Southern Rock Lobster

Southern Rock Lobster

Fishing limits

  • Minimum legal length:
    • Northern zone: 10.5 cm.
    • Southern zone: 9.85 cm.
    • Measured along the middle and on the top of the carapace (the main body shell) from the front edge of the groove between the antennae (frontal tubercule) to the rear edge of the carapace (but not including any hairs attached to the carapace). The measuring device used must be able to fit firmly into the groove between the antennae. Map of zones (JPG 162.2 KB)
  • Personal daily bag limit: 4 Rock Lobster per person, per day.
  • Daily boat limit:
    • 4 per day if taken by 1 person
    • 8 per day if taken by more than 1 person.

Handling your catch: All Rock Lobster taken by recreational fishers must have the middle tail fan clipped in half to a recognisable straight line before landing.

Restrictions: Females with external eggs are totally protected and must be returned to the water immediately.Rock Lobster pots must be registered.

Closed areas

Closed areas: See closures page

Closed season

Northern zone seasonal closure

From 6:00 pm 31 May to 12 noon 1 November

You must not take Rock Lobster from the northern zone. This area extends from west from longitude 139°0’4.80” to the Western Australian border.

Southern zone seasonal closure

From 6:00 pm 31 May to 6:00 am 1 October

You must not take Rock Lobster from the southern zone. This area extends from east from longitude 139°0’4.80” to the Victorian border.

More information


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Page Last Reviewed: 24 Oct 2022
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