Labrador Store
5-7 Olsen Ave, Labrador QLD 4215
Open daily 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Fresh Seafood on the Gold Coast
Tasman Star Seafood is a Gold Coast seafood market with two retail stores in Labrador and Varsity Lakes. We stock fresh fish, prawns, oysters, shellfish and premium seafood products sourced through our fishing and supply network.
If you are searching for the best place to buy fresh seafood near Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh, Robina or Southport, you can visit us in-store or order online for delivery.
Last updated: 12 May 2026
Varsity Lakes Store
20 Casua Dr, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Open daily 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Key Fresh Seafood Facts
- Tasman Star Seafood operates 2 Gold Coast stores: Labrador (5-7 Olsen Ave) and Varsity Lakes (20 Casua Dr).
- Both stores are open 7 days, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM — including public holidays at standard pricing.
- The business has served the Gold Coast seafood market since 1994 — over 30 years.
- Owns a commercial prawn trawler fleet operating off the Queensland coast.
- Buys direct from the Sydney Fish Market daily for the widest Australian species selection.
- Home delivery available Monday, Tuesday, Friday across the Gold Coast. Northern Rivers NSW on Tuesday and Friday.
- Source pages: About, Contact, Retail Stores.
What We Stock
Fresh Fish
Barramundi, snapper, flathead, whiting, bream, salmon, kingfish, coral trout, yellowfin tuna — fillets, steaks, and whole fish.
Prawns
King prawns, tiger prawns, banana prawns, school prawns — raw (green) and cooked. Own fleet wild-caught QLD prawns in season.
Oysters
Sydney Rock Oysters and Pacific Oysters by the half dozen, dozen, or bulk. Pre-order for events and parties.
Crustaceans
Mud crab, sand crab, Moreton Bay bugs, rock lobster. Live crab and lobster available seasonally — call ahead.
Sashimi Grade
Sashimi-grade salmon, tuna, kingfish, and scallop blocks hand-cut fresh from 6 AM. Pre-order 24 hours ahead — cuts sell out early.
Shellfish & More
Mussels, clams, pipis, scallops, squid, octopus, cuttlefish. Smoked salmon, frozen fillets, and seafood platters for events.
Fishmonger vs Supermarket — What's the Difference?
Most supermarket fish in Australia is either pre-packaged days in advance or thawed from frozen without disclosure. A dedicated seafood market like Tasman Star operates differently: stock is bought fresh each morning, displayed on ice, and cut to order. Here's how they compare:
| Factor | Tasman Star Seafood | Supermarket Fish Counter |
|---|---|---|
| Stock sourcing | Own fleet + daily Sydney Fish Market | Central distribution, often 3–5 days old |
| Display | Whole fish on ice, cut to order | Pre-packaged in modified atmosphere |
| Species range | 150+ including seasonal and rare species | 8–12 standard lines |
| Sashimi grade | Available — parasite-tested, cold-chain verified | Rarely labelled or verified |
| Staff knowledge | Trained fishmongers who know the species | Variable — often general deli staff |
| Custom preparation | Fillets, steaks, butterflied, scaled to order | Limited — usually sold as-is |
| Country of origin | Clearly labelled per product | Labelled but sometimes vague on method |
How Long Does Fresh Seafood Last?
| Product | Fridge (0–2°C) | Freezer (–18°C) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh fish fillets | 1–2 days | 3–6 months | Cook or freeze day of purchase where possible |
| Whole fish | 2–3 days | 6 months | Gut before storing if not already done |
| Raw (green) prawns | 1–2 days | 3–4 months | Do not refreeze if already thawed |
| Cooked prawns | 2–3 days | 2–3 months | Shell-on retains moisture better |
| Live oysters | 3–5 days | Not recommended | Flat side up, under damp cloth |
| Mud crab (live) | 1–2 days | After cooking: 2 months | Keep damp and cool — do not place on ice |
| Sashimi grade blocks | 1 day (use same day) | 1 month at –18°C minimum | Freeze raw to sashimi grade per FSANZ Standard 4.2.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy fresh seafood on the Gold Coast?
Tasman Star Seafood operates two Gold Coast retail stores: 5-7 Olsen Ave, Labrador QLD 4215 and 20 Casua Dr, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227. Both are open 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The stores stock fresh fish fillets, whole fish, prawns (raw and cooked), oysters, mud crab, bugs, shellfish, sashimi-grade blocks, and seasonal catch.
Can I order fresh seafood online instead of visiting in store?
Yes. Tasman Star Seafood offers online ordering with home delivery across the Gold Coast on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Northern Rivers NSW (Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore) receives deliveries on Tuesday and Friday. Orders are packed in insulated cold-chain boxes and delivered by refrigerated vehicle.
What fresh fish does Tasman Star Seafood stock?
