What Is Axe Throwing? A Guide for First-Timers in Hervey Bay

Axe throwing has exploded in popularity over the past decade and for good reason. It’s incredibly fun, weirdly therapeutic and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you are booking a night out, a birthday, or a casual session with your mates.

If you’ve walked by The Salty Axe or Aquavue and seen (or heard) people throwing axes at wooden targets and thought to yourself, 'What the hell is going on there?', then this guide is for you.

So, What Exactly Is Axe Throwing?

Axe throwing is a social sport where you throw axes at a wooden target to score points. Think darts...but with more oomph and way better bragging rights.

A standard session usually includes:

• A quick safety briefing

• Coaching from trained staff

• Time to practice

• Games and friendly competition

• Scorekeeping (and maybe a scoreboard victory photo)

There’s no experience needed, just a willingness to have a crack.

How Axe Throwing Works (Step by Step)

The Lane Setup

Here at The Salty Axe, we have 6 professional lanes. Depending on your group size, you’ll be allocated a lane of up to 3 people (bookings and payments are per person). 

Our lane setup includes:

• A fully caged lane (safety is of course our top priority) 

• Premium hoop pine wooden targets with stencilled scoring rings

• Premium WATL (World Axe Throwing League) Estwing axes 

• Clearly marked throw lines you must stand behind

• A choice of two axes to throw

Additionally, we have timber wine barrels and seating areas along with bar style seating along lanes one and four to spectate and enjoy the action. 

The Throw

You will be coached on:

• How to stand

• Where to aim

• How to grip the axe

• How to release it so it sticks beautifully in the target

• All safety principles and best practices for the safety of you and other patrons

Once you’ve got the basics, you’ll be able to throw freely or take part in any games or challenges. 

Is Axe Throwing Dangerous?

Short answer: No. Absolutely not. At The Salty Axe, safety is our absolute number one priority. Our experienced coaches supervise every session, teach correct handling and keep everyone enjoying themselves. 

Your session has been designed so that you, your coaches and fellow axe throwing patrons are all kept as safe as possible. It’s also up to you and your group to abide by the safety standards outlined in your safety waivers and briefings. 

While it is an inherently dangerous activity, it’s completely safe in a controlled environment like the one we’ve created here at The Salty Axe. 

Why Axe Throwing Is Safe

• Trained coaches are always supervising

• Only one thrower per lane at a time

• Axes are purpose-built for the sport

• Lanes are separated and enclosed

• Clear safety rules keep everyone protected

Who Can Participate?

Participants must be 16 years of age and over to throw it down in our axe lanes. ID must be presented upon check-in, along with all waivers and permissions signed. If you’re under the age of 18, you’ll need a parent or legal guardian present throughout your session to supervise, along with a signed waiver. 

You do not need strength, skill, or athleticism. If you can hold an axe and follow instructions, you can participate in axe throwing as long as you meet the age requirements and are fully able. 

What to Wear and Bring

To get the most out of your axe throwing session, we recommend the following:

• Enclosed footwear (non-negotiable)

• Comfortable clothing 

• If you have long hair, we’d recommend tying your hair back

What to bring:

• Identification if you’re under 18 years of age

Axe Throwing Rules & Etiquette

Following the rules keeps everyone safe and ensures you and/or your group have fun. 

The Basics

• Stay behind the throwing line

• Wait until all axes have landed before retrieving

• No crossing into other lanes

• Never throw without a coach’s go-ahead

• Ensure you remain behind the lane chain while others are throwing

• Keep the horseplay to a minimum (save it for after your bullseye photo)

• Drinking and throwing is strictly prohibited. We do have a licensed beer garden, so you’re more than welcome to order your drinks and food after your session and when the axes are safely back on the wall

Beginners: What to Expect at Your First Session

Here is how a typical first-time session flows:

1. Welcome + Sign-in

2. Safety briefing

3. Technique demonstration

4. Warm-up throws

5. Games & free throw (the fun bit)

6. Photos + bragging rights

Most people land an axe within their first few throws. And yes, it feels as satisfying as it looks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is axe throwing difficult?

It might appear tricky to begin with, but once you’ve had a couple of throws, it becomes a lot easier, quite quickly. Most beginners pick it up within minutes. It’s surprisingly addictive once you’ve ‘stuck’ the first axe. 

Does it hurt your shoulder or arm?

Generally speaking, no. It’s all about technique and precision, rather than power. If you have an existing or pre-existing injury, there is the possibility that axe throwing could exacerbate it. 

Can kids try axe throwing? Is there a minimum age requirement? 

As long as you’re 16 years or over, then yes, you can try axe throwing here in Hervey Bay. You’ll just need parental supervision, ID and a waiver signed if you’re under 18. 

Can I book a party or event?

Hell yeah you can! The Salty Axe is perfect for birthdays, bucks, hens, team building and family outings. We have a date/mate package available as an add on, so you can add on drinks and food to your ‘Classic Chuck’ bookings.

Alternatively, we have regular group bookings and premium party packages available that include food and/or alcohol should you choose to add that on after your team has thrown. 

Contact hello@thesaltyaxe.com.au for additional information and details on our premium party packages. 

Do I need to book ahead?

Bookings are highly encouraged/recommended, especially on weekends. Walk-ins are certainly welcome, however, we can’t guarantee that you’ll secure a lane without a booking. 

Why The Salty Axe Is the Best Place to try Axe Throwing

At The Salty Axe, you get:

• A fun, welcoming, non-intimidating atmosphere (we’re all about inclusivity and genuinely want every member of our community to experience it for the first time)

• Friendly, fully trained coaches

• Modern, safe, professional lanes

• Games designed for groups, couples, families and total newbies

• A top-tier location right next door to Aquavue (enjoy your post session beer in the beer garden, overlooking the ocean - doesn’t get much better, right!?). 

Food and drink is available at Aquavue after your session. Order via the QR codes, ask your friendly coaches about the menu and or place an order over at Aquavue. There's no doubt you will have earned it.

Why Did We Create The Salty Axe? 

There was a huge gap in the market on the Fraser Coast. Hervey Bay was missing an exciting activity that could bring the community together along the Hervey Bay foreshore. 

Rather than driving hours to try axe throwing in Brisbane, or axe throwing on the Gold Coast, we brought that same activity here so our region could experience it for themselves, without feeling like they were missing out. 

Ready to Try Axe Throwing in Hervey Bay?

Whether you’re celebrating, blowing off steam, planning a date night, or just want to try something new, axe throwing is the perfect activity. 

Book your session, grab your mates and prepare for an insanely fun time at Hervey Bay’s first dedicated axe-throwing venue.

See you in the axe lanes🪓

We’re located at 415a Esplanade, Torquay (right next door to Aquavue). 

For more information and to make a booking, visit the website thesaltyaxe.com.au 

Prefer to make a booking over the phone? Contact our team on (07) 4125 5528