Colin Tries: Axe Throwing with MANIAX – Unleashing Our Inner Vikings

There’s something primal, powerful, and strangely therapeutic about hurling a sharpened axe at a wooden target. It’s even better when you’re doing it with your best mates, and under the supervision of trained professionals, of course. So when the Colin team got the invite to live out our Viking fantasies at MANIAX in Melbourne, we grabbed it with both hands (and then one, because that’s how you throw the mini axe).

Tucked away in a super convenient inner-city location, MANIAX is the go-to spot for anyone looking to blow off steam, bond with their crew, or just feel like an absolute badass. From the moment we walked in, the vibe was immaculate, wooden targets, Viking-style decor, craft beer on tap, and the faint smell of pine and adrenaline in the air.

Before we got to unleash our inner shieldmaidens (and shieldbros), we were taken through a comprehensive and genuinely engaging safety session with our resident AXE-pert. Think: structured, informative, and low-key hilarious. It was especially appreciated by Jacinta, who may or may not still be recovering from a minor incident during our last Colin Tries session (we’ll tell that story another time).

Safety first, then chaos.

Throwing an axe is a wild experience, there’s this moment right before your release when you think, “Should I be allowed to do this?” And then, it thunks into the target and you’re instantly hooked. It’s surprisingly empowering. Heavy object? Flying through the air? Landing where you actually aimed it? Lagetha, is that you?

Let’s be real, there were at least three of us dramatically pretending we were storming enemy lines in a Norse saga. And honestly? We weren’t even mad about it.

MANIAX has built an epic reputation since opening its first venue in Sydney back in 2014. Founded by axe-loving duo Adam and Renee Schilling, it all started with a backyard lane and a dream. Now? They’ve expanded to venues across the country, from Perth to the Gold Coast, with over a million visitors and 40 million axes thrown, and only a splinter or two to show for it. Iconic.

Each session comes with a coach who’ll turn even the most hesitant thrower into a hatchet-slinging hero. No experience required, just a willingness to have a go (and maybe to channel your inner warrior). Plus, once you’ve nailed your first bullseye, you can treat yourself to a cold one or a Viking-themed cocktail from the fully licensed bar.

It’s not just about fun either, MANIAX is home to Australia’s largest competitive axe-throwing league and is part of the International Axe Throwing Federation. So whether you're here for the vibes or the victory, there’s a space for everyone.

Final verdict? Add MANIAX to your regular hangout list. It’s adrenaline-pumping, laugh-inducing, and, most importantly, empowering as hell. Consider this your official invitation to pick up an axe, aim true, and let your Viking era begin.