About this tour
A 2-hour walking tour through downtown Melbourne exploring the city's criminal underworld from the 1870s to 1930s, when the slum district 'Little Lon' was largely controlled by women. Led by historian Michael Shelford, you'll visit former brothels and illegal bars while learning about female crime syndicates, notorious gangsters like Squizzy Taylor, and the madams who fought for control of Melbourne's underworld. Includes a tour booklet with historical photographs.
Highlights
- Female-run crime syndicate 'The Combine' and women who dominated Little Lon's underworld
- Stories of Squizzy Taylor and other notorious gangsters operating in 1870s–1930s Melbourne
- Stop outside original brothels, sly grog shops and locations of shootings, bombings, robberies
- Guided by historian Michael Shelford, author and expert on Melbourne's criminal history
- Tour booklet with period photographs of key characters and locations discussed
- Wheelchair accessible route through downtown Melbourne with accessible public transport nearby
- Suitable for all fitness levels; infants welcome in prams or strollers
What to expect
You'll meet your guide in downtown Melbourne and walk through the historic streets and laneways of the city's former slum district. As you move between locations, your guide will point out buildings that once housed illegal gambling, alcohol smuggling and sex work, explaining the specific crimes, rivalries and personalities that shaped Melbourne's underworld during this period. You'll hear detailed accounts of turf wars, the women who ran syndicates, and the violence that erupted on these streets.
The tour wraps up after 2 hours, having covered the major sites and stories of this era. You'll keep the tour booklet with photographs to reference later. The pace is walking-based and steady; no climbing or strenuous activity involved.
What travellers say
- Specialist guide with deep knowledge of Melbourne's criminal history and primary sources
- Focuses on women's roles and agency—often overlooked in crime history narratives
- Concrete, specific stories tied to real buildings and locations you can actually see
- Fully accessible for wheelchair users, prams and people of all fitness levels
- Compact 2-hour format fits easily into a sightseeing day
- Content covers violence and adult themes; may not suit young children
- No food or drinks provided; you must bring your own refreshments
- Outdoor walking in all weather; check conditions for comfort in heat or rain
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour suits anyone interested in criminal history, Australian social history, or stories of women operating in male-dominated underworld networks. It's accessible for people of all fitness levels and works well for families with children, though note that content centres on crime, violence and adult themes like drug trafficking and sex work—parents should judge whether it's appropriate for their kids. Wheelchair users and people with prams are well catered for; all surfaces are accessible and public transport is nearby. Bring your own water and snacks; none are provided. Small-group format typical of walking tours. Peak times likely weekends and school holidays.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.