The Big Lobster is a tourist attraction located in the town of Kingston SE, South Australia. Known locally as Larry the Lobster, the sculpture of a spiny lobster stands 55 feet tall, and is regarded as one of the most impressive of Australia's Big Things. Designed and built by Paul Kelly for Ian Backler and Rob Moyse, it is made of steel and fibreglass and was intended to attract attention to the restaurant and visitor center at which it is situated. The Big Lobster was opened on 15 December 1979 after six months of construction.
The Big Lobster is 55 feet high, 49 feet long and is 42 feet wide. The designer, Paul Kelly, modeled the structure on a lobster that he purchased and had stuffed for the purpose, and built it at warehouse out of a steel frame with a fiberglass shell. The details were carved out of foam prior to the application of the fiberglass, before transporting it and having it reassembled on site. The process took approximately six months.
The visitor complex at which it was sited originally consisted of a restaurant, tourist area, and a small theater. Under the current management, the restaurant has been altered to provide a more open-plan space, and it now incorporates the restaurant and a wine tasting area, with plans having been formulated to add accommodation and an accredited tourist center to the venue.
The Big Lobster was originally conceived by Ian Backler. A local lobster fisherman, he formulated a plan to build a visitor centre in Kingston SE while travelling in the United States. Upon returning to Australia, he formed a partnership with Rob Moyse, and they engaged Ian Hannaford to develop the complex on a vacant block of land.
The Big Lobster was envisioned by the developers as a means of attracting attention to the centre, and initially, the lobster was intended to "rear up" over the front of the complex. Unfortunately, the plans changed when local council regulations forced the lobster to be re-positioned in front of the visitor center. Paul Kelly, who had previously built the Big Scotsman in North Adelaide, was employed to design and build the new structure. Kelly built the lobster in Edwardstown, South Australia, and the final product was transported by road to the site, where it was opened by the South Australian Premier David Tonkin on 15 December 1979.
Our Breakfast Monkey Bread is an easy breakfast bake the whole family will enjoy. Full of cheesy eggs, ham, and broccoli, this breakfast bake is sure to fill everyone's bellies.
- 1 (16.3-ounce) package refrigerated biscuits (8 biscuits)
- 10 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups diced ham
- 1 1/2 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
- Preheat oven to 375º. Coat a 2-1/2-quart casserole with cooking spray.
- Slice each biscuit into 6 pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Stir in ham, broccoli, and 1 cup cheese. Add biscuit pieces and toss to coat evenly. Pour mixture into casserole dish.
- Bake 45 minutes, or until center is set. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and return to oven just until cheese is melted.
1947 – Kevin Kline, American actor
1960 – B.D. Wong, American actor