Getting Started in Shooting
A practical guide to beginning shooting in Australia
Getting started in shooting in Australia is generally a structured process involving supervised participation, safety training and firearms licensing. The exact requirements vary between states and territories and depend on the type of shooting a person intends to undertake.
For most new shooters, a club, range or recognised shooting organisation provides the practical starting point. This allows people to experience shooting in a controlled environment, learn how the sport operates and begin identifying the type of shooting or discipline that interests them before progressing further.
From there, the pathway generally involves completing the required firearms safety training, applying for the appropriate firearms licence and, where applicable, joining a club or recognised organisation and obtaining the necessary authority to acquire a firearm. Once licensed, shooters must continue to comply with the conditions of their licence and the requirements applying to their chosen activity.
Try Shooting First
The first step for most people is to attend a supervised session at a local shooting facility.
Introductory or “come and try” sessions are commonly available and are designed for people with no prior experience. These sessions provide an opportunity to:
- experience shooting in a controlled environment
- learn basic handling and range procedures
- understand how participation works in practice
At this stage, there is no requirement to hold a licence. The focus is on familiarisation and deciding whether to continue.
Junior Participation
Young people can participate in shooting through junior or minor licensing and permit arrangements. These generally allow the supervised possession and use of firearms for instruction, target shooting and competition, with minimum ages, firearm categories and permitted activities varying between states and territories.
Junior shooters are subject to additional supervision and licensing conditions and generally do not have the same acquisition or ownership rights as adult licence holders. Some jurisdictions also provide different permissions as juniors get older or complete firearms safety training.
Parents and junior shooters should contact the relevant firearms authority and local shooting club to confirm the age, supervision, training and permit requirements that apply before participating.
Joining a Club
Ongoing participation in shooting is typically organised through clubs. This includes both target shooting disciplines and hunting-related activities. Clubs provide:
- access to ranges and facilities
- supervised environments for participation
- instruction and guidance
- organised shoots and competitions
There are also hunting focused clubs and organisations that support participation in hunting activities, including training, mentoring and access to hunting opportunities where available.
For most people, joining a club is where regular participation begins. Clubs help new shooters build skills, understand the rules and gain experience across different disciplines.
Completing a Safety Course
Approved firearms safety training forms part of the licensing process for new shooters. The point at which it occurs varies between states and territories. These courses cover:
- safe handling practices
- legal responsibilities
- storage requirements
- basic operation and use
The purpose of the course is to ensure that new participants understand how to handle firearms safely and comply with legal requirements.
Applying for a Licence
To possess firearms in Australia, you must hold a firearms licence issued by your state or territory. The application process generally involves:
- establishing a genuine reason, such as sport shooting or hunting
- submitting an application to the relevant authority
- undergoing background and suitability checks
- meeting storage requirements
- complying with waiting periods
Once a licence is granted, you are legally permitted to possess firearms within the conditions of that licence.
Getting Your First Firearm
After obtaining a licence, firearms are acquired through a permit to acquire process. This process involves:
- selecting a firearm appropriate to your licence and intended use
- lodging a permit application and waiting for approval
- completing the purchase through a licensed firearms dealer
Ongoing Participation
Once licensed, participation involves:
- regular attendance at a shooting range
- taking part in organised activities or competitions
- hunting on private or regulated public land
- continued skill development through practice
- maintaining compliance with licence conditions
Progression in the sport is based on consistency, technique and familiarity with the discipline you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I try shooting first?
Yes. Most shooting clubs and ranges offer introductory sessions or “come and try” days, that allow people to experience target shooting before applying for a firearms licence. The process differs between jurisdictions, so call your local club or range and enquire what the process is.
How long does licensing take?
Mandatory waiting periods apply to firearms licensing and acquisition. A 28-day minimum applies to new licence applications and first firearm acquisitions, although exact waiting periods and processing times vary between jurisdictions and circumstances.
How do I purchase my first firearm?
It is best to speak with a licensed firearms dealer before purchasing your first firearm. They can explain what is suitable for your licence category and intended use.
Once licensed, you must apply for a Permit to Acquire. After the permit is issued, the firearm is transferred through a licensed dealer. Waiting periods and process details differ between jurisdictions, so always check the current requirements with your state or territory firearms registry.
Where can I go shooting in Australia?
Most shooting activities in Australia take place at approved shooting ranges operated by clubs and sporting organisations. These ranges provide controlled environments where participants can practice target shooting, undertake training and compete in organised competitions.
If you are interested in hunting, opportunities may also exist on private rural property or designated public land, subject to state and territory hunting laws and land access permissions.
Where can I find more information?
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, the best sources are the official firearms registries operated by state and territory police. These agencies administer firearms licensing, registration, permits and compliance requirements in each jurisdiction.
- New South Wales
https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms - Victoria
https://www.police.vic.gov.au/firearms-licensing - Queensland
https://www.police.qld.gov.au/units/weapons-licensing - Western Australia
https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/western-australia-police-force/licensing-services-firearms - South Australia
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/services-and-events/firearms-and-weapons - Tasmania
https://fas.police.tas.gov.au/ - Australian Capital Territory
https://police.act.gov.au/community-safety/firearms/act-firearms-registry - Northern Territory
https://pfes.nt.gov.au/police/firearmsweapons