Your Experience

Located in Port Stephens, Australia is Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters — an opportunity you won't want to miss if bragging rights for petting and feeding sharks are your goal. This aquarium allows visitors a close encounter with resident sharks and rays after receiving safety training from expert staff. Equipped with all necessary gear, guests wade into the lagoon-style habitat where they can feed or gently touch these friendly creatures as they swim by.

Choose to wear just shorts for this experience, letting only your hands and feet get wet, or opt for a hired wetsuit for full immersion. The Ray Lagoon features larger species such as eagle rays, zebra sharks, and leopard whiprays that you can also feed. Meanwhile, the Bamboo Shallows exhibit showcases smaller yet fascinating creatures like juvenile Port Jackson sharks, tropical fish, seahorses, and eels.

Combine enjoyment with education by learning about smooth stingrays — some of which grow over 300 kilograms — during an interactive English-guided talk led by your knowledgeable guide. Additionally, visit the Tawny Terrain to meet tawny nurse sharks. Known for their long sleeping periods, these creatures are sometimes called the koalas of the ocean.