Locals Month began in 2015, shortly after Ryan and Lia transformed the old location into Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, a hands-on aquarium dedicated to exceptional animal care and marine conservation. It started as a way to welcome locals in to see the changes, meet the team, and experience our mission firsthand. The idea took off, quickly becoming a favourite annual activity for Port Stephens residents.

Each August, Locals Month is our chance to say ‘Thank you’ to Port Stephens for their unwavering support throughout the year, while also enabling us to continue to share our conservation message towards our local beaches and waterways.

Port Stephens residents are eligible for half price Entry Pass + Shallows Encounter PLUS Discovery Pass for the whole month of August.