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

Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops

Outty Ranking 86 5.0 · 154 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $20
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Outty Ranking

86/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 154 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops worth booking?

Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops is a 2-hour experience in Melbourne, Australia, from $20 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 154 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
86 / 100
Rating
5/5 (154)
Duration
2 hours
From
$20 per person

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 you get

    About this experience

    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

    Included

    • A tour booklet featuring photos of the characters discussed along the way.

    Not included

    • Please bring along your own food and drinks.

    What you'll see and do

    1. 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.

      10 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Melbourne

    We meet at the Coopers Inn Hotel, 282 Exhibition St, Melbourne CBD. The Coopers has great food, drink, and a friendly Australian pub atmosphere.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour finishes at the corner of Lonsdale Street and Madame Brussels Lane.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 20 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Melbourne Historical Crime Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult

    Photos

    Outside former house of ill repute., Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly ShopsMelbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops, photo 3Notorious Black Eagle Lane., Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly ShopsA former 'lolly shop'., Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly ShopsInside a former sly grog shop (speak easy)., Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly ShopsYour host., Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 153 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    153 verified traveler reviews for Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    149
    4 star
    4
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Margo_H · October 2026

    Margo

    An excellent walk. Michael was well informed and presented historical information in a very engaging way. I've been telling anyone who will listen how worthwhile the walk is. Thank you!

    via Viator

    Judy_W · September 2026

    Great Historical Crime Tour

    Michael was a wonderful story teller and historian. We enjoyed his walking tour very much and we highly recommend it! Thank you for sharing Melbourne's history with us Michael.

    via Viator

    505belindaf · September 2026

    Fascinating and expertly led tour

    Outstanding tour, so interesting and very well run. Michael truly is an expert in the field and was able to entertain us with wonderful stories supported by years of research. Highly recommend.

    via Tripadvisor

    Pamela_J · September 2026

    One of the best tours

    If you’re intersted in history that is both factual yet quirky this is for you. It’s not Art Galleries or scenic landscapes it’s set in small areas of Melbourne and delves to bring alive the streets and buildings around. Fascinating and a must do!

    via Viator

    Mobile09265343265 · August 2026

    A tour not to miss

    Michael was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the area we covered. Such an interesting tour with so much information. The way Michael explained the lives and historical events of the residents in the area gave us a good understanding of what their daily lives were like.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Price range
    $20 to $50
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    54
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Melbourne Historical Crime Tours, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.9.

    See everything Melbourne Historical Crime Tours runs

    Why this scores 86

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)98
    Review evidence (18% weight)69
    Booking momentum (14% weight)64
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)80
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Melbourne.

    How much does Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops cost?

    +

    Prices start at $20 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Melbourne usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Melbourne is not rushed.

    Is Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 154 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Melbourne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops?

    +

    Around 54 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Melbourne can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Melbourne and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Melbourne within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Melbourne?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Melbourne experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include From Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Cider & Chocolate tour, Melbourne: Epic Yarra Valley Wine Tour & Lunch - Gin/Beer Upgrade, Yarra Valley Wine Tour from Melbourne - Choc, Gin & Good Times. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Melbourne?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Melbourne?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops?

    +

    Included: A tour booklet featuring photos of the characters discussed along the way. Not included: Please bring along your own food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops?

    +

    We meet at the Coopers Inn Hotel, 282 Exhibition St, Melbourne CBD. The Coopers has great food, drink, and a friendly Australian pub atmosphere. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Melbourne. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops?

    +

    Across 154 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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