Adventure brief
CASUAL ATTENDANCE STEEL TARGET: Individual Lane Hire (50M-500M)
Test your long‑range skills at SSAA NSW Hill Top’s steel‑target 500m range. With 60 numbered lanes and distances from 50–500m, this range is built for licensed shooters chasing precision, competition prep, or serious load development.
On the south‑western edge of the Southern Highlands, at 430 Wattle Ridge Rd in Hill Top, New South Wales, the SSAA NSW Hill Top Shooting Complex stages long‑range marksmanship across a working rural landscape. The centerpiece is a steel‑target 500‑metre range with 60 numbered lanes, where licensed shooters can hire individual lanes and dial distances from 50 metres up to a full 500 metres. The range’s geometry is straightforward: bench‑rest stations, numbered firing points, and steel plates that register every deliberate hit.
Distances offered—50m, 100m, 150m, 200m, 300m, 385m and 500m—map cleanly from basic zeroing to extreme‑distance practice. That scale, combined with dedicated long‑range layouts, makes this facility rare in New South Wales: it’s built for precision shooters honing load recipes, testing optics, and rehearsing competition strings. Surrounding the firing lines you’ll find eucalypt stands and patches of cleared farmland, a practical backdrop that keeps the focus on wind reads and ballistic discipline.
The range enforces strict safety protocols—proof of original firearm licence and permits, closed footwear, eye and ear protection, and adherence to Range Officer commands are mandatory. Bring your own shooting mat, bipod, ammunition and protective gear; lane hire covers the firing bay only. Practicalities are simple and important: check in at the 500M Range Office (430 Wattle Ridge Rd), present valid ID and licences, and expect a self‑sufficient day—there are no restaurants on site, so pack water and lunches.
Sessions are offered as Individual Lane Hire and are restricted to licensed participants; the facility reserves the right to refuse service for safety reasons. Weather and fire risk can affect operations, and cancellations follow strict safety criteria. For visiting shooters this is an efficient training ground: the wide range of yardages supports incremental skill progression, and the steel target feedback accelerates follow‑up practice.
Competitive shooters will appreciate consistent sight‑in distances and the opportunity to validate ballistics at 300–500m without travelling to remote backcountry ranges. Sessions typically span between three and six‑and‑a‑half‑hours, giving shooters time to establish zeroes, experiment with load tuning, and recover between string runs. The complex accommodates groups up to 60 people, making it suitable for club days and private practice sessions.
Minimum age is 12 with appropriate supervision and licensing. Range staff briefings are precise: listen closely, follow commands, and if in doubt stop and ask. The site’s phone number is available for weather checks.
If you value measured practice over spectacle, Hill Top’s 500m Range rewards patience, attention to detail, and respect for range discipline. For bookings and more information contact [email protected] or call 02 3824 8888. Whether you’re zeroing a new rifle, rehearsing match strings, or chasing the cleanest 500m group you can shoot, this is one of New South Wales’ most capable long‑range facilities.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Bring original licence and IDessential
You must present your valid firearm licence and permits at check‑in—no originals, no access.
- 02Pack food and waterinfo
There are no restaurants on site; plan for a self‑contained day with snacks and hydration.
- 03Wear closed footwear and protectionessential
Closed shoes, eye and ear protection are mandatory on the range—bring them or you won’t shoot.
- 04Start at a shorter distancewarning
If testing a new rifle, begin at 50–100m to confirm zero before stepping out to 300–500m.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Eye protection
Protective eyewear is mandatory and protects against ricochet and debris.
EssentialHearing protection (muffs or plugs)
Reduces noise exposure during sustained live‑fire sessions.
EssentialShooting mat and bipod
Helps stabilize rifle for consistent, repeatable groups at long distances.
EssentialAmmo and cleaning kit
Bring enough ammunition for extended practice and a basic kit for bore care between strings.
EssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Use the 385m lanes for intermediate load development, The 50m pistol and rifle benches are ideal for rapid zeroing before long‑range work
Local fauna
Eastern grey kangaroo, Wedge‑tailed eagle
Historic heritage
The complex operates as part of the SSAA NSW network and serves competitive and recreational shooters across the Southern Highlands.
Mindful exploration
The range follows strict rules to prevent environmental harm—no shooting of wildlife, lead management, and adherence to fire‑risk closures preserves local bushland.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- From the 500M Range Office looking downrange, Along the numbered firing points for target‑to‑rifle compositions, Close on steel targets for impact frames
- Subjects
- steel targets and impact hits, range architecture and numbered benches, Southern Highlands eucalypt backdrop
- Best times
- Early morning, Late afternoon, Midday for crisp target shadows
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Do I need a firearms licence to book?
Yes. Only licensed shooters with original firearm licences and permits may hire lanes; ID and licences must be presented at check‑in.
What are the booking and cancellation policies?
Bookings follow the range’s policy: full refund if cancelled more than 7 days out, 50% refund if cancelled 4–7 days, and non‑refundable within 3 days unless the range cancels for safety reasons.
Can I hire firearms on site?
No. Shooters must bring their own firearms, ammunition and equipment; lane hire covers range access only.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Minimum age is 12 with appropriate supervision and valid licences; all participants must meet state and federal eligibility requirements.
Are meals or shops available on site?
No. There are no restaurants at the range—pack food, water and shade for a self‑sufficient day.
Can I shoot wildlife on the range?
Absolutely not. Firing at wildlife is illegal and strictly prohibited; the range enforces this rule and will take action for breaches.