
Melbourne Historical Walking Tour: Crime, Gangsters & Lolly Shops
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
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






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 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers 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.
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
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
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
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
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 runsWhy this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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