The exciting partnership between Nintendo and SEA LIFE Australia is back for a second year!
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 17 June 2026 – Due to overwhelming demand, the popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons experience is returning to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium for its second year, bringing an even more exciting island adventure to fans in 2026. Launching first at SEA LIFE Sydney on Wednesday, 1 July, the limited-time experience invites guests once again to dive into the world of Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons, completing engaging marine education activities, collecting stamps and spotting the familiar faces of popular characters. Following its Sydney run, the experience will also head to Melbourne later this year, with further details to be announced.
Cherie Nicholl, Sydney Attractions General Manager, Merlin Entertainments, said: “Following a highly successful debut year, the return of the Animal Crossing: New Horizons experience reflects strong fan demand along with a growing appetite for immersive, family entertainment. We’re thrilled to bring together fans of Animal Crossing’s sense of community and connection to nature.”
Building on last year’s success, this refreshed activation offers new moments of discovery and deeper engagement for fans and families alike. Guests will embark on their adventure by collecting their Island Excursion Guide before setting off through the aquarium to uncover themed trails inspired by Animal Crossing. Along the way, visitors can:
- Discover fun and educational marine-life facts presented by Blathers, the game’s iconic museum curator
- Take part in a collectable stamp rally, learning about island villagers including Fang, Stitches and Flip
- Spot familiar characters throughout the aquarium in thoughtfully integrated displays
- Meet and greet with Isabelle for a special photo opportunity
- Complete the experience to receive an exclusive commemorative postcard, a keepsake celebrating their island adventure
This unique collaboration event will be running exclusively at SEA LIFE Sydney from Wednesday, 1 July until Sunday, 23 August. For more information about the Animal Crossing: New Horizons experience, visit the SEA LIFE website:
https://www.visitsealife.com/sydney/whats-inside/events/animal-crossing-new-horizons/
Victorians who are eager to experience this exciting collaboration at SEA LIFE Melbourne later this year, can sign up for the latest news and information at: https://www.visitsealife.com/melbourne/whats-inside/event-overview/animal-crossing-new-horizons
About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks and city-centre gateway attractions which span across the UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its growing estate. See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.
About SEA LIFE
There are more than 40 SEA LIFE Centres located across the world including Sydney, Paris, Bangkok and Orlando. We care for more than 180,000 creatures living in incredible themed habitats and welcome more than 20m guests each year to our 50 aquariums and six sanctuaries.
About Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch https://www.nintendo.com/au/games/nintendo-switch/animal-crossing-new-horizons/
