Larry the Lobster, a Kingston local

Standing proudly along the Limestone Coast, Larry the Lobster has become one of South Australia’s most recognisable landmarks. Since 1979, this massive crustacean has welcomed people to Kingston SE, serving as both a beloved local mascot and an impressive tourist attraction.

Larry’s impressive statistics

The Big Lobster stands at a remarkable 17 metres tall, making it one of the largest roadside attractions in Australia. Constructed from steel and fibreglass, this Kingston SE icon weighs approximately 4 tonnes. Its vibrant red exterior makes it impossible to miss while travelling along the Princes Highway.

The story behind the creation

The birth of Larry the Lobster began when the Backler family travelled to the United States in the mid-1970s, where they were inspired by oversized roadside attractions. Returning to South Australia, they envisioned more than just a tourist stop – they planned a comprehensive centre showcasing the region’s premium Southern Rock Lobster, local wines, and cheese.

Designer Paul Kelly, with his marine engineering background, spent six months perfecting the design. The construction in 1979 involved 15 skilled craftspeople working over 6,000 hours. The team developed innovative solutions to combat coastal weather challenges, including a custom-built rotating platform for construction access. Local fishermen contributed their expertise to ensure Larry accurately represented the Southern Rock Lobster species.

The project cost $125,000 (approximately $650,000 today), with significant community support through donated materials and labour. Larry’s December 1979 unveiling attracted 1,500 people, including the state premier, and featured local seafood tastings, wine sampling, and traditional Aboriginal performances acknowledging the Meintangk/Moandik people’s connection to the land.

Local significance and tourism impact

Larry the Lobster has transformed Kingston SE into a must-visit destination along the Limestone Coast. The landmark draws thousands of motorists each year, contributing significantly to the local economy. Its presence has helped establish Kingston SE as a notable tourist attraction within South Australia’s diverse tourism landscape.

Larry the Lobster stands as more than just another Australian big thing – it represents the spirit of Kingston SE and the rich coastal heritage of South Australia. This remarkable landmark continues to capture attention and create lasting memories for those travelling through the Limestone Coast region.

Frequently Asked Questions

The landmark has undergone several significant transformations since its construction. The major 2016 restoration required specialist fibreglass technicians and included a complete repainting using marine-grade paint. The original cream-coloured claws were restored to their signature bright red. Prior to this, in the 1990s, the restaurant area underwent renovations to accommodate a larger dining space. The surrounding complex has evolved from its original format of a restaurant, tourist area, and small theatre to today’s more streamlined setup featuring Janet’s Takeaway. The biggest challenge has been maintaining the structure’s integrity against coastal weathering, leading to the installation of additional support beams in 2010.

Larry’s construction involved a complex combination of materials and techniques. The internal framework consists of heavy-duty steel beams arranged in a grid pattern, with additional diagonal supports to prevent swaying. The outer shell is made from multiple layers of fibreglass, each 15mm thick, reinforced with special marine-grade resins. The surface coating includes UV-resistant paint specifically formulated for coastal conditions. The entire structure required over 200 square metres of fibreglass and approximately 6 tonnes of steel in its initial construction. The antennae were designed with flexible joints to prevent damage during strong winds.

The decision to build a giant lobster was rooted in Kingston SE’s economic history. In the 1970s, the local rock lobster fishing fleet was bringing in catches worth over $5 million annually. The Backler family, who conceived the idea, wanted to highlight this industry while creating a unique tourist attraction. They specifically studied successful American roadside attractions during a 1976 trip. The design went through seven iterations before the final version was approved, with early concepts including a lobster holding a fishing boat and another featuring a walkthrough restaurant in the tail section.

Larry’s engineering involved several innovative solutions. The structure features a counterweight system in the tail section to balance the forward-heavy claws. Wind tunnel testing was conducted to determine the optimal angle of the claws and antennae. The foundation extends 3 metres underground with special shock absorbers to handle wind stress. A lightning protection system was integrated into the design, and internal access ladders allow for maintenance of the structure’s highest points. The design also incorporates a water drainage system to prevent internal moisture buildup.

Paul Kelly collaborated with marine engineers and architects to create Larry’s unique design. The project involved consultation with the CSIRO for wind resistance calculations. The original blueprints, still preserved in the Kingston District Council archives, show over 300 detailed technical drawings. Kelly incorporated principles from ship building in the internal support structure. The design won an Australian Engineering Excellence Award in 1980 for innovative use of materials in a tourist attraction.