Historical Crime & Culture Tour in Melbourne - The Adventure Collective
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Duration
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Overview
Step behind Melbourne’s lively streets into its shadowy past with the Gangsters, Brothels & Lolly Shops Tour. Discover the city’s hidden stories of crime, glamour, and rebellion that shaped its unique character.
Gangsters, Brothels & Lolly Shops, Melbourne Tour
Mon-Sat 11am & 1st Fri every month 7pm | $50 | 2 Hour Tour
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Rates
Adults - $50.00 Children (Aged 16+) - $45.00 Concession Holder - $45.00
Duration
2 Hours
About
The tour group meets at the Coopers Inn Hotel, 282 Exhibition St, Melbourne CBD. From there we head out to explore the streets and laneways which were the home of crime, prostitution and vice 100 years ago.
Shootings, bombings, bashings, brothels, robberies, opium, cocaine and sly grog (speak easies).
We'll take a walk through downtown Melbourne's 'Little Lon' district and learn of an era where there was much more on offer at lolly shops, (Australian for sweet shop or candy store), than just confectionery and soft drinks. We'll explore an underworld which was predominantly run by women and discover stories of the way they stood their ground against well-known gangsters such as Squizzy Taylor. Along the way we will stop outside buildings which were once brothels and sly grog shops (speakeasies), and hear the stories of what occurred within their walls, and on the streets and laneways around them. You will receive a booklet containing photographs of the people featured on the tour so that you can put a face to their adventures. The tour finishes at Madame Brussels Lane (50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne CBD).
- You will receive a booklet containing photographs of the people featured on the tour so that you can put a face to their adventures.
- You will get to know what it was like to live in Melbourne's inner-city slums 100 years ago.
Where to Meet
The tour group meets at the Coopers Inn Hotel, 282 Exhibition St, Melbourne's CBD.
Adventure Tips
Stay aware of your surroundings
Keep your senses alert during the walking tour to fully absorb the vivid stories and spot hidden historical markers.
Dress comfortably for walking
Wear sturdy shoes and light clothing suitable for navigating Melbourne’s streets and alleyways.
Bring a notebook or camera
Capture interesting facts and photos of historic sites to enhance your experience.
Arrive early for the tour
Getting to the meeting spot a few minutes early ensures a relaxed start and better engagement.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- City birds like pigeons and cockatoos.
- Occasional urban fox sightings in darker alleyways.
History
Melbourne’s underground crime scene played a major role in shaping the city’s reputation for resilience and reinvention during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes respecting historic sites and supports local heritage preservation efforts, ensuring Melbourne’s stories continue to be celebrated sustainably.
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Adventure Hotspots in Melbourne
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for navigating Melbourne's historic streets and alleyways comfortably.
Light layered clothing
Adjust for weather changes and outdoor conditions during the tour.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture images of historic sites and intriguing details along the route.
Notebook and pen
Jot down interesting facts and stories to remember your experience.