People interacting with a zebra shark in shallow water during an encounter experience.
Person interacting with a zebra shark and stingrays in shallow water.

Tickets to Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters with Zebra Shark Feeding Experience, Port Stephens

Port Stephens
Zoos
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Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

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Explore Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters in Port Stephens, Australia for an intimate experience with sharks and rays right at your fingertips. Your ticket includes a unique Zebra Shark Feeding Experience amidst the deep waters of a natural-style tropical lagoon. Conservation is central to this adventure as you support Sea Shelter's efforts by getting up close with rescued animals during their rehabilitation journey before they return home.

Paddle in the shallow end and enjoy a private encounter with Irukandji's beautiful Zebra Sharks for 20 minutes.

Marvel at the local wildlife and sea animals, and learn about how to contribute to conservation efforts.

Tour the tropical aquarium, and see a diverse variety of saltwater species.

You can spend time with these adorable creatures as they flap around your feet or swim into your lap so you can pe them.

Entry to Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters

Food for the sharks and rays

A 20-minute private encounter with the zebra sharks

Shallows encounter with wetsuit and sock hire

People interacting with a zebra shark in shallow water during an encounter experience.

People interacting with a zebra shark in shallow water during an encounter experience.

Conservation is at the heart of Irukandiji's Shark & Ray Encounters. They also have a not-for-profit organization called Sea Shelter. Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is home to Sea Shelter’s rescued animals while they are nursed back to health, and until they’re ready to be released back into their home. Your ticket here gives you the chance to get close to sharks and rays in the deep waters of the natural-style tropical lagoon.

Once you arrive at Irukandji, you will be greeted by the friendly staff, who will guide you through the whole process - from learning how to interact safely with the animals to giving you all the equipment you need to enter the water and meet the animals. Inside the shallows of the lagoon, you will be surrounded by sharks and rays of different sizes and species. It is a fascinating sight as your guide hands out food for the animals and tells you about each animal's unique personalities, habits, and quirks. Discover the affectionate natures of these animals and watch them adorably flap around your feet or swim into your lap so you can pet them!

Outside of the water, stroll past the different pools and spot the diverse variety of fish and the specific food and information provided at each pool. You can reach in and interact with the animals as they swim around in their homes. Every hour a guide will conduct an educational talk on sharks, rays, and marine conservation. These will help you uncover some myths about these amazing creatures and offer you practical ways to help protect the oceans and their inhabitants.

Later, you can rinse off under a warm shower and towel down before enjoying a cruise around the tropical aquarium. See the clownfish flounce rapidly around the anenome and the lionfish sail around their home. Don't forget to shop for some sustainable gifts and souvenirs from the store, including cute fluffy toys and snacks.

Person interacting with a zebra shark and stingrays in shallow water.

Person interacting with a zebra shark and stingrays in shallow water.

Important Information

  • Good to carry: swimwear (also available on sale if need be), biodegradable sunscreen, a camera.

  • What not to bring: wetsuits, creams, lotions, repellants, or snorkels.

  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times in the water. The adult must purchase a ticket for the encounter as well.

Timings

  • Daily: 9am to 5pm. Please arrive by 3:30pm to make the last tour.

  • Irukandji is open 364 days a year, closed only on Christmas day.

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FAQs

Irukandiji is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and visitors should arrive by 3:30 pm for the last tour. It operates 364 days a year.
Rescued animals are nursed back to health at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters before being released into their natural habitat.
Conservation is at the heart of Irukandiji's Shark & Ray Encounters, and they also support Sea Shelter, a not-for-profit organization.
You will have a private encounter lasting 20 minutes to paddle in shallow waters and interact with Zebra Sharks.
Visitors will be greeted by friendly staff who guide them through the process, including learning how to interact safely with animals and providing necessary equipment for water entry.
Your ticket includes entry, food for the sharks and rays, a private encounter with zebra sharks lasting 20 minutes, and shallow water interaction using provided wetsuit and sock hire.
The ticket does not cover personal expenses incurred during your visit to Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters.
You will marvel at local wildlife and sea animals, learn about conservation efforts, tour a tropical aquarium with diverse saltwater species, and interact closely with various marine creatures.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the water, and the accompanying adult also needs a ticket for the encounter.
You should carry swimwear (available for purchase if needed), biodegradable sunscreen, and a camera. Avoid bringing wetsuits, creams, lotions, repellants, or snorkels.

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