A selfie with a fresh caught lobster will be up there with the quokka selfie as WA's rock lobsters claw their way to the top of the tourism charts.
Federal Trade and Tourism Minister Senator the Hon Don Farrell showcased WA's booming lobster tours in Fremantle this morning, as rock lobster tours surpassed 2019 bookings following the reopening of the export of the iconic Western Australian rock lobster to China.
Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall said the resumption of the lobster exports was bringing a new generation of Chinese visitors to WA's shores, who were seeking the bucket list "catch-and-cook" experience.
"As we resume lobster exports to China, demand is growing from China to visit WA for the authentic 'catch-and-cook' lobster experience," Mr Hall said.
Mr Hall said the iconic lobster was WA's ultimate seafood delicacy, with international visitors travelling to WA to catch and snap an iconic selfie with a rock lobster.
"Tourism Council WA estimates that an international visitor enjoying a lobster lunch on a catch-and-cook tour spends more than $5,100 in WA, yielding the highest return in economic value and jobs for this valuable resource," Mr Hall said.
Mr Hall said lobster catch-and-cook tours were a drawcard for international and interstate visitors with the iconic rock lobster a unique food experience for Western Australia.
"Rock lobsters are a hero product for Western Australia with the potential to draw foodies, fishers and seafood lovers from across the world," Mr Hall said.
Trade and Tourism Minister Senator the Hon Don Farrell said WA rock lobster tours had been a feature in Tourism Australia's trade missions to China and South East Asia.
"At the end of last year, after nearly three years of tireless work by the Albanese Government, trade impediments on rock lobster exports to China were lifted," said Minister Farrell.
"What better way to promote this fantastic product, than with a hands on experience for tourists in Western Australia that they'll remember forever and tell their family and friends about.
"These experiences also play a crucial role in boosting tourism and in turn the local economy by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and drawing global attention to the region's rich natural wonders.
"Western Australia's lobster catch-and-cook experience is just one example of how our natural wonders are attracting tourists from around the world, further cementing Australia as a premier destination for authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences."
Leading WA marine tour operator Sea West recently featured in Delicious Magazine's top 100 Australian food experiences.
Sea West owner Myrianthe Riddy said demand for these marine tours had surpassed 2019 levels with international visitors from China, Singapore and the UK relishing WA's delicious lobsters, seafood and fine wines.
WA's bucket list rock lobster tours were made possible by the State Government's regulatory reforms in the 2019 Rock Lobster Charter Trial which provided marine tour operators with the certainty to offer a lobster for every tour guest. The trial was made permanent in late 2024.
