Over the past 30 years, the Fishermen’s Wharf Market in Port Adelaide has provided a pleasant Sunday routine of rummaging for locals and avid market enthusiasts alike. Well, pleasant no more; the Queen’s Wharf sheds are set to be demolished, consequently meaning that Sunday 28 August is your final day to experience all that is the Fishermen’s Wharf Market.
The two-storey market shed is host to over 120 eclectic stall holders, making for an indoor calamity of wonders where one person’s trash is another’s treasure. You can browse through anything from antiques and memorabilia, to retro clothing and accessories, old sheet music and records, furniture and homewares, or perhaps enjoy a massage amidst the hustle and bustle. It’s the whole Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ (1971) Portobello Road treatment.
The Fishermen’s Wharf Market is located right beside the water’s edge – making for a browsing break opportunity where you can gaze across the harbour whilst the playful dolphins inspect the retail happenings from below. The weather is forecast to be 22 degrees and partly cloudy – Adelaide’s finest day in quite some time.
The clearance of the Market comes after the Development Assessment Commission approved an application from the site owner, Hans Ehmann to demolish the sheds. Ehmann is also the developer behind the nearby Quest Apartments and has bigger plans for the area, saying that the Quest opening would spark greater interest in the largely undeveloped Port.
The sheds were denied protection from the Heritage Council in September 2021, raising concern from Port Adelaide heritage campaigners about the loss of more character buildings.
Market frequenter, Gabe Richardson says, “The Fishermen’s Wharf Market has been my excuse to take a trip down to Port Adelaide on a Sunday afternoon; and I’m sure for many others too, for years.
“Strolling down to the markets, sifting through the endless bric-a-brac in the hope of finding some treasure is such a unique experience, and a brilliant way to lose a couple of hours.
“Then you’d have some mini donuts from Danny’s or head to the Port Admiral Hotel for a pint and some free pool afterwards; it’s the perfect Sunday. It truly is sad to see it go,” Gabe finishes.
The Fishermen’s Wharf Market is open from 9am until 4pm on Sunday 28 August, for one last time.