Height
17 meters
Year Built
1979
Address
Princes Highway, Kingston SE, SA 5275
The Lowdown
The Big Lobster, or 'Larry' as locals lovingly call him, is one of Australia's most impressive and structurally ambitious Big Things. Rising 17 meters into the South Australian sky, this colossal spiny lobster was erected in 1979 at Kingston SE, a town with deep connections to the Southern Ocean's lucrative rock lobster fishery. Designer and builder Paul Kelly crafted this engineering marvel by purchasing an actual lobster, having it stuffed, and using it as a detailed model to ensure anatomical accuracy. The resulting structure, with its steel frame and fibreglass shell measuring 15.2 meters long and 13.7 meters wide, has become an icon of the Limestone Coast. Initially built to attract visitors to a restaurant and visitor center, the Big Lobster has transcended its commercial origins to become a beloved cultural landmark. The complex now houses a restaurant, wine tasting area, and theatrette, making it more than just a photo opportunity but a genuine destination where visitors can learn about the region's fishing heritage while enjoying local produce.
Did you know?
"The structure measures 15.2 meters long and 13.7 meters wide, making it impressively three-dimensional"
History
The Big Lobster was conceived and built by Paul Kelly in 1979 as an attention-grabbing landmark for a seafood restaurant and visitor center along the Princes Highway. Kelly's dedication to authenticity led him to purchase a real lobster, have it professionally stuffed, and use it as a precise model for the sculpture, ensuring that Larry accurately represents a southern rock lobster (spiny lobster) down to the finest details. Construction took approximately six months, with the massive 4-tonne structure being assembled from a steel frame and fibreglass shell. The Big Lobster was officially opened by South Australian Premier David Tonkin on December 15, 1979, immediately becoming a sensation with highway travelers. Over the following decades, the complex changed hands multiple times, with various owners maintaining and operating the restaurant and tourist facilities. In 2016, the structure underwent a significant renovation after a successful crowdfunding campaign supported by radio personalities Hamish and Andy, ensuring Larry's preservation for future generations. Today, owned by Jenna Lawrie and Casey Sharpe since 2007, the Big Lobster continues to serve as both a quirky roadside attraction and a genuine celebration of Kingston SE's commercial fishing industry.
More Fun Facts
- •At 17 meters tall, the Big Lobster is one of the tallest Big Things in Australia, standing higher than a 5-story building
- •Despite its massive size, the structure weighs only 4 tonnes due to its fibreglass construction
- •Designer Paul Kelly purchased and stuffed a real lobster to use as an accurate model for the sculpture
- •The structure measures 15.2 meters long and 13.7 meters wide, making it impressively three-dimensional
- •In 2016, radio duo Hamish and Andy supported a crowdfunding campaign that raised funds for essential renovations
- •Kingston SE is situated near some of Australia's most productive rock lobster fishing grounds
- •The Big Lobster has appeared in numerous Australian road trip documentaries and television programs
- •Southern rock lobsters (the species Larry represents) are exported worldwide and are considered among the finest seafood delicacies
Visiting Tips
- 💡The Big Lobster structure is free to view and photograph from the exterior at any time
- 💡Visit the restaurant to try local seafood, including fresh rock lobster when in season
- 💡The wine tasting area showcases regional wines from the nearby Coonawarra wine region
- 💡Allow time to explore the visitor information and learn about the local fishing industry
- 💡The structure is beautifully detailed - walk around it to appreciate the anatomical accuracy of the design
- 💡Kingston SE is gateway to other Limestone Coast attractions including the Coorong National Park and Bool Lagoon
- 💡Photography is best in the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon when the red fibreglass glows
- 💡Combine your visit with exploring Kingston SE's jetty and beaches for a full coastal experience
Opening Hours
Hours refer to the visitor center and restaurant facilities. The Big Lobster structure itself can be viewed and photographed from outside 24/7. Restaurant hours may vary seasonally.
More Big Things Nearby
Big Galah
An impressive 8-metre tall pink and grey galah sculpture marking the halfway point across Australia between Sydney and Perth.
Big Mango
A 10-meter tall, 7-tonne fibreglass tribute to Bowen's mango industry, famously 'stolen' by Nando's in 2014 for a viral marketing campaign.
Big Orange
Australia's largest big fruit at 15 metres tall and 12 metres wide, a former cafe and viewing platform celebrating the Riverland's citrus industry.