‘Have a Go’ Clay Target Shooting – Victoria (Werribee)

Clay targets give you a quick lesson in timing: the target is moving, the shot is brief, and a clear call of pull starts the action. This Werribee session turns that challenge into a beginner-friendly outing, with instruction first and a friendly competition after.

I like two things in particular: you need no shooter’s license or prior experience, and the session builds from a coached warm-up to a contest with singles and doubles. The supplied equipment and guaranteed target hit also make this an easy way to try the sport without committing to a club or buying gear.

The main consideration is that this is an outdoor, weather-dependent activity, and the shotgun’s recoil may feel strong if you are sensitive to it. Sessions run on weekends at Werribee Rifle Range, so check that the location, timing, and physical feel suit your group.

• Start with 10 coached targets: Get practical instruction and a chance to settle into the activity before the contest.
• Shoot 20 targets across five stations: The competition includes both singles and doubles.
• Arrive without a license or experience: Firearms and specialist safety equipment are supplied.
• Aim for a perfect score: Hit all 20 competition targets and you can return for free.
• Awards add a friendly challenge: First, second, and third place receive awards.
• Go on a weekend: The range operates Saturday and Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

A hands-on sport, not a passive sightseeing stop

At Werribee Rifle Range, the point is to learn by doing. After a short safety and technique briefing, you take your place at the range, listen for the call, and try to follow a clay target in flight. It is active, focused, and more satisfying than it may sound if you have never handled a shotgun before.

Go Shooting was formed in 1999 by Olympic and Commonwealth gold medallists Russell and Lauryn Mark. The company describes itself as Australia’s oldest and largest corporate clay target shooting operator. That background gives the session a sporting context, but the experience is designed for newcomers, not just people who already know their way around a range.

You do not need a shooter’s license, experience, or a particular fitness level. That lowers the barrier to trying something unfamiliar, though it does not mean the activity is casual about safety. The session takes place in a controlled setting, with instruction and suitable equipment provided.

The 10-target warm-up sets the pace

The first part of the session is a practical warm-up of 10 targets with guidance from an experienced shooter or instructor. This is where you learn the basic routine and get a feel for the equipment before the score matters.

The value of that warm-up is simple: you are not expected to arrive already knowing what to do. Instructors explain the use of the gun and offer tips on technique. Adam, Stu, and Debbie have each been named as instructors by people who attended sessions, but the specific instructor on your date is not guaranteed.

A useful detail for beginners is that the instruction is meant to help you connect the basics with the moving target. One person’s first session included tips that helped them make successful shots; another described Adam as patient and clear. That kind of personal guidance matters more here than a long technical talk. You want to understand the safety rules, then get enough practice to act on them.

The company guarantees that you will hit at least one target. That promise can make a first attempt feel less daunting, although it is not a guarantee of a high score. The activity is still about trying, adjusting, and enjoying the challenge.

Five stations turn practice into a friendly contest

Once the warm-up is over, the group moves into a 20-target competition. You shoot from five different stations, with a mix of singles and doubles. The change of position and target type helps keep the session varied, while the score gives you a reason to focus.

The competition is friendly rather than an advanced test. Awards go to first, second, and third place, so there is a small prize at stake without making the whole outing feel serious. If your group likes a little rivalry, the format gives you something to compare. If you are there mainly to try the sport, you can treat the score as a bonus.

There is also a special incentive for a perfect round: shoot 20 out of 20 and you can come back for free. The top 20 scores of the year are placed on the company leaderboard. These are ambitious targets for a first-timer, but they give regular shooters a reason to improve and add a playful goal for a competitive group.

The targets and stations offer more variety than simply taking repeated shots from one spot. Still, this is a short introductory session, not a full course in clay shooting. If you find you want to keep learning, the experience can be a first step toward looking into the sport further.

Safety is part of the experience

The emphasis on safety is one of the session’s most important features. Instructors give guidance before shooting, and all shooting and safety equipment is included. Follow the range staff’s instructions throughout, and do not treat the activity as something to improvise your way through.

The supplied information says no experience, license, or fitness level is required, and most people can participate. Spectators are welcome, too. The group is capped at 24 participants, which helps keep the outing to a defined size, though the actual number in your session may vary.

