Dark Side of Launceston: Crime & Colonial History Walking Tour

Murder, gaols and gallows: Launceston's hidden criminal past

The Dark Side of Launceston is a 2-hour evening walking tour through central Launceston led by a local guide, exploring the city's colonial-era crimes, public executions, bushrangers and infamous characters. The tour visits the locations where these events unfolded (former gaols, gallows sites and crime scenes), and weaves in ghost stories, local legends and the legacy of the Black War in northern Tasmania. Small groups allow time for questions and conversation throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening walking tour of Launceston's history

• Walk through Launceston after dark
• Hear stories of murder and punishment
• Discover former gaols and gallows locations
• Learn about the Black War's impact
• Uncover ghost stories and local legends

The experience

What makes this tour different is that it walks you through the streets where Launceston's darkest history actually happened. Rather than a museum or a general history lesson, you're standing at the sites of murders, daring escapes and public executions from the colonial era. The guide draws on historical research and little-known stories to show you a version of Tasmania's oldest city that most visitors never encounter: one shaped by crime, punishment and the people who left a lasting mark on the place.

The evening timing matters: walking after dark changes how you experience the city and sets the tone for stories about gaols, gallows and the unexplained happenings locals talk about. You'll hear about notorious figures and the impact of the Black War on the region, all while exploring the actual locations connected to these events. The small-group format means you can ask questions and have a real conversation with someone who knows these histories inside out.

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are available nearby if you need them. The tour suits all fitness levels and welcomes service animals. Minimum age is 13.

What’s included

• 2-hour guided evening walking tour through central Launceston.
• local guide leading the group.
• small-group experience with time for questions and conversation.
• storytelling focused on the city's colonial crimes, executions, bushrangers and infamous characters.
• exploration of ghost stories and local legends connected to Launceston's past.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and ThursdayDeparts at 17:30

Book up to20h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Launceston By Foot

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to move beyond Launceston's well-known attractions and hear the stories locals know: the ones about crime, punishment and the people who shaped the city's darker history. The evening timing and small-group format make it a conversation, not a lecture.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What kind of stories does the guide tell on this tour?

The Dark Side of Launceston covers colonial-era murders, public executions, the operations of former gaols, daring escapes by bushrangers and the legacy of the Black War in northern Tasmania. The guide also shares ghost stories, local legends and unexplained happenings tied to the city's past.

Where does the tour actually take you?

You walk through central Launceston after dark, visiting the locations where historical crimes and punishments took place: former gaol sites, gallows locations and crime scenes. The route stays in the city center and is fully wheelchair accessible.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs for 2 hours in the evening. It's designed as an evening experience, so you'll be walking through Launceston after dark.

Can I ask questions during the tour?

Yes. The small-group format is built to allow time for questions and conversation with the guide throughout the 2 hours.

Is there a minimum age for this tour?

The minimum age is 13. The tour covers historical crime and punishment, so it's pitched at teenagers and adults rather than younger children.