Excursions That Inspire Curiosity
Primary School Excursions Port Stephens
Help your students discover, protect, and advocate for the wonders of the ocean. At Irukandji, education is at the heart of everything we do, it’s our mission to change the world, one shark at a time.
Our immersive programs turn the ocean into a living classroom, offering up-close encounters with rays, sharks, and hundreds of marine creatures. Whether it’s Early Stage 1 or Stage 3, students connect scientific concepts with real-world experiences that spark curiosity and fuel a lifelong love of learning.
Hands-On Ocean Fun
Marine Learning
Perfect for curious young minds, our Early Stage 1 program introduces students to the magic of the marine world through play-based, sensory-rich learning. Children explore textures, habitats, and features from slimy to spiky, rough to smooth, while meeting a huge range of marine animals up close.
Through guided encounters and interactive presentations, students build confidence, oral language skills, and early scientific thinking. It’s fun, hands-on learning that supports teachers and aligns with the NSW Science & Technology Syllabus.
Learn, Explore, Discover
Marine Discovery Program
As students move into primary learning, Irukandji becomes a powerful tool for expanding their understanding of living things and the environments they depend on. Our Years 2–3 program deepens scientific thinking by exploring life cycles, adaptations, ecosystems, and food webs, all through immersive, real-life encounters.
Students observe how animals survive, interact, and respond to change, helping them think critically about sustainability and their role in caring for the environment. Group discussions, hands-on tasks, and close-up observations strengthen communication skills and scientific inquiry.
Critical Thinkers in Action
Marine Science Explorers
For upper primary students, Irukandji becomes a true extension of the science classroom. Our Years 4–6 program encourages deeper thinking as students investigate adaptations, interdependence, environmental change, and the complex relationships that shape marine ecosystems.
Through hands-on encounters, structured observations, and guided inquiry, students gain a deeper understanding of how living things survive, interact, and respond to human influence. This age group thrives on challenge, and Irukandji delivers, supporting research skills, collaboration, environmental responsibility, and clear scientific communication.
It’s an unforgettable experience that empowers students to connect curriculum content with real-world conservation.
Designed for NSW Schools
Aligned to Science & Technology Outcomes
Our programs directly support NSW Syllabus outcomes while encouraging inquiry, collaboration, and real-world connection. Key links include:
Living World
Structure and function, life cycles, adaptations, and habitats
Sustainability
Human impact, caring for environments, and future planning
Working Scientifically
Observing, questioning, predicting, and communicating
Inquiry-Based Learning
Encouraging curiosity, investigation, and exploration
Communication Skills
Strengthening discussion and group learning
Ready to Explore?
Primary School Tour Inclusions
Everything your students need for an unforgettable ocean experience.
Shallows Encounter
Hands-on encounters help children feel confident exploring their environment. Each small achievement, touching a ray, asking a question, or observing something new, builds pride and self-assurance.
Curriculum-Tailored Presentations
By meeting marine animals up close, children learn how every creature plays a role in a healthy ocean. These experiences foster an early understanding of conservation and encourage care for the natural world.
Engaging, Unforgettable Learning
Shared experiences help children express their ideas, describe what they observe, and communicate with peers and educators. These interactions build language, storytelling, and listening skills.
Optional Add-On
Discovery Encounter– Wade, Explore, Discover!
Enhance your school excursion with the Discovery Encounter, the ultimate hands-on adventure that takes learning from the shoreline into the water. Students wade into our tropical lagoons, feed and interact with rays, sharks, and fish, and enjoy unforgettable moments that bring marine science to life.
Discovery add-on
- Wade in the water with a wetsuit to meet our marine animals
- Feed and interact with rays, sharks & fish
- Unique photo opportunities in tropical lagoon habitats
A Living Classroom
Why Choose Irukandji for Primary Schools?
Hands-On Science
Real encounters make learning meaningful.
Syllabus Support
Reinforces key curriculum outcomes.
Builds Empathy
Encourages care for animals & oceans.
Boosts Communication
Supports group learning & reflection.
Ready to Explore?
Make learning magical with a fun, hands-on marine adventure your preschoolers will remember for a long time. Gentle encounters with majestic marine life turn curiosity into confidence, all in a safe, curriculum-aligned environment.