If you’re looking for a unique way to experience Melbourne’s history, the Collingwood Crime Crawl offers a compelling mix of storytelling, local lore, and historic pub visits. Led by true crime author Michael Shelford, this 3-hour tour isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding a gritty chapter of Melbourne’s past, from youth gangs to illegal gambling enterprises. It’s perfect for history buffs, pub enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the city’s more colorful and criminal chapters.
What really draws us in is the authentic atmosphere — you’re not just listening to stories; you’re walking through real historic venues that have seen the good, bad, and downright infamous. We also appreciate how the tour balances entertainment with historical insight and keeps it responsible with a focus on respectful storytelling. One thing to consider: drinks and food are not included, so plan to buy along the way if you’re hungry or thirsty.
This tour suits travelers who love a bit of history with their ales, enjoy storytelling rooted in real events, and prefer small groups for a more personal experience. If that sounds like your kind of sightseeing, read on for a detailed look at what’s in store.
Key Points
- Authentic Historic Venues: Four iconic pubs rich in history and stories.
- Engaging Stories: True crime tales intertwined with Melbourne’s past.
- Limited Food/Drinks Included: You’ll want to bring extra cash for purchases.
- Small Group Atmosphere: Max 20 travelers, making it intimate and engaging.
- Expert Guide: Led by Melbourne-based true crime author Michael Shelford.
- Value for Money: At around $36, you’re getting a rich, storytelling experience.
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Contents
- Key Points
- What to Expect from the Collingwood Crime Crawl
- Meeting Point and First Impressions
- The Stops: A Mix of History and Legend
- The Experience: What Travellers Say
- The Value of the Tour Booklet
- Considerations
- Practical Details and Tips
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- The Sum Up: Why Choose the Collingwood Crime Crawl?
- FAQs about the Collingwood Crime Crawl
- Our Top Picks in Melbourne
- More Tour Reviews in Melbourne
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Melbourne we have recnetly reviewed
What to Expect from the Collingwood Crime Crawl
This tour is a fascinating walk through Melbourne’s less-polished past, focusing on the rougher side of the city’s history from the 1860s to early 20th century. The tour lasts approximately three hours and includes six stops, each offering a peek into different facets of Melbourne’s underground and criminal life. It’s designed to be both educational and entertaining, with storytelling that appeals to history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Melbourne.
Meeting Point and First Impressions
You start at the historic Birmingham Hotel in Fitzroy, a building dating back to 1853. Here, you’re greeted with an introduction to the tour and some of the most compelling stories about the pub itself and the surrounding area. The Birmingham is more than just a pub — it’s a piece of living history, and its age alone provides a fitting start to your journey into Melbourne’s past.
The Stops: A Mix of History and Legend
The Birmingham Hotel
Our first stop offers a cozy setting for the opening act of this crime drama. You’ll hear about the early days of Melbourne’s streets and the youth gangs that roamed them, known as ‘larrikin pushes’. The stories are vivid, and the venue’s history adds a layer of authenticity. You can buy drinks or snacks here if you wish, but many find the stories enough to keep their interest piqued.
Albion Hotel Collingwood
Next, the tour moves inside the Albion Hotel. This pub has seen generations of locals come and go; it’s a hub of community life with a dark side. Expect tales of violence, illegal activities, and police crackdowns. The guide’s storytelling makes the history come alive, and the pub’s ambiance helps you imagine what life was like during Melbourne’s more lawless times.
The Tote Hotel
The Tote Hotel outside is one of Melbourne’s most famous rock venues, but it’s also steeped in history. Outside, we hear about its early years and some true crime stories linked to Melbourne’s underground scene. The brief stop outside is a highlight for music lovers and those interested in Melbourne’s rebellious side, giving you a snapshot of a venue that’s been more than just a music spot.
Bendigo Hotel Collingwood
Inside the Bendigo Hotel, another legendary spot in Melbourne’s live music circuit, the stories continue—this time focusing on the illegal gambling enterprise known as the John Wrens Collingwood Tote, Melbournes’s biggest illegal betting operation. The pub’s role as a hub for boozy nights and gang conflicts makes it a perfect setting to understand the city’s street-level crime. You’ll also learn about Australia’s largest illegal gambling enterprise, adding context to Melbourne’s underground economy.
