SSAA Bowen Branch

Range Location: Lot 329 Roddy Hughes Road, off Bootooloo Road, Bowen.
Bootooloo Road is just north of Bowen past the Aerodrome, but before the Don River. 3km up Bootooloo Rd is a post with a SSAA sign; the range is 2km along Roddy Hughes Rd.

To see the current club calendar, see: https://ssaabowen.com/

SSAA Bowen (The Report June 2026)

By Sam Talbot 

SSAA Bowen is a well-established club with a long and interesting history. The site itself dates back to the early 1950s, when it was used as a military training area during the Korean War era. Army training at the time included the use of firearms such as the Thompson submachine guns and even grenades. In the decades that followed, the range transitioned into civilian use, with the Bowen Rifle Club operating on site before the SSAA Bowen Branch was eventually incorporated in 1994. 

Today, the branch operates across a sizeable property made up of multiple lease lots, totalling about 72 hectares. While the branch in its current form has been running for about 15 years, the longer history of the range remains an important part of its identity. 

Membership at SSAA Bowen is strong, with about 700 shooters, including a significant number of pistol shooters, as well as a growing cohort of women and junior members. The club has also ensured its facilities are accessible, with disabled access available across key areas including parking, ramps and amenities. 

The range supports a wide variety of disciplines. Facilities include a 100-metre range, an action match area, shotgun ranges and dedicated air rifle and air pistol ranges. Regular shoots cover Benchrest, Field Rifle, Action Match, Target Pistol and shotgun disciplines, with newer additions such as Wild Bunch creating a busy and robust club calendar. 

SSAA Bowen is also notable for its involvement in crossbow shooting. It is one of only a small number of approved crossbow clubs in Queensland and possibly the only one in North Queensland. 

The club hosts several events throughout the year, including the ‘Farr’ Out Shootout, an interclub Lever Action Metallic Silhouette competition, as well as the Target Pistol State Championships later this year (8 and 9 August). These events are great for brining extra participation from shooters across the region and beyond. 

Bowen also boasts a clubhouse, training area, workshop, machinery shed and campground, along with amenities such as toilets and showers. Beyond shooting, the branch is involved in local initiatives including a weed management program with the Whitsunday Regional Council. It also has an established Aboriginal Cultural Heritage agreement with the Birra Gubba Juru Elders. 

As for the future, the club has plans to further develop the site, including the addition of archery and bowhunter ranges, along with upgrades to the kitchen and training areas. 

SSAA Bowen continues to provide a practical and well-rounded facility for members in the region, supported by an active committee and a consistent calendar of shooting activities.