Melbourne: Crime History Walking Tour & Little Lon Stories

Summary

Walk laneways where madams ruled melbourne’s underworld

You’ll walk Melbourne’s laneways with a real historian, hear gritty stories about gangsters and madams, peek at old police photos, and stand outside buildings that once hid brothels or sly grog shops. Expect laughter, strange details you won’t forget, and moments when the city feels both familiar and completely new.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start a Melbourne historical walking tour outside a tiny gin distillery, but there we were—Little Lon Distilling Co, with its old brick and the faint smell of juniper in the air. Michael, our guide (he’s actually a writer and historian), waved us over and grinned like he had secrets. He pointed at the cottage and said it used to be “a house of ill repute”—which made me laugh because it just looked so ordinary from the outside. The city was noisy behind us, but here it felt like time slowed down for a second.

We wandered through Little Lon, and I kept noticing how the light bounced off those narrow laneways—kind of yellowish, kind of soft. Michael told us about Squizzy Taylor and these women who basically ran the show back then. There was this story about “The Combine”—an all-female crime syndicate—that stuck with me. I could almost picture them arguing in some smoky room above a lolly shop (and yeah, apparently those shops sold more than sweets). At one point, Michael handed around old police photos; seeing their faces made everything feel closer somehow.

I tried to pronounce one of the madams’ names—Li laughed when I butchered it—and then someone asked about sly grog shops. Michael just winked and pointed at an unremarkable doorway. “That’s where half the city got their booze during prohibition,” he said. The stories got darker: shootings, bombings, opium dens tucked behind faded facades. It was weirdly comforting to know that even Melbourne’s shadiest corners have their own kind of resilience. I still think about that last alley we stood in—quiet now except for distant tram bells—and how much history is layered under your feet here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Melbourne's underworld history

• Walk through downtown Melbourne
• Visit Little Lon Distilling Co
• Hear stories from police files
• Learn about Little Lon's madams
• Discover gangsters like Squizzy Taylor
• See former brothels and sly grog shops
• Listen to tales of crime and violence

Top questions

Is this Melbourne historical walking tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children can join as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

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

Who leads the crime history walking tour?

The tour is led by Michael Shelford, a writer and historian.

Does the tour include any printed materials?

You’ll get a booklet featuring photos of characters discussed during the walk.

How long does this Melbourne crime tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but covers downtown Melbourne between c.1870s–1930s sites.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome on this tour.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to or from the starting point?

Yes, public transport options are available close to the meeting spot.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through central Melbourne with stops outside former brothels and sly grog shops; you’ll also get a photo-filled booklet featuring many of the characters you’ll hear about along the way before heading home with some wild stories in your head.