Travelling and Camping with Firearms in Victoria: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re heading into the High Country for a multi-day hunting trip or simply transporting your firearm to a regional range, knowing the legal and practical requirements for travelling and camping with firearms in Victoria is essential. As always, this article provides general information only. Firearm laws are applied based on the specific facts of each case, and SSAA Victoria encourages all members to consult official sources or legal professionals if in doubt.
Legal Requirements for Transporting Firearms
Under Victorian law, all licensed firearm owners must transport firearms unloaded and securely stored, with ammunition carried separately and securely. The general requirements include:
In most circumstances firearms should be transported safely by:
- Storing firearms in a padded or hard case. Firearms and magazines must not be loaded.
- Limiting the operability of the firearm and where possible, removing bolts, opening the action, or using trigger locks and chamber flags.
- Storing cartridge ammunition separately from the firearm. We recommend that you store ammunition in a lockable container while in the vehicle. You should keep any keys to the container in your possession.
- Keeping firearms secure and out of sight of the public.
A commonsense approach to storing firearms during transport is essential. Licence holders must immediately return firearms to storage when not in use or being transported.
More detailed guidance can be found through:
- The Firearm Safety Foundation: Transporting Firearms and Ammunition
- Victoria Police: Firearm Storage Requirements
Importantly, the requirement to transport firearms securely applies at all times—not just on public roads. That includes when you’re at your campsite, walking to a hunting location, or even stopped at a petrol station.
Firearms at Campsites
When camping, your responsibilities as a firearm owner continue. The law does not provide special treatment for campsites—they are not exempt from firearm safety and storage obligations. Key considerations include:
- Firearms must remain under your direct control, or be locked away when not in use.
- At night or when you’re away from camp, firearms should be stored in a locked container, ideally secured inside your vehicle.
- Leaving a firearm unattended in a tent is not appropriate. Police or authorised officers may consider this a breach of storage requirements.
Victoria Police expects that camping with a firearm must reflect the same standard of care as transporting or storing it at home. That includes taking precautions to prevent unauthorised access and theft.
Common-Sense Tips for Practical Compliance
- Use a purpose-built hard case with padlocks for both firearms and ammo.
- Do a safety check before departure: ensure all firearms are unloaded, bolts removed (where applicable), and ammo is secure.
- Plan ahead: If camping in remote areas, think through how and where you’ll secure your firearm if you’re away from your vehicle or camp.
Special Scenarios
- Travelling with others: Everyone must hold the appropriate licence if they have access to the firearm. It is not sufficient for only one person in the group to be licensed if the firearm is accessible to others.
- Public land: Only licensed hunters with a valid Game Licence for the species in question are permitted to carry firearms on some areas of public land. Check with the relevant authority (e.g. GMA, Parks Victoria, DEECA) for specific rules.
Final Reminder
Every situation is different, and whether your setup is deemed compliant may depend on context. That’s why it’s critical to stay informed, use common sense, and err on the side of caution.
SSAA Victoria encourages all members to:
- Review the Firearm Safety Foundation’s advice on transport
- Revisit the Victoria Police firearm storage standards
If in doubt, ask questions before you go—not after a problem arises.
Stay safe, stay compliant, and enjoy your time in the field.