IRUKANDJI ENTRY PASS ~ Includes shark food & shallows
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IRUKANDJI ENTRY PASS ~ Includes shark food & shallows
NOTE- Upgrade to the DISCOVERY PASS is possible during this booking on the second page as it is available all day. However if you would like to enjoy a Snorkel or Encounter please go to that product as they have special times and availabilities.
Entry to Irukandji is unique, unlike the traditional aquarium viewing through glass, our guests have the ability to meet the wildlife, pet them, feed them & even share the water with them. Our Entry Pass allows guests to access the shallow water of the lagoons in bare feet, being surrounded by many curious & friendly sharks & rays guests are treated to a whole new level of excitement, fear & admiration for these misunderstood creatures and the entire ocean. Incredible Aussie shark memories ⏱ All Day- Admission to the aquarium as a spectator
- Entry into the lagoon shallows in bare feet
- Shark food at various feeding locations
- Interaction with the animals (petting/feeding)
- Interesting and informative animal talks
- Keepers always present with the animals for personalised visitor attention
- Hot Showers are available for all
Wear & Keep Souvenir Socks optional upgrade can be found on the next page for those feeling nervous with the ocean animals around their feet. Donning the sustainable bamboo & cotton eco socks to wear in the lagoons is great to camouflage or protect the feet from sharp coral sand & inquisitive animals. Also a fantastic keepsake to remember an incredible Irukandji experience when worn at a later date at home ⏱ All Day
Discovery Pass optional upgrade can be found on the next page. As this is the only encounter that can be upgraded to at any time it is Irukandji’s most popular in water experience. This unbelievable Aussie experience is the ultimate wild (and safe!) adventure for guests of all ages! Jump into a wetsuit then immerse yourself in a truly one of a kind in-water experience, as you wade deeper or sit in the sandy shallows of both our lagoons surrounded by friendly & affectionate animals. This experience provides a wonderful photo opportunity for guests. Please Note: Personal wetsuits are not permitted due to biosecurity (introduction of dormant aquatic microbiome) to be worn in our lagoons. Paticipants must be happy to wear the wetsuits provided here at Irukandji. ⏱ All Day
- All ages are welcome from 0-100 years old, it appeals to everybody in their own special way.
- No need to be able to swim, no swimming is involved! For swimming options please see the snorkel experiences
- Irukandji Entry Pass is available every 20 minutes from 9am till 3.40pm, at Irukandji we limit our visitor numbers to ensure a serene lagoon habitat, please check availability during busy periods as we do book out during some school holidays & public holidays.
- Please allow about 2 hours, however you may stay as long as you wish
Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters is an incredible interactive aquarium like no other. Visitors can enjoy our sandy beaches surrounded by many curious, friendly Sharks & Rays whilst staying (mostly) dry, only getting their feet wet, by partial immersion in an encounter or all the way in for a snorkel. Physically stepping into the shallows of the lagoons with them or opting for the very Aussie DISCOVERY PASS brings a whole new level of excitement and fear. The animals display their endearing personalities & steal the hearts of those they meet. Visitors develop a passion and stewardship, making for a life-long love and understanding of these misunderstood species and their important ocean ecosystems.
- Spectator – stay completely dry and view them all from the edges of the lagoon (Included in Entry Pass)
- Touch, pet, feed & meet the animals from the edges of the lagoons (Included in Entry Pass)
- Feet wet in the shallows of the lagoon in bare feet in your own clothes (Included in Entry Pass) Clothes must not get wet so shorts or skirts recommended
- View hourly educational talks by our knowledgeable fish keepers (Included in Entry Pass)
- Upgrade to socks ($) Wear & Keep souvenir socks are great option to wear for anybody feeling nervous if the animals are curious about toes. Wearing socks in the water is safe for the animals and creates a camouflage plus they are a great souvenir to keep and wear as normal socks. Socks are included FOC in all snorkels and encounters so please do not purchase them twice.