Tasman Star stocks a broad range including Atlantic salmon, barramundi, snapper (QLD and NZ), flathead, whiting, bream, coral trout, kingfish (hiramasa), yellowfin tuna, ling, and seasonal species from the east coast. Whole fish, fillets, and steaks are available depending on the species and what was landed that week.
What prawns does Tasman Star Seafood sell?
Tasman Star Seafood stocks king prawns, tiger prawns, banana prawns, school prawns, and QLD bay prawns — available raw (green) and cooked. The business operates its own commercial prawn trawler (the Peter K) that supplies wild-caught product from Queensland waters. Snap-frozen options are also available for bulk purchasing.
Does Tasman Star Seafood have oysters?
Yes. Sydney Rock Oysters and Pacific Oysters are stocked at both Gold Coast stores. Availability varies by season and supply. Buy by the half dozen, dozen, or larger quantities for events. For parties and platters, pre-ordering 24–48 hours ahead is recommended to guarantee the quantity you need.
Is Tasman Star Seafood the best fish market on the Gold Coast?
Tasman Star Seafood has operated on the Gold Coast since 1994 — over 30 years. With its own commercial fishing fleet, direct Sydney Fish Market connections, and two retail stores open 7 days, it is one of the most established and comprehensive seafood markets on the Gold Coast. The business supplies both retail customers and wholesale trade accounts for Gold Coast restaurants and cafes.
What are the store hours for Tasman Star Seafood on the Gold Coast?
Both Gold Coast stores are open 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Labrador store is at 5-7 Olsen Ave (phone: 07 5529 2500) and the Varsity Lakes store is at 20 Casua Dr (phone: 07 5522 1221). Both stores trade on public holidays including ANZAC Day — no public holiday surcharge applies.
Does Tasman Star Seafood deliver to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, or Burleigh Heads?
Yes. Gold Coast home delivery covers the full Gold Coast from Ormeau in the north to Coolangatta in the south — including Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Robina, Varsity Lakes, Southport, Mermaid Beach, Palm Beach, Currumbin, and all suburbs between. Delivery days are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.
How do I know if fish is really fresh when I buy it?
There are six reliable freshness indicators for whole fish: eyes should be bright, clear, and slightly bulging — not sunken or cloudy. Gills should be deep red or pink, never brown or grey. Flesh should spring back when pressed, not leave an indent. There should be no fishy or ammonia smell — only a clean ocean or seaweed scent. Skin should be moist and have a metallic sheen. For fillets, look for translucency and firm texture without gaps or separation. At Tasman Star Seafood, stock is sourced daily from our own trawler fleet and the Sydney Fish Market, with retail display replaced each morning.
What is the difference between wild-caught and farmed seafood on the Gold Coast?
Wild-caught seafood is taken from natural ocean habitats by commercial fishing vessels. Tasman Star's prawn trawler fleet (including the Peter K) catches wild prawns, flathead, whiting, and squid from Queensland coastal and offshore grounds. Wild-caught fish generally has firmer texture and more complex flavour than farmed equivalents, but supply depends on seasonal conditions and fishing closures. Farmed seafood — Atlantic salmon from Tasmanian aquaculture operations (Tassal, Huon) and SA kingfish from Clean Seas Seafood — offers consistent year-round availability and is a significant part of the sashimi and premium fillet range. Both are available at Tasman Star. Country of origin and production method are labelled on every product.
How should I store fresh fish and prawns when I get home?
Store fresh fish and prawns on the coldest shelf of your fridge — typically the bottom shelf or dedicated chiller drawer, ideally at 0–2°C. For fish fillets: remove from packaging, place on a plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and consume within 1–2 days. Whole fish keeps 2–3 days stored the same way. Raw (green) prawns: store in the bag, consume within 1–2 days. Cooked prawns: sealed container, 2–3 days. Live oysters: flat side up under a damp cloth, 3–5 days. Do not store fish in water — it softens the flesh. If your fridge runs above 4°C, treat any seafood as a 24-hour product.
Does Tasman Star Seafood stock seasonal seafood — what's available in winter vs summer?
Seafood availability on the Gold Coast follows seasonal and regulatory patterns. Summer (Nov–Mar): mud crab season peaks, coral trout and tropical reef species are abundant, Queensland banana and tiger prawns are in full season. Autumn (Mar–May): school prawn season starts in northern NSW, flathead is plentiful off the east coast. Winter (Jun–Aug): king prawns and Moreton Bay bugs are at their best, Sydney Rock oysters are in full season, barramundi is good in impoundments. Spring (Sep–Nov): wild-caught scallops from Bass Strait and southern waters arrive, swordfish and mahi-mahi start appearing. Tasman Star's Sydney Fish Market buying ensures the daily catch reflects current season — call the store or check the online listing to confirm what's freshest today.