Wentworth Point Markets & Balloon Story
You have just finished a delicious lap around the Wentworth Point markets. You’ve sampled the global street eats, grabbed a specialty coffee, and perhaps indulged in a pastry (or two). But the day is still young, and you are looking for an experience that matches the vibrancy of your meal.
Just a short 10-minute drive away at Sydney Olympic Park, a new immersive experience has landed that serves as the perfect "dessert" for your eyes. Balloon Story Sydney, located at the Fever Pavilion, offers a whimsical escape that pairs surprisingly well with a day of market hopping.
While we usually focus on the best brunch spots and hidden café gems here at bitesbyd.com.au, we know that a great foodie outing often needs a great activity to go with it. With over 400,000 eco-friendly balloons shaped into incredible art installations, Balloon Story provides a colorful, interactive playground that appeals to families, couples, and anyone looking to add a pop of color to their weekend.
Here is how to plan the ultimate day out, combining the savory delights of the markets with the visual sweetness of Sydney’s newest attraction.
The Perfect Pairing: Markets and Masterpieces
For locals and visitors alike, the Wentworth Point markets are a staple. specifically the Eat Drink Nights, held at Marina Square on the first Friday and third Saturday of every month from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. These nights transform the town center into a buzzing hub of live music, fairy lights, and food stalls serving everything from wood-fired pizza to authentic dumplings.
However, the challenge with evening markets is often deciding what to do once you have done a full lap of the stalls. This is where Balloon Story fits into your itinerary perfectly.
A Seamless Transition
Because Balloon Story runs daily sessions until 8:00 pm, you can easily curate a "dinner and a show" experience without leaving the local area. We recommend hitting the markets early, around 5:00 pm, to beat the queues for your favorite food trucks. Once you have fueled up on savory bites, make the short trip over to the Fever Pavilion for a 6:00 pm or 6:30 pm session.
The transition from the bustling, aromatic atmosphere of the markets to the quiet, dreamlike environment of the balloon exhibition feels like stepping into another world. It is a sensory shift that turns a standard Friday night into a memorable event.
Pro Tip: Logistics Made Easy
Parking can be a headache around major events, but you can hack the system here. Park your car at Marina Square for the markets. Enjoy your food, take a walk along the waterfront, and then drive the short distance to Sydney Showground for the exhibition. Alternatively, if you are feeling energetic, it is a pleasant walk across the bridge and through the parklands.
Inside the Exhibition: A Visual Feast
Once you step inside Balloon Story, you realize this isn't just a few party decorations strung together. It is an art exhibition where the medium happens to be air and latex. For those who love capturing the perfect shot for their feed, the lighting and colors here are exceptional.
The Opening Photo Rooms
The experience begins with a series of photo-ready vignettes. If you are visiting with friends or a partner after a market date, this is where you will likely spend a good chunk of time.
Backdrops include a massive balloon rocket and a whimsical hot air balloon setup. These aren't just flat walls; they are three-dimensional sculptures that allow you to step inside the scene. It is the perfect opportunity to snap a playful post-market selfie. The colors are vibrant and saturated, meaning you won't need to do much editing before posting.
Interactive Play Zones
After eating your way through Wentworth Point, you might have some energy to burn—especially if you have kids in tow. The interactive zones are designed exactly for this.
The highlight is undoubtedly the massive ball pit. Hidden within a "jungle" theme, this isn't the dusty play center pit you might remember from childhood. It is clean, vast, and surrounded by intricate balloon flora and fauna. There are also interactive walls where you can throw balls at digital targets, adding a gamified element to the walk-through.
Themed Art Spaces
Beyond the play areas, the artistry really shines in the themed rooms. The sculptors have used biodegradable balloons to recreate famous world icons, including the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.
There is also an underwater ocean room reminiscent of The Little Mermaid, featuring coral reefs and sea creatures, and a space zone populated by friendly aliens. For an audience that appreciates the craft behind a perfectly poured latte or a plated dish, the attention to detail in twisting and weaving these thousands of balloons is genuinely impressive.
Practical Details for Your Visit
To help you plan your foodie-meets-fun excursion, here are the essential details you need to know.
Dates and Times
The exhibition runs for a limited summer season from January 13 to February 8, 2026.
It is open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, making it flexible enough for a morning brunch date or an evening market add-on.
Location
Fever Pavilion, Sydney Olympic Park.
It is located on Olympic Boulevard, opposite Qudos Bank Arena.
Ticket Prices
- Adults (13+): $44.90 (Weekdays/Sundays) – $49.90 (Saturdays)
- Children (3–12): $34.90 (Weekdays/Sundays) – $38.90 (Saturdays)
- Under 3: Free
Duration
Plan to spend between 60 and 90 minutes inside. The venue is fully accessible, making it stroller and wheelchair friendly.
On-site Refreshments
If you didn't fill up enough at the Wentworth Point markets, there are snacks available on-site. However, we definitely recommend saving your appetite for the local street food scene before or after your visit.
Why This Works for the "Bites by D" Audience
We know our readers love discovering hidden gems and local delights. While usually that involves finding the best ricotta hotcakes in Sydney, sometimes it’s about finding the best way to spend a weekend.
Balloon Story offers a break from "café fatigue." If you have spent the last few weekends sitting in coffee shops, this gets you up and moving. It is playful, unpretentious, and offers a unique aesthetic that you just don't see every day.
Plus, the eco-friendly aspect appeals to the conscious consumer. Knowing that the installation uses biodegradable materials allows you to enjoy the spectacle without the guilt often associated with single-use plastics.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you are a parent looking for school holiday entertainment that you will actually enjoy, or a foodie looking to extend your market night into a full evening of entertainment, this pairing is a winner.
Grab your tote bags for the Wentworth Point markets, bring your camera for the balloons, and enjoy a day that caters to both your taste buds and your sense of wonder.