One family outing included a teenager on the autism spectrum who was fascinated by firearms but found the recoil a lot to deal with. That is a useful reminder that interest and comfort are not the same thing. If you or someone in your group is sensitive to noise or recoil, consider that before booking and ask the operator any questions you have about taking part. The available details do not specify additional accommodations.

The session is not suitable for drinking before or during the activity. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the conclusion, but the rule is clear: keep alcohol for afterward.

What $135.56 buys you

At $135.56 per person, this is a paid, instructor-led activity rather than a cheap add-on. The price covers the 10-target warm-up, 20-target competition, instruction, firearms, and specialist safety equipment. It also includes the chance to compete for awards and, if you shoot a perfect score, a free return session.

That makes the cost easier to assess if you compare it with the effort and expense of arranging a first go at the sport on your own. You do not need to source equipment or have prior credentials. For a couple, parent and teenager, or small group of friends, the fee buys a structured activity with a clear start, practice, and finish.

It is less compelling if you are unsure you will enjoy shooting at all, or if you are looking for a low-cost way to fill a couple of hours. There is no promise that you will place in the competition, and the free return offer depends on achieving the full 20 out of 20. Think of it as paying for instruction and a try at a new sport, not simply for a guaranteed prize.

The outing takes about two hours and 30 minutes. That is long enough to learn the basics and take part in the contest, but short enough to fit into a weekend plan without turning the day into an all-day commitment.

Getting to Werribee Rifle Range

The meeting point is Werribee Rifle Range, 1225 Ballan Road, Quandong, Victoria 3030. The activity ends back at the same place. It is listed as a Melbourne-area experience, but make sure the Werribee location works for your plans before booking. The provided details do not include transport arrangements.

Sessions are listed for Saturday and Sunday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The specific time you book will determine how the activity fits your day. The experience is booked, on average, nine days ahead, so leaving it until the last minute may limit your choice of date.

The activity needs good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. These terms are worth checking if your plans are uncertain.

Who will enjoy this Werribee session

This is a good fit if you are curious about clay shooting but do not want to deal with licensing or buying equipment before you know whether you like it. The format also suits people who enjoy a little friendly competition, since it moves from practice to a scored round and awards.

It can work well for families with older children or teenagers, as long as each person is comfortable with the setting and the feel of the firearm. One parent and teenage son had a positive first outing, and another young participant wanted to pursue the sport afterward. That is not a promise that every teenager will feel the same, particularly because recoil can be a factor.

It also makes a distinctive gift for someone who enjoys trying hands-on activities. The session has enough structure to help a beginner get started, while the contest gives the recipient something to aim for. Spectators are welcome, so a companion who does not shoot can still come along.

This is not the right pick for someone who wants a quiet, passive outing, dislikes loud or startling experiences, or is uneasy around firearms. The company says most people can participate, but personal comfort matters. If you are uncertain, contact Go Shooting before booking rather than assuming the activity will feel right once you arrive.

Booking advice and final call

The experience has a strong overall rating of 4.9 from 20 ratings, with 100 percent recommending it. The most consistently praised qualities are the patient instruction, firm attention to safety, and the way instructors keep the activity fun. Adam is often named, while Stu and Debbie are also noted for helpful coaching and adapting to different people in a group.

I would book this if you want a practical introduction to clay target shooting, value having the equipment and instruction included, and are comfortable with a range setting. Choose it for the chance to try a new sport, not because you expect to win. If the weekend schedule, weather dependence, or possible recoil gives you pause, weigh those points before paying.

FAQ

Do I need a shooter’s license or prior experience?

No. A shooter’s license and prior experience are not required, and no particular fitness level is required.

What is included in the session?

You get a practical 10-target warm-up with instruction, a 20-target competition across five stations, suitable firearms, and specialist safety equipment. Awards are given for first, second, and third place.

How long does the experience take?

The session lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the activity start and finish?

It starts and ends at Werribee Rifle Range, 1225 Ballan Road, Quandong, Victoria 3030.

When does the range operate?

The listed opening hours are Saturday and Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Can spectators come along?

Yes. Spectators are welcome, and the activity has a maximum group size of 24 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.