World class aquarium and sea shelter marine hospital gets tick of approval for Anna Bay
Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters at Port Stephens is set for a major expansion. See what that includes.
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One of the largest marine aquariums in NSW has been given the green light to be built at Port Stephens, offering a world-class facility equipped with a marine hospital.
Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters at Bobs Farm is preparing for a massive expansion, with a $6 million development to make the move to Jessie Rd at Anna bay.
The $2.3 million stage one has been approved by Port Stephens Council, the first of a seven staged expansion for a complete information and education facility, aquarium, souvenir shop and car parking.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said it’s an exciting project for Port Stephens on many fronts.
“The discussions I’ve had with Ryan and Lia (owners) have shown that a project like this will have huge benefits for sea creatures here in Port Stephens but also right up and down the coast,” he said.
“From a tourism perspective, it will certainly complement and add to our growing list of nature-based activities we have here in Port Stephens, ultimately adding to more people coming, more often.”
The expansion has been on the cards for Irukandji ever since the Pereira family purchased the business in 2014.
They plan to create the best environment for up to 300 sharks, stingrays and other sea creatures housed at a much better facility.
The project will expand in a number of phases over the coming years. One of those phases will include a sea shelter marine life hospital which will be a much-needed addition to Port Stephens for the safe rehabilitation of a number of species including sharks, turtles and sea snakes.
Other phases in the next 10 years will include a jellyfish exhibit, an extreme shark experience and some endangered fresh water species such as Sea Otters and fish.
The development will also include a large outdoor lagoon with six linking pools, a tropical indoor aquarium for the warm climate species, a small cafe and playground.
Doors could be open before winter 2020.