ORBE’s Crayfish Guide
Our picks for enjoying Southern Rock Lobster in Robe and along the Limestone Coast
Southern Rock Lobster - or crayfish, as it is known locally - is part of the fabric of Robe and life along the Limestone Coast. Caught in the waters along the region's 400-plus kilometres of coastline, it's celebrated for its exceptional quality and has earned a reputation as one of Australia's finest seafoods.
From September through to May, the cray boats are out on the water, and we're lucky to see this prized catch making its way onto local menus.
In Robe, we're almost spoilt for choice when it comes to seafood (you'll find more of our local favourites here), and cray is no exception - from crayfish croissants and pizza toppings to whole cray served the traditional way. It's a local delicacy well worth the splurge.
From favourite spots right here in Robe to a few worth getting in the car for along the Limestone Coast, we've rounded up some of our favourite ways to enjoy cray.
Menus and opening times can change with the season, so it's worth checking what's available before you visit.
ARDO Restaurant
Right on Robe's main street, ARDO is a great spot for lunch or dinner, with a menu built around tapas and dishes made for sharing. Their Lobster Thermidor Pie is one to look out for, or go all in with a freshly cooked whole Southern Rock Lobster. Pre-ordering is recommended for the whole cray.
Take a table outside on a sunny day and watch the comings and goings along Victoria Street, or head inside for cocktails and a few plates to share.
2 Victoria Street, Robe • Tue–Thu 5.30pm–late, Fri–Sat 12pm–late
Sky Seafoods
Robe's only live lobster exporter, Sky Seafoods is a good place to get your hands on fresh Southern Rock Lobster. Choose a live cray straight from the tank or pick one up freshly cooked, alongside a selection of local fish and seafood. Their onsite eatery, The Dock, serves fish and chips and other takeaway favourites.
SKY SEAFOODS • 58 Robe Street, Robe, SA, Australia, 5276 · Open daily 9.30am–2.30pm
The Lobster Pot
The Lobster Pot is the shopfront of Beachport’s local fishermen’s co-op. Step inside and they’ve found just about every way possible to serve a cray - lobster pate, cold rolls, pickled lobster, sandwich packs and plenty more in the fridge and freezer.
Look out for the lobster ‘spiders’ too - legs and body pieces that are perfect for snacking if you don’t want to tackle a whole cray.
THE LOBSTER POT • 3 Beach Road, Beachport · Open daily 10am–3pm, September–April
Lacepede Seafood
A town with a 17-metre-high lobster is sure to know a thing or two about cray. Kingston is home to Larry the Lobster and, closer to the water, Lacepede Seafood - part seafood processor, part fish shop.
Take a table outside with a wine or gin and see what’s on offer - Southern Rock Lobster, local fish and classic fish and chips are all in the mix. Before you leave, check the cabinet for something to take home, including their house-made seafood pâté, which has a loyal following of its own.
Lacepede is worth the drive for lunch alone, or pair it with an afternoon exploring the Mount Benson wineries. It’s also one to keep in mind when travelling between Adelaide and Robe.
LACEPEDE SEAFOOD • 1 Marine Parade, Kingston SE • Lunch daily 11am–3pm • Seafood retail Mon–Fri 10am–4pm, Sat–Sun 10am–3pm
Images: Lacepede Seafood, South Australian Tourism Commission
Fat Mullet
Keep an eye out for Fat Mullet over summer and autumn. Their food truck pops up around Robe and further along the coast, with a seasonal menu that changes depending on what’s available.
Their crayfish tostadas have become something of a signature - delicate works of art, piled with cray and packing a serious flavour punch. The rest of the menu is worth watching too, with plenty of seafood and local provenance woven through. Southend shark burgers have made an appearance in the past.
You’ll find Fat Mullet on the Karatta lawns in Robe over summer, with other pop-ups announced along the way.
FAT MULLET • Seasonal food truck • Follow Fat Mullet on Instagram for locations and opening times INSTAGRAM
Cray at Your Stay
Let ORBE bring the cray experience to your stay, with everything you need to enjoy it the local way.
A whole cray. A carapace to crack. A Robe moment for the memory bank - and the camera roll.
We’ll supply a freshly caught Southern Rock Lobster, along with all the bits and tools you need to enjoy it at your stay, plus our tips on how to serve and eat it. Crack the shell, get your hands in, pick the meat and enjoy. Simply get in touch and we’ll handle the rest.
However you like your cray, we hope you get to enjoy a taste of this very special local catch while you’re in Robe.
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Southern Rock Lobster fishing season runs from September through to May, so this is when you’ll find the best availability of fresh local cray. Some seafood businesses and restaurants are also seasonal, so it’s worth checking opening hours and availability before visiting.
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Yes. What we commonly call cray or crayfish is Southern Rock Lobster — the species caught along the Limestone Coast and much of southern Australia.
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Southern Rock Lobster is one of the world's most prized seafoods, and we're lucky to have it caught in the waters around Robe and along the Limestone Coast. It commands a premium price both here and overseas, with prices changing throughout the season depending on size, supply and demand. The local fishery is carefully managed through catch limits, minimum sizes, a defined season and protections for breeding females.
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There isn’t really a set price for cray. It changes throughout the season depending on supply, size and demand, so you may see different prices from one visit to the next. If you’re buying a whole cray, it will also usually be priced according to its weight.
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Crayfish has firm white flesh with a delicate, rich flavour, while the meat in the legs is particularly sweet and succulent. There are plenty of ways to enjoy it, but our preference is freshly cooked, chilled cray with seafood sauce, lemon or vinegar for dipping. Add some fresh bread and butter, a simple salad, a chilled wine and an ocean view if you're lucky!
Simple really is best. Don't be afraid to get stuck in — crack the claws, pick the meat from the legs and enjoy all those delicious juices from the shell.
For something warm, crayfish served with garlic butter, mornay or thermidor sauce are all popular choices too.
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Get in touch with us at least 24 hours ahead and we’ll arrange to have a freshly caught cray delivered to your stay. Availability can depend on the weather, with pricing reflecting the current market price.