Fitzroy True Crime Walking Tour: Explore Melbourne's Historic Crime District with a Historian
4.9
91 Ratings
Carlton

Uncover the dark history of Melbourne’s crime district on the Fitzroy True Crime Walking Tour. Explore former brothels, gangland murders, and more with a historian guide.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Fitzroy - Historic buildings and lane ways.
What's Included
  • Tour booklet with character photos
Additional Information

Take part in a riveting 2-hour stroll, exploring the bygone crime jurisdictions of Fitzroy, and familiarize yourself with the vibrant individuals who inhabited Melbourne’s notorious crime district a century ago. The enlightening Fitzroy True Crime Walking Tour is exclusively curated and guided by literature enthusiast and historian, Michael Shelford, leveraging the original police archives ranging from 1890 to the 1920s. Discover the history behind erstwhile brothels, underground bars, infamous gang wars, and violent encounters with law enforcement, among other captivating subjects.

All participants of the tour will be given a complimentary booklet, featuring photographs of the individuals discussed throughout the journey.

Easy accessibility to Fitzroy’s location on the outskirts of Melbourne’s CBD is guaranteed by consistent tram services operating between the city and Fitzroy.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
Location
9 Nicholson St
Nicholson Street
We meet at the entrance doors to Melbourne Museum, 9 Nicholson St Carlton.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(91 Ratings)
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Hilary_o
Sep 22, 2024
A fascinating insight into the past - This tour was thoroughly interesting and enjoyable. Michael brings the past alive with his knowledge of the criminal history of Fitzroy of the early 20th century. We felt we got to know some of the gangsters and police officers of the times. The walk is also very pleasant. We highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Danaeboy
Aug 18, 2024
A great way to spend a Sunday morning. - Absolutely loved this tour, picked up loads of information that I didn’t know about. Michael is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic and I would consider the tour excellent value for money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nooranahm
Jul 22, 2024
Vivid look back in time - Michael brought to life stories from the early 1900s with such depth of knowledge, I could really picture the events. The stories were fascinating and I’ve learnt so much about that period of Melbourne’s history in 2 hours. Our tour was with a small group of about 7 in total. My partner and I will definitely go on the other tours in the CBD next time we’re in Melbourne!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarahjane2178
Jul 21, 2024
You have to do this! - We throughly enjoyed our tour with Michael through Fitroys’ colourful past. I feel like the tour could go all day and talk about every building in the area, as Michael is clearly truely de dictated and knowledgeable about his craft. We will definitely be back to do the other tours!! Thanks again :
Review provided by Tripadvisor
444jenniferm
Jun 23, 2024
Fascinating Insight into History - This is a sensational tour! Had been on our list for years and we finally did it, and so glad we did. Michael is a great tour guide - a wealth of knowledge and funny and interesting stories, along with the history of a very shady time in Fitzroy. We would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nicole_s
Jun 10, 2024
Great way to spend the morning - Fabulous tour, Michael is a great storyteller and knows his facts inside out. He easily held our interest for the two hours. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Knowstravelstuff
Mar 31, 2024
Fun and enjoyable tour of Melbourne’s grimy criminal past - We had a really enjoyable 2 hours walking with Michael around Melbourne’s Fitzroy area. Michael knows his stuff, hardly surprising given that he’s studied so many of the files of Melbourne’s worst criminals of 100 years ago and written much of his material from its Old Gaol! Prepare yourselves for a very fun and informative historical tour of Melbourne’s crime-ridden underbelly. Thoroughly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ann_m
Feb 27, 2024
Michael is a captivating... - Michael is a captivating storyteller. So knowledgeable about the area and the crime stories from the past are riveting.
Review provided by Viator
Michellec877
Feb 4, 2024
Two Hours Well Spent! - Michael's tour was fantastic! It offered a comprehensive insight into "old Fitzroy" in early 20th century. It was great to see all the buildings still standing today. I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in Fitzroy back in the "bad old days"! Thanks Michael.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q8699cekatherines
Jan 16, 2024
A well researched tour - Michael has done his homework! His knowledge of the history of the area shone as we explored the area. He had a lot of stories to share and it was very interesting, the booklet that came with the tour was a nice complement and helped us keep track of the many characters. We will be signing up for his other tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
October 2024
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