Lobster season has returned to South Australia, and despite many seafood catchment areas being decimated by algal bloom, the state’s iconic Southern Rock Lobster fishing areas are not only safe — the lobster industry is thriving.
Andrew Ferguson from Ferguson Australia is quick to reassure the public that lobster from South Australia’s Southern Zone is completely unaffected by the current algal bloom event.
“The waters that are affected are within the St Vincent Gulf region,” he says.
“That’s well away from the lobster catching areas.”
While concern has swept across the seafood industry, the Southern Zone, home to some of the state’s most pristine waters, remains untouched.
“Most of SA’s coastal waters are not affected by the algal bloom, that includes most of our seafood source,” Andrew explains.
Local crews are back on the water, and the buzz around live lobsters is building, just in time for spring entertaining and export demand.
There’s nothing quite like cracking into a freshly caught South Australian lobster, and whether you’re buying it to take home or sitting down to enjoy it seaside, there’s a bounty of places across the state ready to serve it up.
From wild coastal towns to small jetty-side stores, fishing charters to catch your own and great little restaurants and cafes to enjoy local lobster, this guide rounds up the best local spots to buy direct from fishers, enjoy world-class seafood dining, or even catch your own.
Limestone Coast / South-East
The Lobster Pot Beachport
Beachport, Limestone Coast
This casual beachside eatery is loved for its fresh local lobster, no-fuss atmosphere and friendly hospitality. The perfect spot for a laid-back bite near the coast.
Address: Railway Terrace, Beachport SA
Opening hours: Seasonal; check Facebook
Website: facebook.com/thelobsterpotbeachport
Lacepede Seafood
Kingston SE, Limestone Coast
Lacepede Seafood is a family-run Southern Rock Lobster and fresh fish processor at the Kingston SE Jetty. From October to April, their store and restaurant serve cooked whole local lobster, fresh SA fish and oysters. Visitors can purchase direct from the source or enjoy a relaxed seafood meal by the water.
Address: Jetty Road, Kingston SE SA
Opening hours: 7 days a week (October–April)
Website: www.facebook.com/lacepedeseafood
Sky Seafoods
Robe, Limestone Coast
Sky Seafoods is Robe’s only live lobster exporter and a popular stop for local seafood. They offer fresh and cooked lobster, filleted fish, and seasonal specials. You can even take a guided factory tour of the live lobster facility for just $2 per person (bookings required for groups of 8+).
Address: 58 Robe Street, Robe SA 5276
Opening hours: Daily; tours by booking
Website: skyseafoods.com.au
Catch Your Own Lobster – Port Mac Fishing
Port MacDonnell, Limestone Coast
Live out your cray-catching dreams with a half-day lobster fishing charter from Port Mac Fishing. Drop nets (no licence needed) or set your own lobster pots (licence required via PIRSA) with a two-lobster bag limit per person. Trips run October to May.
Address: Port MacDonnell SA
Opening hours: By booking
Website: portmacfishing.com.au
The Pastry Place
Robe, Limestone Coast
Famous for its award-winning croissants, The Pastry Place takes things up a notch with its cult-favourite Crayfish Croissant. Sweet, buttery, seafood-stuffed decadence you won’t forget — but do call ahead to check stock.
Address: Robe town centre (see Facebook)
Opening hours: Check Facebook for daily updates
Website: facebook.com/thepastryplacerobe
Sails at Robe
Robe, Limestone Coast
For a more refined experience, Sails at Robe serves up elegant seafood dishes in a coastal fine-dining setting. Their lobster offering is just one highlight of a menu rooted in local produce and regional pride.
Address: 2 Victoria Street, Robe SA 5276
Opening hours: Open mid-spring. Check website.
Website: sailsatrobe.com.au
Larry The Big Lobster
Kingston SE, Limestone Coast
A must-visit photo stop and classic roadhouse café. Larry stands tall at 17 metres and watches over Janet’s Takeaway — serving lobster, fish and chips, burgers and more.
Address: 17 Princes Highway, Kingston SE SA
Opening hours: Daily
Website: visitlimestonecoast.com.au
Yorke Peninsula
Lower Yorke Seafood
Warooka, Yorke Peninsula
This family business run by local lobster fishers offers fresh seafood direct from their base just outside Warooka. They specialise in lobster and local crustaceans with a true paddock-to-plate spirit.
Address: 12918 Yorke Highway, Warooka SA 5577
Opening hours: Tuesday–Friday 10am–5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm
Website: loweryorkeseafood.com.au
Bottom End Fishing Adventures
Marion Bay, Yorke Peninsula
Bottom End Fishing Adventures runs small-group fishing charters out of Marion Bay, with trips designed to catch Southern Rock Lobster, tuna, whiting, kingfish and more. Their team offers deep and shallow water options during lobster season, with accommodation available nearby for a full weekend escape.
Address: 3 Nelson Street, Marion Bay SA 5575
Opening hours: October–May; by booking only
Website: fishingadventures.com.au
Eyre Peninsula
Fresh Fish Place
Port Lincoln, Eyre Peninsula
This seafood marketplace and café is known for showcasing local seafood in every possible form. Take a tour, buy your own lobster to cook at home, or settle in for lunch in their relaxed eatery.
Address: 20 Proper Bay Road, Port Lincoln SA 5606
Opening hours: Eatery Mon–Fri 11am–6:30pm, Sat 11am–2pm; Factory Mon–Fri 8:30am–6pm, Sat 8:30am–2pm
Website: www.freshfishplace.com.au
Southern Ocean Express
South-East Region (SA-wide delivery)
Southern Ocean Express specialises in wild-caught seafood including Southern Rock Lobster, delivered fresh from sea to your doorstep. Order online and support regional fishers with every click.
Address: 56 Buberis Court, Port Lincoln
Opening hours: Mon-Friday 8.30am-5pm
Website: southernoceanexpress.com.au
Kangaroo Island
Samphire Restaurant
American River, Kangaroo Island
This elegant restaurant on the island’s east coast uses fire, smoke and charcoal to hero local seafood in a refined tasting menu. If you want to enjoy lobster in true ocean-to-plate luxury, this is the spot.
Address: 65 Bayview Road, American River
Opening hours: Dinner Wed–Sat from 6:30pm
Website: theriverki.com.au
Adelaide / Plains
Madam Seafood
Waterloo Corner, Adelaide Plains
This boutique seafood retailer delivers across Adelaide and sells direct from its Waterloo Corner store. Their range includes fresh lobster, sashimi-grade fish, live crabs and more — started by a group of local mums who just love seafood.
Address: 58 St Kilda Road, Waterloo Corner SA 5110
Opening hours: Check online; deliveries Tues/Fri
Website: madamseafood.com.au
Ferguson Australia Factory Outlet
South Australiann Lobster
The Ferguson family has fished SA waters for generations. At their Henden HQ outlet, you can buy premium Southern Rock Lobster and other seafood.
Address: 16 Circuit Drive, Hendon
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Website: fergusonaustralia.com
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