It's that time of year again! A chance for us to thank the local community for all the wonderful support over the past 12 months. 

Throughout the month of August, we invite Port Stephens locals to visit Irukandji and enjoy 50% off Entry + Shallows Encounter and 50% off the Discovery Encounter

To claim the discount, all you need to do is present your photo ID with your Port Stephens address to the reception staff at check in. 
Port Stephens LGA includes all postcodes from 2315 - 2324 inclusive.

IRUKANDJI ENTRY PASS ~ Includes stepping in the lagoon shallows, shark food

NOTE- Add your Discovery Encounter on the next screen as an extra. You are in the right place.
If you are interested in a  Snorkel or Private Encounter, please go to that product as they have special times and availabilities. 

Inclusions for this Pass:

Admission to the aquarium, entry into the lagoon shallows, animal food, interaction with the animals (patting/feeding), interesting and informative animal talks with staff on hand for personalised attention.
($) Upgrade available for the Wear & Keep Souvenir Socks for those feeling nervous with the ocean animals around their feet. Upgrade to a Wetsuit for those wishing to wade deeper than knee deep in the lagoons, sitting down and relaxing right in up to their neck with the animals all around. Hot Showers are available for all. 

Specifics 

• All ages are welcome from 0-100 years old, it suits everybody in their own special way
• No need to be able to swim, no swimming is involved. For swimming options please see the snorkels
• The Entry Pass session times are every 20 minutes from 9am till 3.40pm, please check availability as we often book out  during busy times such as weekends and school holidays
• Please allow about 2 hours, however you may stay all day if you wish

Entry Pass

Entry to Irukandji is unique, unlike the usual aquarium viewing through glass, guests have the ability to meet the wildlife, pat them, feed them & even share the water with them. Our Entry Pass allows guests to wade into the shallow water of the lagoons in bare feet, being surrounded by many curious & friendly sharks & rays. Wear your own clothes, visitors stay dry (mostly), with only your feet becoming wet.  Stepping into the water with the animals, guests are treated to a whole new level of excitement, and admiration for these misunderstood creatures and the entire ocean.

Upgrade to socks

Exactly the same as the Entry Pass (above) with added sustainable bamboo & cotton eco-socks, worn into our lagoon during the shallows encounter. A fantastic keepsake to remember their awesome Irukandji experience and a great camouflage option for those feeling nervous about curious animals or who don't like walking on sand.

Upgrade to Discovery Encounter
This unbelievable experience is the ultimate wild (and safe!) adventure for guests of all ages! Jump into a wetsuit then submerge yourself in a truly one of a kind in water experience, as you sit in the sandy shallows of our lagoons surrounded by friendly & affectionate animals. This experience provides a wonderful photo opportunity for guests. To claim the Locals month 50% off discount, upgrade at the gate when you arrive after you show your ID with your Port Stephens LGA address.

Preparation/What to bring to Irukandji

What to bring: Hats, REEF-FRIENDLY sunscreen, cameras (underwater cameras are great!), clothes (t-shirts & shorts or skirts that can stay dry in the shallows) Only bring swimwear or spare underwear for those choosing the wetsuit option and for all encounters and snorkels. Your own prescription mask set - note though we do allow it you will need to allow extra time before your experience for us to clean/soak your mask in solution to ensure it is free from anything that could contaminate our lagoon.  

What NOT to bring: Swimwear or rashie/clothes to swim in without a wetsuit (Swimwear on it's own may not be worn in the lagoon, you must be dressed in clothes but keep them dry please), non-reef friendly sunscreen, your own wetsuits or water shoes -  because they could introduce contaminants to our lagoons. We limit the items entering our water, especially neoprene which can harbour marine life from the ocean and cannot be cleaned in a hurry. 

Irukandji Terms & Conditions: 

See 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 can book our for an entire day. Forward bookings are definitely needed on weekends and school holidays so you don't miss out. Sessions run all day from 9am-5pm. Last arrival by 3.40pm for the full experience. All Encounters and Snorkels have set times so please arrive on or before your booked time, Entry Passes are more flexible and it shouldn't matter to much if you are running a little bit late or want to come early