- Learning about the animals on a guided tour available for large groups otherwise be sure to chat to the guides present at the lagoons as not only do they have the food for the animals they love answering questions, chatting about them and the important ocean systems.
- Upgrade to Wetsuit ($) with the Discovery Pass. This is the cheapest option to completely immerse yourself with the animals, wading deeper into both lagoons or relaxing seated on the sandy beach with them swimming around you. This incredible experience includes entry into the deeper wading section of the lagoons and the use of a wetsuit for that Aussie surfer experience. Wetsuits range from baby sizes to Mens 7XL and are included FOC for all infants 2 years and under. Irukandji’s included in-house wetsuits must be worn due to biosecurity (introduction of dormant aquatic microbiome). Personal wetsuits or swimwear (alone) may not be worn. Wetsuits are included FOC in all snorkels and encounters so please do not purchase the Discovery Pass if you are already doing a separate encounter.
- Upgrade to one of three Snorkels ($) The ultimate wet experience, swimming with the animals of your chosen species in a wild thrilling adventure. These special Snorkels happen only at certain times in the day for a max of 10 pax so please plan ahead so you don’t miss out.
- Upgrade to an Encounter ($) Some of our hands down favourite experiences can be found in the private encounters, with only a couple of sessions a day and a maximum of 6 pax they are very much sought after. See each encounter for further information and session times.
- Annual Passes ($) If you live anywhere near Irukandji and plan to visit more than once the Annual Pass is the very best deal. The Pass pays for itself after the 2nd visit and includes the hugely popular DISCOVERY PASS every time you visit (as many times as you like within a year of commencement). This incredible pass also includes a secret link to HALF PRICE Snorkels & Encounters which is emailed out to the primary passholder.
- Group Discounts & Experiences ($) Leaders in education & incredible team building experiences Irukandji offers personalised tours with a private guide at discounted prices for groups over 13pax
- Hot showers and taking shark selfies
PREPARATION:
What to bring:
- Hats, Towels & REEF-FRIENDLY sunscreen
- Cameras (underwater cameras are welcomed)
- Short clothes (t-shirts & shorts/skirts that can stay dry in the shallows)
- Or bring swimwear or spare underwear only for those choosing a DISCOVERY PASS, ENCOUNTER or SNORKEL to wear under the wetsuit provided.
- Your own prescription mask/snorkel set- NOTE: Allow extra time before your experience for us to clean/soak your snorkel in solution to ensure it is free from any nasties. Please reach out to the administration team prior to your visit to organise.
- Picnic – As we do-not have a fully fledged cafe (yet until we build it) We have snacks and treats available and welcome any outside picnics or catering to be brought on site. We also have the scrumptious DANTE’S THIRD CIRCLE Mexican food truck on most Sundays and some Saturdays
What NOT to bring:
- Swimwear or rashie/clothes to swim in without one of our in-house wetsuits over the top (fully clothed dry clothing or Irukandji wetsuits must be worn in the lagoons, swimwear alone is not permitted)
- Non-reef friendly sunscreen (There is some available for purchase on site if need be)
- Your own personal wetsuits or water/reef shoes as these could introduce toxins to our lagoons and we limit the items going in, especially neoprene which can harbour microscopic marine-life from the ocean. Decontamination & quarantine of these items is a lengthy overnight process we hope to avoid.
Irukandji Terms & Conditions:
See your trade kit for agent specific T&Cs or the Irukandji website: https://sharkencounters.com.au/terms-conditions/ for general T&C of entry
When to visit Irukandji
Our aquarium is very popular and in busy times of year can book our for an entire day as we limit our availability for the animals serenity. Forward bookings are definitely needed on public and school holidays so you don’t miss out. Open from 9am-5pm. Arrive before 3pm to get the full experience, including the last Big Shark Talk of the day, or arrive by 3.40pm for the last session. All Encounters and Snorkels have set times so please arrive on or before your booked time for those experiences. Entry & Discovery Passes are more flexible and it shouldn’t matter too much if you are running late or decide to visit early.
