It is listed as a vulnerable species[1] of crayfish by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), though the wild yabby populations remain strong, and have expanded into new habitats created by reservoirs and farm dams.

Its common name of "yabby" is also applied to many other Australian Cherax species of crustacean (as well as to marine ghost shrimp of the infraorder Thalassinidea).

During a wet season, an Australian yabby can travel kilometres across land in search of new water in which to make its home.

High-altitude yabby populations in Lakes Eucumbene and Jindabyne, on the upper reaches of the coastal Snowy River system, are unusual and may be translocated.

Yabbies are found in many ephemeral waterways, and can survive dry conditions for several years by lying dormant in burrows sunk deep into muddy creek and swamp beds.

[8] Yabbies are an important dietary item for Australian native freshwater fish such as Murray cod and golden perch.

Prior to cooking, it is advisable to 'purge' the yabby in clean water, this helps to clear the gut of any muddy flavour, resulting in sweeter tasting meat.