East Sydney Historical True Crime Tour: Step into the Dark Past of 'Razorhurst'
5.0
14 Ratings
Sydney
Step into the dark past of 'Razorhurst' on the East Sydney Historical True Crime Tour. Explore crime scenes, visit homes of vice queens, and uncover forgotten LGBT history. Compare now and then with photos.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Hyde Park - Discover the history of Hyde Park, the ANZAC Memorial and pond. Hear about a cold case murder from the 1920s. The first cricket match between the Australians and English in 1830. The use of Hyde Park by Aboriginal people before colonization.
- Darlinghurst - After leaving Hyde Park you enter the old suburb of Darlinghurst ( aka East Sydney). You will spend the rest of the tour in this suburb exploring old laneways and streets investigating historical crime scenes from 1860 to 1970. Darlinghurst was the most dangerous suburb in Australia between 1890 and 1960. It was full of dangerous slums and ganglands. Here you will see the old Sydney (Darlinghurst) gaol that was built by convicts in 1841 and hear about the inmates and the hangmen. Next is the old Police Station and Courthouse. Finally, you will finish at Kinselas Hotel, a 1930s funeral parlour that has been converted into a bar, on Taylor Square. This is the famous backdrop of Sydney’s LGBT Mardi Gras.
What's Included
- Casefiles eBook included
Additional Information
Discover East Sydney (Darlinghurst), a suburb celebrated for nightlife and the LGBT community but with a hidden, darker past. Once called ‘Razorhurst’ in the 1920s, it was the battleground of prohibition-era gangs. Journey through alleys that once buzzed with criminals, prostitutes, and drug dealers. Highlights include:
Exploring crime scenes, notably the ‘Parkland Killer’ of the 1920s and the chilling ‘Mutilator’ murders of the 1960s.
Visiting homes of vice queens, Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine.
Standing in the shadows of the looming Old Sydney (Darlinghurst) Prison gates to hear about hangmen and inmates.
Learning about segregated African American soldiers in WW2 and their cultural impact on Sydney’s jazz scene.
Admiring Darlinghurst’s Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
Uncovering the forgotten LGBT history from the 19th century.
Compare now and then with photos.
Ending at Kinselas Hotel, a former 1930s funeral parlour, for refreshments and architecture secrets.
Location
Museum Station
We meet in the courtyard of Hydeaway Cafe located behind Museum Station in Hyde Park, Sydney.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(14 Ratings)
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Weirs2007
May 20, 2024
Highly recommended! - If you are intrigued by the darker history of Sydney this is for you. It was great to be led by a guide who, so obviously, did not speak from a script but from in-depth knowledge with a great passion for the history. We will be doing more of these tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H1983lrsusans
Apr 28, 2024
Great Informative Tour - Great tour, lots of interesting and informative stories and pictures, the tour was put together well and the amount of time was perfect, well done Elliot! an interesting activity for visitors and locals!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Traceyhh8690ov
Apr 27, 2024
Great day! - Lots of history and interesting stories.
Awesome tour. Excellent guide! Would highly recommend for everyone locals and tourists.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorraines1334
Apr 20, 2024
The best walking tour of East Sydney - Absolutely enjoyable, full of historical facts all woven together. You could tell that Elliott our guide loved what he was sharing with us. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this tour is a must.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V4047ppjillb
Mar 10, 2024
Very interesting tour. - I had no idea what to expect from this tour and am pleased to say it was highly impressive. Elliot is a very knowledgeable guide apart from being a nice guy. If the group is small enough he will tailor the trip to your interests whether they be history, architecture or true crime. Whether you are a first time visitor to Sydney or a long term resident I guarantee you will learn something interesting on the tour. Feel free to ask questions - Elliot can answer most of them!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chrissi
Mar 9, 2024
The tour was ‘amazing’, Elliot was so knowledgeable and we learnt sooo much !absolutely fascinating, highly recommended👍 - Absolutely fascinating, so much history in Sydney’s suburbs. Elliot was a fountain of knowledge and I can’t wait to do my next one 👍👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sonya_b
Feb 12, 2024
Not to be missed - What a great way to see some of Sydney’s dark past and also the old architecture of East Sydney. Our guide Elliot was brilliant and knew his stuff on the history of the area. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Sydney or looking to do something Different. 10 out of 10!
Review provided by Viator
Karens805
Feb 2, 2024
History brought to life. - An excellent walking tour. So many interesting stories and places. Elliot was a fountain of knowledge and a great storyteller. I highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Triciac935
Jan 29, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable experience! - I attended the Surry Hills Crime Scenes & Secret Laneways walking tour yesterday (28/1/24) with a couple of friends and we all absolutely loved it!! It is such a fun and interesting experience. Elliot is a fountain of information, a fabulous communicator, extremely friendly and a true gentleman. I have also attended the evening, East Sydney/Darlinghurst tour and it was also amazing.
Highly recommend his tours and talks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suzannehp4686nv
Jan 21, 2024
Sydney's seedy past - Our guide Elliot was interesting and informative and made the tour a fun and enjoyable experience. We learned much about early Sydney and the seedy, criminal history it boasted. Seeing the buildings and hearing the stories about the inhabitants was a real plus.
Review provided by Tripadvisor