Surry Hills Crime Scene Walking Tour by Walk Talk Explore
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Basic physical fitness needed to comfortably walk urban streets and handle moderate standing time.
Overview
Step into Sydney’s shadowed past with a two-hour Surry Hills crime scene walking tour. Investigate notorious murders and gang rivalries while wandering historic streets and piecing together cold case clues.
Surry Hills Crime Scene Walking Tour (2hrs)
For all ages! • Explore the dark history of Sydney's Surry Hills!
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About This Adventure
Embark on a chilling two-hour walking tour through Sydney's Surry Hills, uncovering the dark history of notorious crime scenes from 1820 to 1930. Investigate cold cases, explore iconic locations, and learn about the fierce underworld rivalries. With a complimentary e-book of evidence, you'll piece together the mysteries of the past.
A TRUE CRIME DISCOVERY WALK
Duration
Up To 2 Hours
About your adventure
On this not-so-typical walking tour, you will meander through dark alleys and winding lanes, exploring the dark history of Sydney’s Surry Hills. You will investigate the ghastly crime scenes of historical murders committed between 1820 and 1930. They took place in the old terraces, back lanes, and iconic street corners. You will stand at the exact spot where the bodies were found and wander around the old detectives' crime scene.
Some of the once sensational crime scenes to be revealled are:
The Sophia Street Mystery
The Crown Street Horror
The Golden Fleece Riot
Why Surry Hills?
Before the cool cafes and trendy bars began to appear, this inner-city suburb was known for sly grog, illegal gambling, prostitution and the drug trade. The old push gangs of Sydney fought fierce battles for control of the streets. All this will be revealed to you on the tour.
What You Can Also Expect On This Tour
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Investigate a cold-case murder from the 1920s using actual crime scene evidence and new insights. You will walk away feeling pretty confident that you have identified the actual killer who got away with murder.
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Be introduced to the long-forgotten third queen of Sydney's underworld. She rivalled Kate Leigh for control of Surry Hills, poisoned many of Tilly Devine's sex workers, and was considered too extreme for the Underbelly tv series.
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See the home and final sly-grog shop of the notorious Kate Leigh, Queen of the Sydney underworld.
And much more!!
The Case Files
Your tour ticket price includes a complimentary copy of the 'Murders Most Foul: Surry Hills Case Files e-Book'. The book contains actual police evidence, crime scene photography, witness reports, newspaper articles and coroner’s reports for each case. With the help of your guide, you will use the evidence to piece together clues and reconstruct old crime scenes.
Best of all, you get to take it home in the end!!
Ye old hotel
The tour ends near the 140-year-old Dove & Olive Hotel on Devonshire Street. Stay for lunch or catch the light rail back to Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay or Randwick. Elliot, will typically sit with you and share some tales about the pub and its notorious past patrons. It is also an excellent opportunity to ask further questions and share some of your own stories with like-minded individuals.
What to bring?
- We recommend you bring the following items:
- Sunscreen
- A hat
- Comfortable closed shoes
- A bottle of cold water
- Wet weather gear (if rain is forecast)
- A torch is recommended for night tours
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
The two-hour tour includes walking on uneven urban surfaces and alleys.
Bring a water bottle
Stay hydrated as the tour moves through outdoor areas without frequent water stops.
Prepare for weather changes
Sydney’s weather can shift quickly; bring rain gear or sun protection depending on the forecast.
Use your complimentary e-book
Review the case files before and after the tour to deepen your understanding of each crime scene.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban bird species such as Australian magpies
- Common brushtail possums in nearby green spaces
History
Surry Hills was a notorious hub for illegal activities before its modern gentrification, especially from the 19th to early 20th century.
Conservation
Tour operators encourage respectful interaction with the urban environment and promote awareness of heritage building preservation in Surry Hills.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sydney
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable closed walking shoes
Protects feet while navigating city sidewalks, alleys, and uneven pavement.
Weather-appropriate layered clothing
Helps adjust to Sydney’s variable weather during the tour.
all specific
Sun protection (hat and sunscreen)
Shields skin during exposure to Sydney’s UV rays in open sections.
spring|summer|fall specific
Small flashlight or torch
Useful for night tours or dimly lit alleys in the later months.