Port Authority of New South Wales is seeking experienced, high-quality food truck hospitality operators to activate four premium waterfront locations with exciting and vibrant food and beverage offerings. These spaces provide a unique opportunity to operate in some of Sydney’s most iconic settings, catering to a mix of cruise passengers, tourists, and locals.
We are looking for passionate operators who can deliver an outstanding experience, activate the space with creativity, and manage a high-volume, fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional a high-quality offering and service standards.
Submission Closing Date: Friday 18 April 2025
To be Awarded: Friday 16 May 2025
Licence period: September 2025 - February 2026
The Opportunity
Port Authority is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the following four separate opportunities (each a Premise, and together the Premises):
Unique food cart/truck offering (Site 1) – Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) Southern Forecourt*
- A high-visibility location next to the wharf gate opening, with a steady flow of cruise passengers and visitors.
Ideal for a premium food concept that serves as a point of difference.
The site is 15sqm (approx. 3m x 5m) of hard stand positioned in the Overseas Passenger Terminal Southern Forecourt .
Details of the licence opportunity:
- To operate a food cart located within the Overseas Passenger Terminal
- 6-month term, commencing in September 2025, with the potential to hold over at Port Authority’s discretion
- Power supplied
- Must operate on cruise ship days between 0600 – 1800 with ability to trade for extended hours outside this period.
- Able to operate in the evening beyond cruise ship hours, providing flexibility to cater to visitors, tourists and the general public as part servicing the nighttime economy.
- For the selling of items, including the displaying of items for the purposes of selling
Coffee Cart/truck (Site 2) – Adjacent to Fig Tree, OPT Southern Forecourt*
- A picturesque, shaded spot with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a coffee cart with a snack offering.
This space lends itself to an engaging, destination-style offering that enhances the visitor experience.
The site is 15sqm (approx. 3m x 5m) of hard stand positioned in the Overseas Passenger Terminal Southern Forecourt (see Figure 1 in section 1.3.1 for Site Plan).
Details of the licence opportunity:
- To operate a food cart for the service of coffee, snacks and other offerings, located within the Overseas Passenger Terminal
- 6-month term, commencing in September 2025, with the potential to hold over at Port Authority’s discretion
- Power supplied
- Must operate on cruise ship days between 0600 – 1800 with ability to trade for extended hours outside this period
- For the selling of items, including the displaying of items for the purposes of selling
*Condition – Temporary Relocation for Special Events (Sites 1 and 2)
The successful operator acknowledges that Sites 1 and 2 may be required to temporarily relocate or adjust their setup to accommodate special events or operational requirements. Port Authority will provide advance notice where possible and work collaboratively with the operator to minimise disruption. Any relocation costs will be the responsibility of the operator.
Unique food cart/truck offering (Site 3) – White Bay Cruise Terminal Carpark (WBCT)
- A high-traffic location on cruise days. Exact location to be determined, the site will be in the vicinity of the White Bay Cruise Terminal carpark, depending on the requirements of the food cart.
Ideal for a premium food concept that serves as a point of difference (must be very different to offering provided by the Coffee Kiosk (opportunity 4 described below)).
The site is 15sqm (approx. 3m x 5m) of hard stand.
Details of the licence opportunity:
- To operate a food cart located within the White Bay Cruise Terminal at a location to be confirmed.
- 6-month term, commencing in September 2025, with the potential to hold over at Port Authority’s discretion - This opportunity is initially being awarded under the current terms, with the potential for an extension based on performance and operational requirements.
- Must operate on cruise ship days between 0600 – 1800– Ability to trade for extended hours outside this period.
- For the sale of items, including the displaying of items for the purposes of the sale of food
Coffee Kiosk – White Bay Cruise Terminal (WBCT)**
- The internal/external kiosk within WBCT, catering to passengers, crew, and visitors throughout the cruise season
- Requires a strong operator with experience in high-volume service to provide a welcoming and efficient experience.
The opportunity is for an experienced operator to operate a kiosk under a non-exclusive licence within the WBCT on Cruise Days.
The kiosk is single level with a 185 square metre footprint, which comprises of:
- Front facing counter
- Food preparation area
- Storage
- Kitchenette with functioning water, power
- Internal seating area
- External seating area
Details of the licence opportunity:
- To operate a kiosk located within the White Bay Cruise Terminal
- 6-month term, commencing in September 2025, with the potential to hold over at Port Authority’s discretion
- Ability to operate on cruise ship days between 0600 – 1800
- For the sale of items, including the displaying of items for the purposes of selling
Availability of food preparation room
The WBCT is also offered as an event-hire venue for private events. The opportunity exists for the kiosk operator to directly engage with event organisers to cater to such dedicated events, which typically involve a greater volume of people.
* Some private hire-events at the WBCT will require exclusive use of the WBCT, which will require the kiosk to be closed. Port Authority will provide advance notice where possible and work collaboratively with the operator to minimise disruption. It is intended a rebate will be applied (based on a calculated daily rate proportionate to the annual licence fee), for periods in which trade is restricted as a result of this use.
Operators can submit an EOI for one, two, three or all four opportunities.