Australian Grand Prix - Sporting - Australia (April 2010)

Geelong Clay Target Club, located in the Little River region, is a premier, highly equipped shooting facility affiliated with the ACTA and VCTA. Known for its excellent infrastructure, the club caters to a wide demographic, ranging from beginners looking to try the sport to elite professional teams preparing for international competitions. A key historical highlight of the venue is its reputation for perfect visual geometry; it is the site where Olympic champion Russell Mark set an unprecedented national record in 1990 by hitting 288 consecutive Double Rise targets.

The club boasts extensive, automated facilities designed to support multiple shooting disciplines. The open, flat terrain and varying wind conditions create challenging, unpredictable target trajectories that are highly valued by professional athletes for honing their reflexes. Key facility features include:

• 4 Down the Line (DTL) traps, an ISSF Olympic Trap, a Skeet layout, and 5 Stand Sporting Clays setups.

• A dedicated practice area featuring at least 5 automated machines that offer varying target difficulties.

• A spacious clubhouse with a fully catered canteen, a bar, and an on-site ammunition store.

• Strict environmental protocols, including the use of mechanized sweepers for collecting spent wads.

Training at the club is structured to accommodate all skill levels, with a particular focus on accessibility and safety. Beginners can utilize the practice stands and receive comprehensive instruction without needing a prior firearms license. During these coached sessions, all necessary equipment—including club shotguns, hearing protection, safety glasses, and shooting vests—is provided completely free of charge. The club's coaching network also includes ISSF 'A' class instructors, ensuring top-tier skill development for advanced shooters.

Geelong Clay Target Club is an active hub for the local and state shooting community, regularly hosting ratings tournaments, corporate events, and family-friendly days. The venue is highly versatile and fits several key audiences:

• Novices and Families: Offers a safe, low-barrier entry environment with free protective gear and professional coaching.

• Professional Athletes: World-class Olympic layouts combined with complex wind conditions provide an ideal training ground.

• Corporate Groups and Teams: The large infrastructure and catered clubhouse make it a popular choice for team-building events and group bookings.

To ensure the sport remains accessible, the club maintains an affordable pricing structure for both practice and professional events. Standard practice rounds are priced at $12.50 for 25 targets, or $5.00 for a shorter 10-target session. On competition days, the full tournament entry fee is $70.00 for adults, $60.00 for ladies and veterans, and $40.00 for juniors, with a $2.00 optional jackpot.

Working Hours:

• Monday – Thursday: Closed (available only for pre-arranged corporate or group bookings).

• Friday: Open for scheduled practice sessions.

• Saturday – Sunday: Open for competition events (DTL and Skeet competitions are typically held on the second Saturday of the month) and arranged weekend practice.