Ever wondered what it’s like to touch a shark or cuddle a ray? At Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters in Port Stephens, on the North Coast of NSW, Australia, you’ll pat and feed sharks and even cuddle rays in a safe, indoor aquarium.
Up to 190 sharks and rays live in the aquarium, where you can walk in a pool of Tawny Nurse sharks that grow up to three metres, and stroke them softly on their backs. You’ll also interact with smaller shark species.
A tour leader will guide you through the various experiences as you meet all the marine animals. Enjoy cuddles from rays including Raspy, a 325 kg Stingray, who will glide up to you and sit on your lap.
The aquarium is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except Christmas Day. From Sydney, the drive to Irukandji in Bobs Farm is 2 h 30 min. You can also travel by train to Newcastle, where you take a bus to Bobs Farm. The nearest bus stop is Bobs Farm Public School.