Victoria Park
Standing near the Victoria Park sports ground, home to the Collingwood Magpies, the tour offers a different flavor—sports history mixed into the crime stories. It’s a chance to see a more community-oriented side of Collingwood, with tales of local legends, rivalries, and the role of sports in the city’s social fabric.
The Yarra Hotel
The final stop, the Yarra Hotel, closes the tour on a high note. This historic pub provides a fitting backdrop for stories of corruption, violence, and the boisterous nightlife of old Melbourne. You’re encouraged to purchase a drink and reflect on what you’ve learned during the tour, making it a relaxed finish after an immersive experience.
The Experience: What Travellers Say
Feedback from past participants highlights the engaging storytelling and the vivid descriptions of Melbourne’s darker past. One reviewer calls it “awesome,” praising Michael Shelford’s knowledge and entertainment value. They note that the stories offer real insights into life during those times, making the experience both fun and educational.
Another reviewer mentioned that this is their second tour with Melbourne Historical Crime Tours, and they’re already looking forward to a third. This enthusiasm speaks to the tour’s ability to keep visitors engaged, whether they’re history buffs or just curious about Melbourne’s underbelly.
The Value of the Tour Booklet
Included in the experience is a tour booklet with photos of the characters discussed and other interesting tidbits. This makes it easier to connect stories to real people and places, and it’s a keepsake that adds extra value beyond the storytelling.
Considerations
While the tour is rich in storytelling and atmosphere, drinks and food are not included in the price. You’ll want to budget for additional purchases if you’re hungry or thirsty along the way. Also, the tour is designed for most travelers and is suitable for those with mobility, but very young children or those sensitive to violence and crime stories should consider this before booking.
Practical Details and Tips
- The tour starts at 2:00 pm from 333 Smith St, Fitzroy, and ends near the Yarra Hotel in Abbotsford. It’s accessible via public transport, making it convenient to reach.
- The tour’s maximum group size is 20, fostering an intimate environment where you can ask questions and engage with the guide.
- Cost-wise, $35.86 per person offers a solid value given the storytelling, historic venues, and the expertise of Michael Shelford.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and standing inside pubs.
- Come prepared with cash or cards for extra drinks or snacks during the stops.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy stories rooted in reality, appreciate historic pubs, and have an interest in Melbourne’s more unruly past. It’s also a hit with music lovers and those curious about how crime and entertainment intertwined in the city’s history. Since the tour is fairly laid-back and small in size, it’s perfect for those who prefer an intimate, storytelling-driven experience rather than a large bus or generic historical tour.
The Sum Up: Why Choose the Collingwood Crime Crawl?
For anyone wanting to combine Melbourne’s history with a lively, tangible atmosphere, this tour offers a rich narrative experience. You’ll visit iconic venues, hear stories of youth gangs, illegal gambling, and police clashes, all brought to life by an engaging guide with a genuine passion for crime history. It’s a fun, educational way to see a different side of Melbourne that most visitors miss.
While it’s not a pub crawl in the traditional sense — drinks aren’t included — it’s an immersive journey that leaves you with a deeper understanding of Melbourne’s rougher days. Perfect for history enthusiasts, music fans, or anyone intrigued by Melbourne’s colourful past.
If you’re after a lively, storytelling experience that’s both fun and informative, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to bring some cash for drinks and snacks, and prepare to see Melbourne through a slightly more rebellious lens.
Collingwood Crime Crawl
“Michael has so much knowledge and was very entertaining. He gave insights into life of those times. This was our second tour and we are looking for…”
FAQs about the Collingwood Crime Crawl
Is this tour suitable for children or families?
It’s generally designed for most travelers and most ages, but the themes of violence and crime mean it’s best suited for older children or teenagers comfortable with these topics.
Can I buy drinks or food during the tour?
Yes, each pub allows you to purchase food and drinks if you wish. Drinks and food are not included in the tour price.
How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 hours, covering six stops with plenty of stories along the way.
What is the meeting point?
You meet at the Birmingham Hotel, 333 Smith St in Fitzroy, and the tour ends near the Yarra Hotel in Abbotsford.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s near public transportation, but checking specific accessibility details with the provider is recommended.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking and standing; casual attire is fine.
Are drinks or snacks included?
No, they are available for purchase at each venue, but not covered as part of the tour.
How many people are in a group?
The maximum group size is 20, ensuring an intimate experience.
In sum, the Collingwood Crime Crawl offers a lively, authentic glimpse into Melbourne’s more unruly past, perfectly suited for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
