Thousands of people are expected to visit fish markets across the country to buy seafood for Christmas. The latest forecasts predict mostly mild weather for the big day, with the possibility of storms in some areas.
The Sydney Fish Market, one of the largest in Australia, opens from 5am to 5pm on Christmas Eve on Saturday and expects to sell more than 350 tonnes, including 120 tonnes of prawns and about 70,000 dozen oysters.
More than 100,000 people are expected to visit the market in the inner-city suburb of Pyrmont over the next 36 hours.
The most popular items tend to be barramundi, snapper, lobsters and of course shrimp and oysters.
There are also 'affordably tasty' fish such as school whiting, gurnard and sea fish.
More than 100,000 people are expected to visit the Sydney Fish Market (above) over the next 36 hours
Thousands of Aussies will hit the fish markets this weekend in preparation for Christmas (pictured, Saturday's Sydney Fish Market)
Sydney's market (above) offers 'affordably delicious' fish such as school whiting, gurnard and ocean coat
The weather for Christmas looks mild in New South Wales with onshore winds and cloudy skies, with some showers likely in Sydney and elsewhere (photo, The Sydney Fish Market)
“We encourage visitors to come with an open mind and menu, and let our expert retailers guide you to the catch of the day,” said market director Greg Dyer.
With only two sleeps left until Christmas, the weather bureau predicts mild weather for most of the country.
Following the recent heatwave in the eastern states and flooding in the north, afternoon showers and thunderstorms are likely across Queensland, including Brisbane.
In NSW there will be onshore winds and cloudy skies, with isolated showers likely in Sydney and elsewhere.
In Victoria and Tasmania, southeasterly winds are forecast to bring cloud and cooler than average temperatures, with morning showers ahead of afternoon skies for Melbourne and Hobart.
Sydney's extremely popular fish market (above) is open on Christmas Eve from 5am to 5pm on Saturday
The most popular items at The Sydney Fish Market (above) tend to be barramundi, snapper, lobsters and of course prawns and oysters
More than 100,000 shoppers are expected to visit the Sydney Fish Market (above) this weekend
Adelaide can expect some sunshine after a cool and cloudy start to Christmas morning over South Australia.
A low-pressure system has developed in Western Australia this week and could bring rain and storms, alternating with sunshine, both inland and in Perth.
The Northern Territory can expect seasonal afternoon showers and storms around Darwin, although the risk of Christmas impacts from the remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Jasper appears unlikely, the Bureau of Meteorology said.