REVIEW · WERRIBEE & OPEN RANGE ZOO
‘Have a Go’ Clay Target Shooting – Victoria (Werribee)
Pull, aim, bang, and it clicks fast. Have a Go Clay Target Shooting in Werribee is a low-stress way to try shooting in Victoria with no shooters licence required and clear coaching. The whole format is built around getting you on target quickly, then keeping the day fun with friendly competition.
I love the safety-first tone and patient instruction. In the experience, you’re guided by range staff like Adam (praised for being calm and approachable) along with other instructors such as Stu and Debbie, who help different groups stay confident and moving at the right pace.
One consideration: this is an outdoor activity that needs good weather. If conditions are poor, they may reschedule or refund, so plan a backup day in your Melbourne schedule.
In This Review
- Key highlights to know before you go
- Clay targets at Werribee Rifle Range: the setting and what to expect
- The 2.5-hour flow: warm-up shots, then a real singles and doubles contest
- Safety briefing and instruction: how first-timers get comfortable fast
- The competition part: five stations, singles and doubles, and actual rewards
- Value and pricing: why $135.56 can still feel like a good deal
- Practical tips to hit targets without turning it into a stress test
- Who should book Have a Go Clay Target Shooting in Werribee
- Booking, tickets, and making the timing work
- Should you book this clay target shooting session?
- FAQ
- Do I need a shooters licence to take part?
- Do I need any shooting experience beforehand?
- How long does the experience run?
- Where do I meet for the session?
- What’s included in the package?
- What if I manage to hit every target?
- Are spectators allowed?
- Can I drink alcohol before or during the activity?
- What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?
Key highlights to know before you go

- 10-target warm-up with hands-on instruction so you understand the basics before the competition
- 20-target competition mixing singles and doubles across five stations
- Awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place to make the day feel like a real event
- Hit 20/20 and return free, plus top scores can land on a yearly leaderboard
- Provided firearms and full safety gear with no licence or experience needed
- Instructors adapt to nervous first-timers, including cases where recoil comfort and approach were specifically managed
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Clay targets at Werribee Rifle Range: the setting and what to expect

Your session starts at Werribee Rifle Range, 1225 Ballan Rd, Quandong VIC 3030. It’s set up for controlled shooting practice, not random shooting-on-your-own. That matters because the whole point of a Have a Go style day is to make a brand-new skill feel understandable from the first safety briefing.
The day typically runs about 2 hours 30 minutes. You’ll likely spend time on the range in stages, with a warm-up first and then a structured competition. Since the group cap is 24 people, it usually feels organized rather than chaotic. And yes, spectators are welcome, which is handy if you’re bringing a friend or family member who wants to watch.
You’ll also want to remember this is active shooting with noise and recoil. The experience is designed for most people, and there’s no stated fitness requirement. Still, if you’re sensitive to loud sounds, standing on a range can feel intense at first, so take the instructor’s cues seriously and go at the pace they set.
The 2.5-hour flow: warm-up shots, then a real singles and doubles contest

Here’s how the session is structured, in plain terms.
First comes a practical 10-target warm-up. You’re not expected to already know what you’re doing. An experienced shooter/instructor works with your group, focusing on technique and safe handling so you can build consistency quickly. The warm-up is where you learn the rhythm: how you set up, how you follow through, and how to approach each target without overthinking.
Then you move into the 20-target competition. This part is more than just extra shots. The competition includes a mix of singles and doubles, run from 5 different stations. That station variety keeps it interesting because you’re not repeating one single pattern over and over. It also makes the day feel like a game, not a lecture.
At the end, you’ll get awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. That gives the day a clean finish line. You’re still learning the sport, but the scoring turns it into something you can aim for.
Because the session starts and ends back at the meeting point, you’re not dealing with transport shuffling or multiple transfers. One location, one block of range time, done.
Safety briefing and instruction: how first-timers get comfortable fast
This experience leans hard on safety and clarity. The highlight for a lot of people is that you don’t need a licence, and you don’t need prior experience. That removes the biggest barrier that usually keeps people away from shooting activities.
Before anyone fires, the instructors run the safety talk and then guide you through the basics of gun use in the context of clay targets. In feedback you’ll find repeated praise for instructors who are patient and easy to understand, including Adam, who’s noted for being calm with people who were nervous. Stu and Debbie also show up in feedback as instructors who keep the session friendly while still staying professional.
A standout detail from one described situation: the instructor helped a teenage shooter on the autism spectrum in a way that made the activity more approachable. That same feedback also points out that recoil was a concern at first, and the instructor worked to manage that experience for the participant. You should treat that as a good sign that instructors take nervousness and comfort seriously, not as a guarantee for every situation. But if you’re worried about how you’ll handle your first shots, it’s worth knowing the team has experience helping people settle in.
Also, you’ll get the suitable firearms and all other specialised equipment. You’re not just handed gear and pointed in a direction. The right equipment setup plus instruction is a big part of why the day is built for beginners.
The competition part: five stations, singles and doubles, and actual rewards

