Height
3.5 meters
Year Built
1998
Address
Foreshore Drive, Geraldton, WA 6530
The Lowdown
The Big Cray in Geraldton celebrates Western Australia's most valuable fishery - the western rock lobster industry that has made this stretch of coast famous worldwide. This impressive sculpture captures the vibrant red shell, long antennae, and powerful claws of the rock lobster (locally known as the cray) that supports thousands of jobs and brings in hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The waters off Geraldton and the Mid West coast are prime rock lobster habitat, and the town is home to one of Australia's largest fishing fleets dedicated to this prized crustacean. The Big Cray invites visitors to learn about sustainable fishing practices and, of course, to taste the freshest rock lobster available anywhere.
Did you know?
"WA's rock lobster industry is worth over $400 million annually"
History
The Big Cray was erected in 1998 to celebrate Geraldton's position at the heart of Western Australia's rock lobster industry. Commercial rock lobster fishing began in WA in the 1940s and has grown to become one of Australia's most valuable fisheries, worth over $400 million annually. The industry is now recognized as one of the most sustainably managed fisheries in the world.
More Fun Facts
- •WA's rock lobster industry is worth over $400 million annually
- •Western rock lobsters can live for over 20 years
- •Most WA rock lobsters are exported to China where they're highly prized
- •The fishing season runs from November to June
- •Rock lobsters molt their shells annually to grow larger
Visiting Tips
- 💡Try fresh rock lobster at local restaurants and the fish market
- 💡The Geraldton foreshore has great walking and cycling paths
- 💡Visit the HMAS Sydney II Memorial - a moving tribute
- 💡The Abrolhos Islands nearby have incredible coral and fishing
- 💡Book a fishing charter for your own cray-catching experience
Opening Hours
The Big Cray can be viewed at any time on the foreshore.
More Big Things Nearby
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A massive 20-metre long concrete saltwater crocodile sculpture serving as both tourist attraction and swimming safety reminder in Australia's far north.
Big King Neptune
A giant King Neptune statue at Two Rocks, WA, originally from the defunct Atlantis Marine Park.
Giant Ram (Bart)
Australia's second-largest ram sculpture, a 9-metre tall tribute to Western Australia's wool industry, affectionately known as 'Bart'.