Also available at the facility are hot showers, snacks and beverages as well as a fully stocked gift shop for you to enjoy before or after your encounter. Picnic tables and grassy areas are provided so feel free to bring lunch, stay as long as you want and relax in between your encounters with the animals.
Open 9am-5pm every day of the year except Christmas Day
Please contact us for groups over 40 pax or special requirements
SUITS
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The shark encounter was in a separate covered lagoon. When the talk wad on, only those in wetsuit could sit in the water and patted the sharks. After the talk, all could pat and feed the sharks in the shallow water.
There were hot water showers outdoors, and indoor changing cubicles (with curtains). There were lockers but you need to bring your own lock.
We spent 2.5 hours there and all had fun.
Suggestions:
-Wear thongs / crocs for easily going in and out of the water, and wear shorts if not intending to go for the wetsuit.
-Need to be sun protective while in the outdoor lagoon.
We got to feed the animals and touch them. The staff were very passionate, proud and informative on their talks on these creatures. I learnt a lot of interesting information.
If you are keen, (i wasnt), you can get in the water with the sting ray, sharks and turtles.
This place exceeded my expectations and I would go back again.
There is plenty of parking and easy to get around.
There is even space to take a picnic lunch and sit in the grounds.
It’s probably very expensive to maintain the ponds and filtration systems so that’s why they are charging so much. However it’s not really worth it. 🤷🏻♂️
It’s really important to remember when booking that this place isn’t sea world, it is a peaceful rehabilitation centre where you can interact with some beautiful creatures and learn about their species and conservation. We were not disappointed at all. All the staff that we encountered throughout the day were beyond friendly and extremely knowledgeable.
Due to the fact that we had booked an experience, we were given wetsuits to put on when we first arrived. We were a bit sceptical at first because it was a very hot day and we were worried about wearing them for the next couple of hours but it was completely worth it. We were able to sit in the water with both the sharks and the stingrays and interact with them further than other patrons who were not in wetsuits. So highly recommend upgrading to wetsuits for a more personal experience with the animals.
All the animals loved coming over for a gentle pat and even spent a lot of time in the shallows so other patrons without wetsuits were also able to feed and pat them. All in all we had an amazing time at this centre and enjoyed learning about the conservation and protection of the animals whilst being able to interact with them one on one as well. Definitely recommend visiting outside of school holidays as it is far less crowded, at times we were the only people interacting with the animals which made the whole experience so much more one on one and personal. Thank you so much team!
All of the staff were passionate and informative both in their talks and if you asked any questions one to one.
From calling in to discuss our booking to leaving everyone was friendly and helpful.
They obviously care deeply about the creatures in their care.
Sounds like there are exciting plans for the future and will certainly revisit on our next trip to Port Stephen’s.
Today we paid for the discovery experience and it was a complete let down. We got to paddle so far into the rays and feed them. Stand ankle deep in the shark tank and that was it. No interaction at all, just a speech on how they're rescuing them from the wild etc etc. The area they have now is massive, but I'd not advise a visit compared to the last time.
Unfortunately as we live in the UK it's not a place we get to visit very often.
That said, I was a bit disappointed with the visibility of the sharks in the tropical lagoons. They seemed to be quite stable and not very active, which made it hard to fully appreciate their beauty. The videos we had seen prior to our visit set our expectations high, but the reality was a bit different.
One piece of advice: definitely make a booking before you go. We encountered some frustration when we were told to come back on another day despite having made an online reservation. This was quite inconvenient and dampened our enthusiasm for the visit.
In terms of value for money, I felt that the price paid didn't quite match the experience, especially considering the limited activities and the visibility of the species.
I recently visited Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, and while the customer service was okay with helpful staff, my overall experience was thoroughly disappointing.