The competition is where the day becomes memorable. After the warm-up, you’re doing 20 targets with a mix of singles and doubles at five different stations. That means you’re adapting across setups. Even if you only get one or two tips right, station variety helps you lock in what works.
Scoring adds the fun pressure. You’re not just trying to fire safely; you’re trying to hit targets. The event ends with awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, which is a simple structure that feels fair. It also turns the experience into something you can share afterward, because you can talk about the station where you suddenly clicked or the setup that caught you off guard.
One of the most motivating promises in the experience is this: you’re guaranteed to hit a target. It’s a beginner-friendly statement, but it also signals how the day is managed. In practice, that guarantee lines up with the warm-up coaching and the fact that the team supplies the firearms and equipment.
There’s also a longer-term carrot: if you manage 20 out of 20, you can come back for free. Top scores can also make their way onto a leaderboard (top 20 scores of the year). That’s not just marketing fluff. It turns your first attempt into a reason to return if you enjoyed the sport.
Value and pricing: why $135.56 can still feel like a good deal

At $135.56 per person, you’re paying for more than targets and time on a range. You’re paying for instruction, safety setup, and a full, structured shooting session that includes:
- 10 warm-up targets with coaching
- 20 competition targets with singles and doubles
- awards for top finishers
- all firearms and specialised equipment
- a safety-led experience that doesn’t require a licence
For many first-timers, that combo is the real value. Without licence and without prior experience requirements, you’re not paying to learn alone. You’re paying for a guided process that helps you get functional quickly.
The potential upside is the free return. If you hit 20/20, you’re essentially turning your first booking into a two-session deal. Even if you don’t hit that exact score, the day gives you enough feedback to know what to practice next time. And if you’re shooting as a group—like a parent and child, or siblings—the structure keeps everyone occupied without awkward downtime.
One practical note on cost expectations: the experience doesn’t include alcohol during the session. Alcohol can be purchased only at the conclusion, and none can be consumed prior or during. That’s not a financial issue exactly, but it helps you plan your timing and stay focused on the session.
Practical tips to hit targets without turning it into a stress test

You don’t need to be athletic for this. The experience specifically states no fitness level is required. What you do need is a calm approach and willingness to follow instructions.
Here are a few tips that match how these sessions are taught:
- Listen early and trust the sequence. The warm-up is where you build your basic rhythm. If you rush past technique, the competition stations will feel harder than they need to.
- Treat every station like a fresh start. With five stations and singles and doubles, your brain can get stuck comparing shots. Reset each time the station changes.
- Ask questions before you shoot. In the style of the instructors praised in feedback, good guidance happens at the start and during station flow.
- Don’t ignore safety cues. Sounds obvious, but beginners sometimes focus so much on aim that they forget the handling basics. The team’s safety-first approach is part of why the day works.
If you’re buying this as a gift, you’re also buying an experience that creates quick wins. Feedback includes stories of people who were nervous when they arrived, then left feeling confident after a short run of coaching and competition.
Who should book Have a Go Clay Target Shooting in Werribee

This is a strong choice if you want hands-on fun with structure. It’s especially suitable for:
- First-time shooters who want instruction and equipment supplied
- Families looking for a safe, controlled activity day
- People who are nervous but willing to listen and learn, since instructors like Adam (and others such as Stu and Debbie) are repeatedly praised for being patient and supportive
- Groups who want a clear winner and fun stations, not just random target practice
It may be less ideal if you have serious concerns about loud noise or recoil. The sport is managed for beginners, but it is still shooting. If you’re unsure, ask how they handle comfort for new shooters before you arrive.
Because the session is capped at 24 people, it doesn’t feel like a mass event. If you like small-team energy and direct coaching, that cap is a good sign.
Also, service animals are allowed. If you travel with one, you can plan around that without extra guessing.
Booking, tickets, and making the timing work

You’ll use a mobile ticket for entry. It’s typically booked about 9 days in advance on average, so don’t wait until the last minute if your Melbourne dates are fixed.
The experience runs on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (based on the listed hours). That helps if you want a weekend activity that doesn’t eat the whole day.
And remember: the session ends where it starts, so you can build your day around a single block of range time. If you’re pairing it with other Melbourne plans, keep a little slack in your schedule so you’re not rushing.
Should you book this clay target shooting session?
If you want a beginner-friendly way to try shooting in Victoria with real instruction, clear safety, and a competition format with awards, this is worth booking. The biggest reasons are practical: no licence required, coaching built into a 10-target warm-up, and a fun 20-target singles and doubles contest that doesn’t feel intimidating.
I’d book it if you like experiences where you can learn fast and measure progress immediately. The chance to chase a 20/20 score and possibly return free adds extra motivation.
I would double-check your plans if weather could be unpredictable. Since the activity requires good weather, build it into a day where you can be flexible if they need to reschedule.
Overall, for the price, you’re buying a guided, structured range session with equipment, coaching, and a payoff you can feel in real time.
FAQ
Do I need a shooters licence to take part?
No. This clay target shooting experience does not require a shooters licence.
Do I need any shooting experience beforehand?
No experience is required. You’ll get instruction during a warm-up before the competition.
How long does the experience run?
It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Where do I meet for the session?
You meet at Werribee Rifle Range, 1225 Ballan Rd, Quandong VIC 3030, Australia.
What’s included in the package?
You get a 10-target warm-up with instruction, a 20-target competition (singles and doubles across five stations), awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and suitable firearms and specialised equipment. All shooting and safety equipment is provided.
What if I manage to hit every target?
If you shoot 20 out of 20, you can come back for free.
Are spectators allowed?
Yes. Spectators are welcome.
Can I drink alcohol before or during the activity?
No. Alcohol can be purchased only at the conclusion of the experience, and no alcohol can be consumed prior to or during the activity.
What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
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