Melbourne Dark History Walking Tour: Explore Crime, Gangsters and 'Little Lon' Era

Uncover the dark and intriguing history of Melbourne on a walking tour led by writer and historian Michael Shelford. Explore the crime, gangsters, and ‘Little Lon’ era of the city, filled with shootings, bombings, brothels, and more.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 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.
What's Included
  • Tour booklet with character photos
What's Not Included
  • Please bring along your own food and drinks.
Additional Information

Join us as we delve into Melbourne’s history, navigating through the years when a corner shop offered much more than just candies and fizzy drinks. Discover the city’s shadowy past from the 1870s to the 1930s, a time when Melbourne’s downtown poorer quarters, known as ‘Little Lon’, were majorly controlled by women. Understand the struggle for power, the…

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

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(142 Ratings)
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Ars5501bg
May 6, 2026
A Fascinating Tour of Melbourne's Little Lon District - Michael is a very knowledgeable guide who's spent many years researching historical crime from police reports dating back to the late 1800s. On this tour, he passionately recounts the stories behind the buildings and lives of the madams, gangsters and police who operated in the Little Lon district of Melbourne. A fascinating and entertaining tour. I highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aliciasc3268dg
May 4, 2026
Highly recommended - Highly recommend this tour and all the tours that he does. Very knowledgeable and so interesting to know what life was like back in the late 1800s. Also stopping in front of buildings to know the history behind it. We had a private tour as it turned out that it was only my husband and I and our 2 friends. It was really good 👍
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Casandratp
Apr 5, 2026
Interesting stories about Little Lon - We chose the night version of this tour with Michael and he shows a number of interesting facts by projecting slides on the walls which is great. Michael knows his stuff and is so knowledgeable and helpful with no question too silly to ask. You learn so much about the area and its characters, my favourite would be Sarah Dalvean. The only thing that makes me sad is the fact most of the area is now redeveloped unlike Sydney’s dubious areas. This tour is great for history buffs, tourists and locals wanting to learn more about their city. It is suitable for those in wheelchairs as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Disy50
Feb 28, 2026
Interesting tour! - Excellent! Learnt a lot about the history of Melbourne. Michael was a great storyteller. Lots of stops so an easy walk.
Review provided by Viator
Nicholas_f
Feb 4, 2026
Fascinating tour with a fantastic guide - Fantastic experience! Great pace to the tour. Lots of interesting facts that I didn't know about. Michael is a great storyteller as well with a passion for the topic, it made it a good blend of fun and interest. I am looking forward to doing his other tours of Chinatown and Fitzroy.
Review provided by Viator
Elainew388
Jan 18, 2026
A fascinating trip back in time to a bygone era! - We had a fantastic morning with Michael learning all about the Gangsters and Madams of Melbourne's "Little Lon" area. It was also so lovely to see some of the original buildings still standing and still being used, albeit for more law abiding activities. The little booklet that Michael provided was such a great idea and really helped you picture these real life criminals. If you have a few hours to spare, give this a go. Michael was knowledgeable and although it was serious content, he still made it humorous.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
27kenny27
Jan 15, 2026
Melbourne historical crimes tour - Excellent tour with a very informative and knowledgeable guide, well done
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reece2au
Jan 15, 2026
Brilliant tour - Amazing tour! Michael has so much knowledge and delivered it so well, making content relatable and humours. Such an asset to Melbourne. We thoroughly enjoyed it, will recommend to anyone. Thank you so much.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mandyfv4284xo
Jan 14, 2026
Loved it. - Wonderful and informative. Michael was very friendly and made me feel very welcome. Would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coastal48461981520
Jan 12, 2026
A fascinating peek into cunning and debauchery - The highlight of my Melbourne trip. An absolute must do. Great value for money with well researched, well delivered commentary.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $36
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).