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
(140 Ratings)
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Disy50
Feb 28, 2026
Interesting tour! - Excellent! Learnt a lot about the history of Melbourne. Michael was a great storyteller. Lots of stops so an easy walk.
Review provided by Viator
Nicholas_f
Feb 4, 2026
Fascinating tour with a fantastic guide - Fantastic experience! Great pace to the tour. Lots of interesting facts that I didn't know about. Michael is a great storyteller as well with a passion for the topic, it made it a good blend of fun and interest. I am looking forward to doing his other tours of Chinatown and Fitzroy.
Review provided by Viator
Elainew388
Jan 18, 2026
A fascinating trip back in time to a bygone era! - We had a fantastic morning with Michael learning all about the Gangsters and Madams of Melbourne's "Little Lon" area. It was also so lovely to see some of the original buildings still standing and still being used, albeit for more law abiding activities. The little booklet that Michael provided was such a great idea and really helped you picture these real life criminals. If you have a few hours to spare, give this a go. Michael was knowledgeable and although it was serious content, he still made it humorous.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
27kenny27
Jan 15, 2026
Melbourne historical crimes tour - Excellent tour with a very informative and knowledgeable guide, well done
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reece2au
Jan 15, 2026
Brilliant tour - Amazing tour! Michael has so much knowledge and delivered it so well, making content relatable and humours. Such an asset to Melbourne. We thoroughly enjoyed it, will recommend to anyone. Thank you so much.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mandyfv4284xo
Jan 14, 2026
Loved it. - Wonderful and informative. Michael was very friendly and made me feel very welcome. Would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coastal48461981520
Jan 12, 2026
A fascinating peek into cunning and debauchery - The highlight of my Melbourne trip. An absolute must do. Great value for money with well researched, well delivered commentary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edies731
Jan 6, 2026
What a great historical experience - What a great tour - Michael is really entertaining and informative. Went on the tour on the final evening of our Melbourne holiday - it was a great finisher. Hope to take others of his tours in future visits.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Neilo711
Jan 2, 2026
Great tour. - Great knowledge and entertaining walking tour. Gave historical context as well as some fun information. Loved the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alanna
Jan 1, 2026
Michael was the true storyteller. Well researched and delivered his tale in a very interesting way - We have lived in Melbourne for decades and learned much more about our cities historically past from this experience. We highly recommend you join his tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $34
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).