Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops
Melbourne, Australia




Overview
Take a walk through downtown Melbourne and learn of an era in which there was much more on offer at the local confectionery store than just lollies and soft drinks. Explore Melbourne’s underworld c.1870’s to 1930’s, an era in which Melbourne’s downtown slum district, ‘Little Lon’, was mostly run by women. Learn about the battle for supremacy, madams who stood their ground against well-known gangsters such as Squizzy Taylor, and an all-female crime syndicate known as ‘The Combine’. Stop outside buildings which were once brothels and sly grog shops (speak easies), and hear the stories of what occurred within their walls and on the streets and laneways around them.
Shootings, bombings, bashings, brothels, robberies, opium, cocaine and sly grog (speak easies).
The tour is designed and delivered by writer and historian, Michael Shelford.
What's Included
- A tour booklet featuring photos of the characters discussed along the way.
- Please bring along your own food and drinks.
What To Expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Little Lon Distilling Co., 17 Casselden Pl, Melbourne Vic, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
The Location
Where To Go
251 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Departure time
Location
Return details
36 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Reviews
Average Rating
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Written Reviews (1)
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Great tour and he is...
Carol T
Great tour and he is very knowledgeable with the history and can give you a great insight into how Melbourne was all those years ago.
So glad I did this and would recommend it if you want an insight into the underworld of Melbourne.
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
Cancellation Policy

Melbourne
Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops
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