Aquascene Fish Feeding Doctors Gully
Feed wild rays, bream, and mullet in a historic Doctors Gully sanctuary. A hands-on marine encounter since the 1950s.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Feeding frenzy begins!
Aquascene Fish Feeding Doctors Gully
Best Time
Feeding frenzy begins!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Feed wild rays, bream, and mullet in a historic Doctors Gully sanctuary. A hands-on marine encounter since the 1950s.
"A different type of experience but was definitely fun, especially for kids! "
Check Tide Times First! :world_map:
Tides affect water depth and accessibility. Plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.
Family Fun Guaranteed :child:
Kids absolutely love this interactive feeding experience; expect lots of laughter!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shovel-Nose Rays Up Close
Doctors Gully
Witness and even touch these unique rays as they swim around your feet in the shallow waters.
Abundant Fish & Bird Life
Doctors Gully
See a variety of fish like bream and mullet, plus numerous seabirds eager for a feed.
Interactive Feeding Experience
Doctors Gully
Get hands-on by throwing bread and bait into the water for the marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
What to Bring & Wear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :world_map:
Tides affect water depth and accessibility. Plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.
Family Fun Guaranteed :child:
Kids absolutely love this interactive feeding experience; expect lots of laughter!
Get In The Water! :wave:
Don't be shy! Stand in the shallow water to get closer to the rays and fish.
Bread & Bait Provided :bread:
Plenty of free bread and small bait are available for feeding the fish and birds.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :world_map:
Tides affect water depth and accessibility. Plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.
Family Fun Guaranteed :child:
Kids absolutely love this interactive feeding experience; expect lots of laughter!
Get In The Water! :wave:
Don't be shy! Stand in the shallow water to get closer to the rays and fish.
Bread & Bait Provided :bread:
Plenty of free bread and small bait are available for feeding the fish and birds.
Cafe Delights :coffee:
Enjoy coffee and snacks at the cafe, but note it closes at 2 PM.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Aquascene for its unique and fun fish feeding experience, especially for families. The close encounters with shovel-nose rays and the abundance of marine and bird life are major highlights. While some note the popularity can lead to crowds and the amount of bread fed is substantial, the friendly staff and scenic location generally ensure a positive and memorable visit.
"What a different type of experience but was definitely fun. I recommend this to anyone who loves the fun of seeing a ton of different types of fish and birds.
This is especially great for kids, they were all laughing and having a blast throwing bread into the water.
I really enjoyed seeing the shovel nose rays swimming around my feet, they are beautiful.
You can stand-off to the side and feed them or go down the ramp and stand in a few inches of water.
If it’s open they have a cafe, if the tide takes you to a later time in the day they have all kinds of drinks.
There is also a little recreation part for the kids and public bathrooms."
Jane Frances
"Fish feeding - every day from 8 AM!
Super fun!
We were walking down the Esplanade early enough in the morning and came across his place, it’s 15 bucks for adults 10 for kids or they have a family discount. You get to get in the water with the fish and pat some of them, a little cautious at first, but very fun. There’s plenty of free bread and small bait to throw to the birds and fish with lots of wildlife to see.
The staff was super friendly and had heaps of facts about the different fish and birds, the people in the café also made some fantastic coffee. Keep an eye out for the crabs, they look delicious.!"
Rigoniman Rigoni
"A slightly bizarre experience, the kids love it but the amount of bread thrown in is obscene. We saw maybe 2 varieties of fish. It's a lovely location. Be prepared for huge amounts of people - it is very popular. The lady on the microphone was very hard to hear. There is a kid's playground. The cafe closes at 2pm but you can still buy cold drinks and ice cream if the tide time is after this. Probably wouldn't recommend."
Kim S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aquascene is located in Doctors Gully, accessible by car. Parking is available, and it's a scenic spot along the Esplanade.
While specific bus routes might vary, it's generally recommended to check local transport schedules for the most convenient options to reach the Esplanade area.
There is car access and parking available directly at the location.
Doctors Gully is a well-known spot along the Esplanade, often mentioned in local guides and easily searchable on maps.
If you are staying nearby along the Esplanade, walking is a pleasant option, offering great sea views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $15 for adults and $10 for children, with family discounts often available.
Fish feeding happens every day from 8 AM. The cafe closes at 2 PM, but cold drinks and ice cream may still be available later.
Advance booking is generally not required, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any updates, especially during peak seasons.
Family discounts are often offered, making it a cost-effective outing for groups.
Admission typically includes access to the feeding area, where free bread and bait are provided for the fish and birds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of local species including shovel-nose rays, bream, and mullet, among others.
Yes, you can go down the ramp and stand in a few inches of water to get up close with the marine life.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for kids, who often have a blast feeding the fish and birds. There's also a playground.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that can get wet. Swimwear is optional if you plan to stand in the shallow water.
The location offers great sea views, a children's playground, and a cafe. You can also observe various seabirds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe that serves coffee, drinks, and snacks. It's known for tasty bagels and sandwiches.
The cafe typically closes at 2 PM, but cold drinks and ice cream might still be available after this time.
While not explicitly stated, the focus is on the feeding experience. Bringing snacks for personal consumption is usually fine, but the provided bread is for the animals.
The cafe offers coffee, drinks, ice cream, and light meals like bacon and egg bagels and egg sandwiches.
Reviews suggest the coffee is fantastic and worth trying before you leave.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture close-ups of the shovel-nose rays, the variety of fish, and the seabirds in action during feeding time.
If you stand in the shallow water, you can get great shots. Be mindful of your phone or camera getting splashed.
The lighting is natural daylight, which can be bright. Early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer light.
Yes, the seabirds are very active during feeding and provide excellent subjects for photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of other visitors and staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a fantastic educational opportunity to teach children about marine life in a hands-on way. The provided bread and bait make it easy for everyone to participate. Plus, the cafe offers treats for both kids and adults, making it a complete family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the cafe has its own costs, you can enjoy the main attraction without needing to spend extra on food. The experience itself is the main draw, providing hours of entertainment and unique photo opportunities without breaking the bank.
❤️ Couples & Date Ideas
Combine your visit with a coffee from the cafe, which is noted for its excellent brews, and enjoy the scenic ocean views. It's a relaxed yet exciting way to spend time together, offering plenty of conversation starters and photo opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Doctors Gully Fish Feeding
This long-standing tradition highlights the area's natural beauty and the community's appreciation for its wildlife. It's a place where visitors can experience firsthand the thrill of feeding wild animals in a controlled and respectful environment. The consistent presence of shovel-nose rays, bream, mullet, and various seabirds speaks to the health of the local ecosystem and the dedication to preserving this natural spectacle.
The experience is designed to be educational and fun, with staff often sharing interesting facts about the different species. This historical context adds another layer of appreciation for the Aquascene, making it more than just a feeding station but a living piece of local heritage.
Getting Up Close with Marine Life
Beyond the rays, a variety of fish, including bream and mullet, eagerly gather for the bread and bait provided. The sheer number of fish and the active feeding frenzy create a dynamic and engaging scene. Seabirds also join the feast, swooping down to catch morsels, adding to the lively atmosphere.
While some might be cautious at first, the experience is generally very safe and enjoyable, especially for children. The staff are friendly and informative, ensuring everyone understands how to interact responsibly with the wildlife. It’s a chance to observe and participate in a natural feeding cycle in a unique setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit