Melbourne Dark History Walking Tour: Explore Crime, Gangsters and 'Little Lon' Era

Uncover the dark and intriguing history of Melbourne on a walking tour led by writer and historian Michael Shelford. Explore the crime, gangsters, and ‘Little Lon’ era of the city, filled with shootings, bombings, brothels, and more.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Little Lon Distilling Co. - Little Lon Distilling Co is a Gin Distillery which operates from Melbourne CBD’s only surviving single story cottage. It also happens to be a former house of ill repute. You will hear stories of the cottage’s former inhabitants, sourced from original police files.
What's Included
  • Tour booklet with character photos
What's Not Included
  • Please bring along your own food and drinks.
Additional Information

Join us as we delve into Melbourne’s history, navigating through the years when a corner shop offered much more than just candies and fizzy drinks. Discover the city’s shadowy past from the 1870s to the 1930s, a time when Melbourne’s downtown poorer quarters, known as ‘Little Lon’, were majorly controlled by women. Understand the struggle for power, the…

Location
282 Exhibition St
Exhibition Street
We meet at the Coopers Inn Hotel, 282 Exhibition St, Melbourne CBD. The Coopers has great food, drink, and a friendly Australian pub atmosphere.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(121 Ratings)
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W2233owcharlien
Jun 15, 2025
Great way to see downtown Melbourne - We had a great time on our tour around Downtown Melbourne! Michael is extremely entertaining and knowledgeable, he leads a great tour! Would highly recommend
Review provided by Tripadvisor
R799mjmichaelj
Jun 12, 2025
Terrific Immersing Tour - This tour is terrific and very immersing. The time flies as Michael takes you back into the seedy past of Melbourne. All the tour had a reference photo compilation of the colourful characters outlined in Michael's discussions. Hopefully next time I am in Melbourne I can go on the other tours Michael offers. Well done.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelle_h
May 30, 2025
Michael kept the tour... - Michael kept the tour very interesting. Learning about the history of Melbournes underworld was very informative
Review provided by Viator
Smclancey
May 30, 2025
Excellent city history tour - Michael was an excellent tour guide. Lots of knowledge about the area and so many stories about the personalities that used to live there. A great way to explore a new aspect of the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G3969zukarenb
May 8, 2025
Great way to spend time in Melbourne. - Given as a gift, this tour proved to be a most enjoyable experience. Michael was incredibly knowledgeable and presented the history/material with passion. We would definitely recommend this tour to both locals and those coming from further afield. Many thanks, K and G.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danny
Apr 16, 2025
Interesting and different tour with real insight and understanding of the social history - Very very knowledgeable guide, gave real insight. Was facsinating to learn about a different t side to Melbourne. Teen friendly too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samantha_s
Apr 13, 2025
Living next door to Squizzy! - What would it be like to live next door to Squizzy and Dolly Taylor! Sly grog, lolly shops and brothel madam’s fighting on street corners. Our guide brought Melbourne’s early gang land history to life with a cast of colourful characters, amusing anecdotal stories and interesting facts. A fun tour.
Review provided by Viator
S1987gokelliem
Mar 9, 2025
Fabulous! - Absolutely excellent tour! Michael's knowledge was incredible and extremely entertaining. Totally enjoyed the tour and already planning the next one. Would highly recommend 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kate
Feb 9, 2025
Well worth it - Fabulous tour with an extremely knowledgeable guide who is a great story teller. Michael brought the area and the people to life. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jillo734
Feb 23, 2025
Worth doing, lots of Melbourne's interesting history to learn. - A great tour, which was over too soon. Michael was knowledgeable and enthusuastic, knew his stuff. Wished there was more of our old city left to explore, but that's progress
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $32
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).