What echoes of history reverberate through Rifle Range? This very ground, once alive with the crack of rifles and the shouts of marksmen, has borne witness to over a century of competitive shooting. The Rifle Range, originally established in Williamstown in 1878, played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of Australian sports. The Victorian Rifle Association, formed in 1860, held its first intercolonial match at the Sandridge Range in 1862. The closure of early Melbourne ranges in 1876 prompted the opening of the new Williamstown range. Lady Diamantina Bowen, wife of the Victorian Governor, inaugurated the range with the first ceremonial shot. Rifle Range quickly became the heart of target rifle competitions in Victoria. The prestigious “Queen’s Trophy” competition found its home here in 1881. The Illustrated Australian News even captured the scene in 1888, publishing engravings of association members practicing their skills at the Williamstown range. The first civilian Rifle Club, the Melbourne R.C., emerged in 1884, marking a shift towards civilian involvement in the sport. Initially under army control after Federation, rifle clubs regained their civilian status in 1921. The evolution of rifles, from standard military issue to the precision instruments of today, is mirrored in the history of Rifle Range. This very ground has seen it all. From skirmishes on horseback to international competitions, Rifle Range has echoed with the ambition and precision of countless marksmen. The spirit of competition, honed over decades, continues to resonate within the preserved clubhouse, a silent testament to the legacy of Rifle Range.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs