environment.

This has been further enhanced by recent activations in the Civic Plaza including family fun for Australia Day, Lion dances for Lunar New Year and a 3-week twilight concert series for families, locals and visitors to enjoy.

The incredible visitation numbers have been further backed up with TIME magazine naming it one of ‘the World’s Greatest Places of 2026’ cementing the site as one of Sydney's most iconic destinations and a must-visit experience for locals and tourists alike.

The Sydney Fish Market is also settling into an operating rhythm allowing locals to now shop and dine without huge crowds.

Sydney Fish Market boasts 6,000 square metres of public open space including a water play art feature, creative installations and a waterfront promenade, it is a must visit food and cultural hub.

The Fish Market also allows people to connect with First Nations heritage and maritime history by exploring five permanent installations that reflect the living stories of past, present and future.

These include three bronze sculptures on the promenade that tell the Stories of Country and coastline including the Saltwater People stories, an interactive water play area ‘Land of the Giant Pippies,’ and an installation of ‘Coal Loader Palm Grove,’ that pays homage to the site’s industrial history.

The Minns Labor Government is also partnering with Mirvac to revitalise the old fish market site at Blackwattle Bay, delivering 1,400 new homes alongside a new one-hectare park, and waterfront promenade which will complete the missing link in the 15-kilometre foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.'

For more information about Sydney Fish Market visit Home - Sydney Fish Market

Sydney's nw Fish Markets. Photo: Joe Mills

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Sydneysiders and visitors have flocked to this incredible new landmark to experience fresh quality seafood and dining and make the most of Sydney’s newest harbourside public space.

“It’s great to see people embracing this new attraction and supporting jobs in the seafood industry.

“It’s no wonder it’s already establishing itself as a can’t miss destination for both locals and tourists.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“More than one million visitors in under two months shows the new Sydney Fish Market is already one of Sydney’s must-visit destinations.

“This incredible harbourside precinct is drawing locals and tourists alike to experience world-class seafood, great dining and a vibrant public space right on the water.

“It’s not just a fish market, it’s a place where people come to eat, explore and spend time by the harbour.”

Chief Executive, Sydney Fish Market, Daniel Jarosch said:

“Reaching a million visitors so quickly reflects the strong curiosity people have had to experience the new Sydney Fish Market and the incredible waterfront experience that has been created here.

“What we’re seeing now is the market settling into its natural rhythm, with people visiting at different times of the day to shop for fresh produce, enjoy a meal, or simply spend time by the harbour.

“With expansive public areas and plenty of places to sit, gather and explore, the site has been designed to comfortably welcome locals and visitors alike as one of Sydney’s great everyday destinations.”

Turimetta Moods: Week ending Friday 20 March 2025

A somewhat gloomy and wet week, but still managed a couple of different pics. Most of the action was along Turimetta Beach and Narrabeen Headland tidal flats.

An interesting pic shows 2 small ant nests on the Turimetta Lookout lawn area (Peal St). They are the size of a small tea cup. They are raised fairly high, probably to protect against the rain. Also the ants removed soil from 3 distinct layers which can be seen. Interesting nature?

I also managed to collect 1 shopping bag full of the usual weekend leftovers, including an L Plate.

Ants are not only efficient, they are hard working & thrifty, qualities which have always seemed like good reasons for seeing them as virtuous role models. - William Morton Wheeler

As always, enjoy nature

Joe Mills

Turimetta Beach, pre-sunrise

Turimetta Beach, tent and rubbish left near southern end steps

Turimetta Beach, back dunes at northern end

Turimetta Beach, sunrise at northern end

Ant nests - soil from three different levels

Turimetta beach Friday March 19, still dark at about 6.20am

Turimetta beach Friday March 19, early clouds and start of sunrise

Turimetta beach Friday March 19, erosion after recent heavy rains in front of cave at north end

Turimetta beach - flowering grevillea

North Narrabeen headland rock shelf at low tide - exposed seaweed

North Narrabeen headland rock shelf, shovel-headed ray left by a fisherman (upside down)

North Narrabeen headland rock shelf, looking north towards Turimetta headland

North Narrabeen headland rock shelf, rock patterns at low tide

North Narrabeen headland rock shelf, storm out to sea

Warriewood beach lookout, storm out to sea

Turimetta Moods: Week ending Fri 13 March 2026

A very quiet week, with lots of rainy mornings, but I did manage to capture small sunrise at Collaroy Pool rock

shelf. I also got some nice sunrise effects at Middle Creek boat ramp.

What was promising was I only filled one shopping bag with rubbish along Turimetta Beach. Hopefully this is a promising sign of good beach goers. Fingers crossed.

Pictures At:

Collaroy rock shelf
Middle Creek
Turimetta Beach

It is the uncertainty that charms one. A mist makes things wonderful. - Oscar Wilde

As always enjoy nature.

Joe Mills

Collaroy pool rockshelf, pre-sunrise

Collaroy pool rockshelf, sunrise

Middle Creek Reserve, sunrise and mist on the water

Middle Creek Reserve, duck in retreat

Middle Creek Reserve, golden sunrise on Narrabeen Lake

Turimetta Beach, Monday morning rubbish pick-up - only one bag, a great sign

Turimetta beach sunrise, Thursday March 12, form mid-beach

Turimetta Moods: Week ending Friday 6 March 2026

From my perspective, this has been a short week, which started off with a weekend visit (Sunday March 1st) to the new Sydney Fish Markets. Very impressive & popular, meaning very crowded. It includes the concept of lots of wide steps with lots of wooden benches to cater for people to eat outside as well. Very popular with the public and families.

Even though we walked down York and George Streets only in the city from Wynyard, the rubbish everywhere was noticeable. Sydney is becoming a dirty city, which is a shame, as it shows a loss of public pride.

The pics include: