About The Big Lobster
The Big Lobster, also known as Larry the Lobster, is a 17-metre-high giant sculpture located on the Princes Highway at the northern entrance to Kingston SE in South Australia's Limestone Coast. Built in 1979 to promote the local southern rock lobster fishing industry and a nearby restaurant, it is one of Australia's most famous 'Big Things' and a widely photographed roadside landmark for travellers between Adelaide and Melbourne.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large-scale steel and fibreglass lobster sculpture standing prominently beside the highway, visible from the road and accessible at ground level for close viewing and photography. The site includes a restaurant and gift shop beneath and behind the structure selling seafood and souvenirs. The surrounding area is flat with open parking, highway frontage and views of the coastal town setting. The exterior can be viewed at any time, while interior facilities operate during business hours.
Key highlights
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17-metre high, 15.2-metre long fibreglass lobster sculpture - one of Australia's most iconic 'Big Things'
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Photo opportunity with the landmark locally known as Larry the Lobster
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On-site restaurant serving local seafood including southern rock lobster
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Gift shop with souvenirs and local produce
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Prominent location on the Princes Highway tourist route on the Limestone Coast
History of The Big Lobster
Commissioned in 1979 by Kingston fisherman Ian Backler to attract attention to his restaurant and promote the local southern rock lobster industry. Designed by artist Jo van der Linde and constructed by Paul Kelly in Edwardstown, Adelaide, then transported to Kingston SE. Measuring 17 metres high, 15.2 metres long and 13.7 metres wide, it has become one of the most recognised examples of Australia's novelty 'Big Things' built in the 1970s and 1980s.
Culture & Context
An iconic symbol of Kingston SE and its identity as a centre for southern rock lobster fishing, and a celebrated example of Australian roadside 'Big Things' culture. It serves as a major landmark and meeting point on the Limestone Coast and is widely featured in domestic tourism promotion.
Route
| By road |
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