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/