Beginning the initial planning for a Buff and scrub bull hunt in Australia (out of Darwin) in Jun of '08. Planning to take either my Ruger RSM 416 or my old Win Mod 70 in 375. After searching the forum, I didn't find the nuts & bolts on taking my rifle over and getting it into the bush to hunt with. One outfitter advised me not to take my own rifle, rather use his as I could lose valuable hunting time messing with the local authorities on my rifle import. That can't happen - too much emotion attached to shooting my own stuff. HELP

I've taken rifles into Melbourne from Italy before.

Can't remember the exact procedure offhand but you need to get in touch with customs and the local firarms service, they were pretty helpful but if you're going to Darwin you wont't be dealing with the same offices.
They send you out some import paperwork (or you can download it from the customs website, I think) that needs to be approved before you go in, and give it at least a month or 3 before you intend to arrive.

Here are the numbers I used they might be able to point you in the right direction.

Firearms Service: 0061 3 92473195
Customs: 0061 3 93391317

You will lose time when you arrive in customs, but we're talking about maybe an hour at the most, so it's no big deal.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

I took my rifle to Australia/NT last year for buffalo,i had no problems at all Australia customs were very helpful.

Your outfitter should help with the paperwork.

Which outfitter are you using Pancho?

Some can help with permits - others can't.

I am happy to assist with anything...

Cheers
Matt

Matt, would you care to post something along the lines of what Top Predator has suggestedSticky thread but for our side of the ditch. This may help out out US/Eurpoean friends who are thinking of coming here.

will do Bakes - but it is very complicated by the different states - different rules. I will do what I can - just heading off for five days but I will do it when I get back.

MG

Pancho, I hunted out of Darwin last year. My guide, Graham Williams sent over the forms. We had to complete the forms and send them back with a passport photo. A few weeks later we recieved our Northern Territory temporary firearms license and our paperwork. The license looks like a driver's license we have in the states. We flew into Brisbane and presented the papers to the customs officer, and had no problems at all. Everyone we dealt with was very polite and helpful. No problems coming or going. Hope this helps a bit.

Thanks Matt that will be great. What about just doing the states your familiar with ie NT, NSW.

I hunted with Brenton Hurt last year. His wife Anne handled all the paperwork, sent me the forms and filed them for me. I had no trouble. We flew to Sydney then Cairnes then went hunting. None of the hotels had any problems with the firearm. We stayed at the a casino in Darwin and they were the only ones that even asked me to check in my rifle. I just checked them at the desk when I arrived and checked it out when I left. Everyone I spoke with in Australia was very helpful with any questions.