The pools were very small, and there were only a few rays to view. After feeding the rays, we eagerly anticipated the shark show, but to our disbelief, there was nothing to see. We wasted 20 minutes listening to irrelevant information when all we wanted was to see something exciting for our children. Unfortunately, we got nothing.
I’m relieved I didn’t pay extra to wear a wetsuit just to sit in a pool where no one could actually enter the water. It felt like an absolute waste of money.
Overall, my visit was far from enjoyable, and I left feeling like my time and money were wasted. I would not recommend Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters to anyone seeking a quality experience.
- Entry is nice, Marty was informative and happily took our $150 for 2xkids (Discovery experience) Considering now what we got it's very expensive.
- New shark pool is nice however way over the other side of the facility. A LONG walk if your disabled or heavily pregnant like myself. Toilets also too far away. Need to update this to be more user friendly!
We went to the shark talk but couldn't understand anything as the speakers were attached to the roof pointing towards the ground. My kids did feed one shark but that was it.
- The ray pool was slightly better and staff member Zuzu was fun! The rays were friendly and the kids did get to feed several so that was a highlight. The ray talk was informative.
All in all it was just ok, I gave one point because it didn't smell and also the Taco van out the front was amazing!
Activities We Enjoyed:
Shark Snorkelling:
The shark snorkelling experience was exhilarating and educational. We had the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat, guided by knowledgeable staff who ensured our safety at all times.
Shark Feed:
Watching the shark feed was a highlight for my children. It was fascinating to see how the sharks interacted during feeding time, and the staff provided interesting insights into their behaviour and role in the marine ecosystem.
Little Ray Cuddles:
The little ray cuddles were a hit with both my children! They loved getting up close and personal with the gentle rays, learning about their unique features and feeling their smooth, velvety skin.
Staff and Service:
The enthusiasm and professionalism of the staff truly made our experience memorable. They were patient with the kids, answering their curious questions and ensuring they felt comfortable throughout each activity. Their passion for marine conservation was evident in every interaction.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere:
Irukandji is perfect for families looking to bond over a shared love of marine life. The facilities were well-maintained, and the activities were designed to be educational yet accessible for children of all ages. It was a joy to see my children so engaged and enthusiastic about learning.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend the Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounter to families visiting Port Stephens. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn about marine conservation while having fun with hands-on activities. Whether you're snorkelling with sharks, feeding them, or cuddling rays, the experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on both children and adults alike.
The ray presentation was interesting and informative.
Oh might be good to bring your own socks. Else they sell them for $8/pair. We had to remove our shoes whilst in the park and it was a tad uncomfortable for the kids. Kids are not used to walking around barefooted.
I would recommend to use the wet suit option as that will allow you to encounter the sharks and sting rays from close by.
There are two lagoons wherein small lagoon placed outside is cold water and full of sting rays which eat food from your hands and give u a surreal experience.
The internal lagoon has large sharks and variety of marine fishes with some sting rays who are difficult to feed from ankle depth water so recommend to take the experience. Also do listen to the talks of sting rays and sharks and stand in the middle to enjoy the touch experience.
My husband and I went with our just turned 2yr old son and my parents.
It cost us $150 to gain entry just so we could gather in a large crowd by a single pool to try to feed the 3 stingrays that would come up to the shallow edge.
My father who has a walking stick couldn't even get into the water as he would have slip without his stick yet he STILL had to pay entry to sit by the side and watch. The staff kept yelling at us for kneeling down in the water as our son refused to stand in the water by himself as our swimmers were -'contaminating the water' so we had to bend over (killing our backs) to hold him in the water so he could feed the stingrays.
we gave up and we walked over to the other pool with the sharks in it. Again, same issues, only saw 2 little sharks and had to push and fight the crowd to get into the shallow water and the staff constantly yelling at people if they went in any deeper then their ankles.
Then that was in we has seen and done everything.
unless you want to fork out another $20 per person for wet suits just so you could go into the water up to your waist. The wet suits should be included with entry, it just feels like a money grab. The snorkeling would be good, but again its extra money on top.
