Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters
📍 Anna Bay, NSW
Hands-on marine experience in Anna Bay where visitors wade into shallow pools with zebra sharks, rays, and reef sharks. Staff-led encounters include direct animal interaction, keeper commentary, and tank access for baby rays.
Went on a Saturday afternoon with kkday booking at 340pm but we arrived at 3pm. Staff let us in with no issues. Place was not crowded. All staff were friendly, including the rays, Mango the puffer fish and the reef sharks. The sharks would deliberately swim between our feet althought they weren't hungry for the food. This was the highlight for our family at Port Stephens. We went for the most basic waddling at ankle level which was exciting enough for us aged 20-50 and we had an endless food supply to feed the fishes. Would be good to bring slippers instead of track shoes. Also met a fellow Singaporean working at Irukandji! Wish him the best of experiences in Sydney and for daring to venture out of Singapore. Highly recommended place, you won't regret visiting. I am glad we decided to drive here as usual package tours do not include this in their itinerary, which is a great pity. Must go hor!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children confident around water who want genuine animal interaction rather than glass-window viewing. Keepers make even nervous visitors comfortable — multiple reviewers mention arriving with shark fears and leaving converted. Baby ray tanks are a highlight for younger children.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,298 Google reviews
Sy C
a month ago
“Went on a Saturday afternoon with kkday booking at 340pm but we arrived at 3pm. Staff let us in with no issues. Place was not crowded. All staff were friendly, including the rays, Mango the puffer fish and the reef sharks. The sharks would deliberately swim between our feet althought they weren't hungry for the food. This was the highlight for our family at Port Stephens. We went for the most basic waddling at ankle level which was exciting enough for us aged 20-50 and we had an endless food supply to feed the fishes. Would be good to bring slippers instead of track shoes. Also met a fellow Singaporean working at Irukandji! Wish him the best of experiences in Sydney and for daring to venture out of Singapore. Highly recommended place, you won't regret visiting. I am glad we decided to drive here as usual package tours do not include this in their itinerary, which is a great pity. Must go hor!”
Melissa Darbin
4 months ago
“Thankyou Ryan, Noah and Cyrus for the BEST experience ever. Your knowledge, patience and passion for these beautiful sharks and rays is first class. We had the best zebra shark and ray encounter, and the baby rays in the tanks are so friendly, they love a pat. So much more hands on than I had anticipated. A fabulous family day out !!!”
Kiarra Tilden
4 months ago
“We had the most amazing experience at Shark & Ray Irukandji! From the moment we arrived, the team made us feel so welcomed and comfortable, especially Jemma, Holly and Jess, who were all incredible. Their knowledge, kindness and enthusiasm made the whole visit even more special. The interactions with the rays and sharks were unforgettable, and you can truly see how much the staff care about the animals and education. It was such a unique, hands-on experience and perfect for families and it felt even more special celebrating our little girl’s 1st birthday there today. She absolutely loved it until it was nap time 😂 Thank you to the wonderful team for creating such a memorable visit for us. We can’t wait to come back! ♥️ - tkm_touring”
Delcie Lam (Sensitive Chef)
4 months ago
“My fears for sharks and rays were all gone after visiting this place. The environment was comfortable and safe for visitors. Our kids truly enjoyed themselves. Met one of the keepers who is also a Singaporean and it was inspiring to watch him transforms his love for marine into a career in this space. All the best to him!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Irukandji places visitors directly in the water with friendly shark and ray species — zebra sharks, reef sharks, and multiple ray varieties including baby rays in accessible tanks. Encounters are guided by knowledgeable keepers who explain each animal's behaviour and biology. Sessions run at ankle to waist depth depending on the encounter type. The experience is more immersive than a standard aquarium walkthrough, with animals regularly swimming between visitors' feet.
