As the countdown to Christmas begins thousands of people across the country are busy finalising their plans, whether that be buying last minute gifts for loved ones or battling the crowds at seafood markets.
During this final week about 700,000 people were predicted to visit Chadstone, Australia’s biggest shopping centre, which will be open until 6pm on Christmas Eve.
Early Boxing Day sales have already began in some stores, helping out those who may have left their Christmas shopping a little too late.
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In Sydney crowds of people have descended on the city’s famous fish market to pick up their fresh food picks ahead of Thursday.
The market’s 36-hour seafood marathon is in full swing, with traders open until 5pm as the final push approaches.
About 100,000 people have already come through the doors of the Sydney Fish Market, which is celebrating its 30th and final year at its current location.
The market will move to its new home next door on January 19, 2026.
Sydney Fish Market head of operations Gus Dannoun, who has been involved with the market for over 40 years, said the upcoming move was bittersweet.
“It’s quite exciting with what’s ahead of us but it’s a bit sad in some ways, that this is it, this is the last Christmas,” he told Sunrise.
“We’re less than what, three weeks away before we move across to the new site.
“It’s been such a magnificent journey, I cant believe I’ve been here for as long as I have.”
Thousands of people have headed to the Sydney Fish Market to grab their fresh food for Christmas lunch or dinner. Credit: 7NEWS Chadstone, Australia’s largest shopping centre, is open until 6pm for any last minute gift runs. Credit: 7NEWS
Dannoun said as per usual, prawns and oysters were the most popular choices for shoppers this year.
“There are not many (people) walking out without prawns and oysters,” he said.
“There’s plenty to choose and I think Ling has been very popular … that’s what I (will) have on my plate for Christmas this year.”
Around 12.8 million people are also expected to move through the major airports in Sydney and Melbourne on Wednesday.
Airlines have warned people to arrive early and keep an eye out for any delays.
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