Its a very expensive experience for 2 small pools with barley anything in it.
I thought they may have had a table pool with shells, starfish and crabs for young children to touch and explore, but no we were only there for 1hr.
Highly recommend doing a personal encounter with the sting rays. You get to put on a provided wet suit and sit with the sting rays under supervision. All the while one of their staff walk you through some facts and talks about the sea animals. A very exciting and unique experience.
Even with just the entry fee and the no wetsuit, you still get to get your feet wet and touch the sting rays yourself (so long as they approach you themselves.
There is also a seperate shark area that offers a similar experience.
The staff are all very friendly, and approachable. It’s clear that they take care of their animals well.
My advice is to come during the non-peak periods and not during school holidays to avoid the crowds.
were extremely high and the fabric was hard to slide across. Other then that I would recommend this for anyone visiting the area to look at doing.
Over 40 animals (according to staff) kept in poor conditions that are constantly exposed to human contact. They are attempting a breeding program which given the state of the place seems like a horrible idea. We were told no eggs have yet taken which seems unsurprising. They also claim to be a rehabilitation centre. When asked what they are rehabbing we were told they had one turtle which had been there for several weeks. This was supposedly kept in the 'rehab centre' which was a closed off building. It all appears to simply be a facade in order to run a low rent petting zoo in poor conditions. The talks seem to boil down to 'dont worry they won't hurt you! They are our friends and family' if you care about conservation and animal wellbeing avoid this place and do not give them any money. Feels like the sort of place that should be shut down sooner rather than later.
My 9 year old granddaughter and I enjoyed the zebra shark encounter which I highly recommend.
Thank you to Stephanie who shared her passion and knowledge of sharks.
Honestly one of the most amazing experience we had as a family.
It’s exciting and amazing and highly informative.
The ladys lecturer on shark was nice.
I was in wonder to see the tiny bit of fish feed that they gave us feed the ray. It won't even fit on the plastic clip and stick contraption that they give us to feed the Ray
I found it really hard to get 2 CENTS worth of feed to feed the rays.
You will need a bit longer meat to put it on the stick with a metal clip which they give us to feed the 'rays'. I asked for the 2 CENTS worth of meat. The lady grudgingly gave a very small piece. Needless to say, the ray wasn't able to eat it because it was very small.
The shark lecture was nice there are some sharks. Here also the guy came with 2 pieces of fish and came back. He didn't feed the shark.
If you pay extra you will be given some wet suits and then have some time near a small shark.Altogether this experience is not worth the amount you pay for it
Once you are inside it's different. Feeding the friendly rays was part of the starter ticket. I found it really hard to get 2 CENTS worth of feed to feed the rays. You will need a bit longer meat to put it on the stick with a metal clip which they give us to feed the 'rays'. I asked for the 2 CENTS worth of meat. The lady grudgingly gave a very small piece. Needless to say, the ray wasn't able to eat it because it was very small.
The shark lecture was nice there are some sharks. Here also the guy came with 2 pieces of fish and came back. He didn't feed the shark.
If you pay extra you will be given some wet suits and then have some time near a small shark.
Altogether this experience is not worth the money you pay for it
The place was amazing and our lil one (3 year old) just couldn't get so much of it. We were able to pat the sharks and rays, feed them and just let them go around our legs. They're pretty friendly and harmless.
The staff was definitely passionate about the marine habitat and very knowledgeable in giving us much information and background.
you can also snorkel with the sharks!
a definite must to check out whilst there.
We got the wetsuit experience and it was perfect for our little one, the staff are so passionate about marine life and the talks are informative.
You can feed the rays and sharks as well as get a hands-on experience in a safe and fun environment,warm showers provided for after as well.
Mainly outside so don't forget the reef safe sunscreen and hats!
10/10 recommend



















































