Are children allowed on the tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 due to mature content and safety considerations.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?

The tour follows city sidewalks and is mostly flat, but accessibility details should be confirmed directly with Historic Australia.

What should I wear during the tour?

Wear flat, enclosed shoes and dress comfortably for walking. Bring a raincoat or umbrella if rain is forecast.

Does the tour operate in rainy weather?

Yes, tours run rain or shine unless weather conditions become dangerous.

Are there restroom facilities on the tour route?

No, there are no toilet facilities on-site, so it’s best to use facilities before the tour starts.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes, photography is allowed, but mobile devices should be used only for photos or emergencies.

Fortitude Valley Crime Tour by Historic Australia

Adventure Brief

Step into Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley and uncover the gritty crime scene of the 1970s and 80s on this gripping two-hour walking tour with Historic Australia. Discover the stories behind illegal casinos and the infamous Whiskey Au Go Go firebombing.

2 hours

easy

From A$41.13

Fortitude Valley, located in Brisbane’s inner city, is an urban landscape marked by vibrant nightlife and a storied past. At 327 Brunswick St, this neighborhood now pulses with bars, clubs, and multicultural eateries, but beneath the neon facade lies a shadowed history of crime and controversy from the 1970s and 80s. Historic Australia’s "Moonlight State Fortitude Valley Crime Tour" offers an engrossing two-hour walking experience that unpacks this raw and often grim chapter of the city’s life.

This tour ventures into the heart of Fortitude Valley’s former underground scene where illegal casinos thrived alongside notorious strip clubs and brothels. Guided by knowledgeable storytellers, participants traverse the narrow laneways and corner shops that once acted as fronts for vice operations and covert dealings. The tour culminates at the site of the Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub—a place forever marked by the tragic firebombing that rocked Brisbane’s collective memory.

What sets this experience apart is Historic Australia’s commitment to weaving factual history with local anecdotes, emphasizing the social and cultural forces that shaped this gritty era. The guides’ narration balances respect for the victims and those affected by crime with an unflinching look at the circumstances that enabled Fortitude Valley's darker side to flourish.

The walking route unfolds in an accessible, urban setting, relying on flat city sidewalks, making it approachable for most fitness levels. While the tour’s content contains mature themes—violence, organized crime, and tragedy—it remains a powerful outdoor activity for those keen on urban history beyond typical city sightseeing.

As part of Brisbane’s evolving landscape, Fortitude Valley stands as a stark reminder of how urban spaces transform under pressure from social, economic, and political change. Historic Australia’s guided crime tour offers a distinctive window into the past, allowing visitors to engage with real stories embedded in the city’s fabric, making it an essential stop for those interested in the intersection of place and history.