Brisbane CBD: True Crime Walking Tour with Jack Sim

Summary

Walk Brisbane’s shadowy history with stories you’ll remember

You’ll walk through central Brisbane hearing true crime stories right where they happened, guided by crime-writer Jack Sim himself. Expect strange details, dark humor, and moments where history feels uncomfortably close. Bring your own torch (seriously) and get ready for two hours that might change how you see the city after dark.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided true crime tour in Brisbane CBD

• Meet guide Jack Sim
• Walk three city blocks
• Explore two centuries of crime
• Visit Mad Butcher of Queen Street site
• See Arcade Murder location
• View last public execution site
• Stop at Regent Theatre shootout scene

Top questions

How long is the Bloody Brisbane CBD Crime Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Who leads the Brisbane crime walking tour?

The tour is led by experienced guides, often Jack Sim himself.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to bring anything for this crime tour?

You must bring your own torch or use a torch app on your smartphone.

Are children allowed on this Brisbane crime tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old; those 15 or under must be supervised by an adult.

Where does the Bloody Brisbane CBD Crime Tour take place?

The tour covers three city blocks in Brisbane’s CBD, visiting historic true crime scenes.

Is proof of vaccination required for this walking tour?

Yes, all travelers must show proof of full vaccination or valid exemption unless under age 16.

What should I wear on this walking tour?

You must wear flat-soled enclosed shoes; sandals or high heels are not allowed.

What’s included

Your evening includes a two-hour guided walk through historic parts of Brisbane’s CBD with an expert local guide sharing real true crime stories at each stop. You’ll visit actual sites from infamous cases like the Arcade Murder and Regent Theatre shootout. Just remember to bring your own torch or use your phone light — everything else is taken care of once you meet up downtown.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel a chill in the middle of Queen Street Mall, but there I was — listening to Jack Sim talk about the “Mad Butcher” right where it happened. The city looks so clean and shiny these days, but he had us picturing a completely different Brisbane. People passing by barely glanced at our little group, torches in hand (yeah, you need to bring your own — phone lights work). There was this faint smell of popcorn from a nearby cinema mixing with something old and musty in the air, like the city itself was holding its breath.

Jack’s got this way of telling stories that makes you forget you’re standing next to a Zara. He’d pause just long enough for someone to ask, “Wait, that really happened here?” and then he’d grin and nod. At one spot — I think it was near the site of the last public execution — he pointed out a patch of pavement and said, “Imagine the crowd right here.” It made me look at everyone around us differently for a second. Someone’s phone buzzed and we all jumped. Maybe that sounds silly, but it’s true.

The tour covered maybe three city blocks but felt like time-travel. We stopped at old arcades and outside the Regent Theatre (I still think about that shootout story). It wasn’t just facts; there were weird little details — like how people used to gather for hangings as if it was Saturday entertainment. Not everything landed perfectly; sometimes I lost track of which year we were in, or who did what, but honestly? That just made it feel more real. Jack answered every random question we threw at him (someone asked about ghosts — he laughed), and even when I stumbled over my torch app he waited without making me feel dumb.