Melbourne: Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour

Melbourne’s dark past comes alive on the captivating "Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour." Exploring the city’s former red-light district, Little Lon, this immersive experience led by historian Michael Shelford reveals a world of crime, corruption, and resilience that shaped Melbourne’s shadowy history from the 1850s to 1940s. From notorious brothels to the exploits of infamous gangster Squizzy Taylor, the tour sheds light on the women who ran these establishments, their battles for survival, and the tangled web of illicit activities that once thrived in the heart of the city. Uncover these gripping tales and unravel the complexities that lie beneath Melbourne’s vibrant streets.

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Key Points

• This 2-hour guided tour explores Melbourne’s former red-light district from the 1850s to 1940s, focusing on crime stories and the underground economy.
• The tour visits sites of former brothels, opium dens, and cocaine cafes, providing insights into the infamous gangster Squizzy Taylor and the conflicts between female proprietors and law enforcement.
• The tour includes a free booklet with photos of historical figures, enhancing the understanding of the seedy underworld of Little Lon and the resilience of women in the illicit trade.
• Visitors can expect captivating accounts of robberies, shootings, and bombings, as well as a vivid glimpse into Melbourne’s shadowy past.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, and there is a flexible cancellation policy, making it a convenient and immersive experience for visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The ‘Melbourne: Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour’ provides an immersive experience into the city’s former red-light and slum district from the 1850s to 1940s, offering a glimpse into its sordid past.

Priced from €30.68 per person, the 2-hour English-language tour is wheelchair accessible and boasts a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Led by writer and historian Michael Shelford, the experience takes guests through sites of former brothels, opium dens, and cocaine cafes, while sharing stories of crime, including shootings, bombings, and robberies.

Participants also receive a free tour booklet with photos of featured characters.

The tour departs on time from the meeting location at 282 Exhibition Street (Coopers Inn Hotel).

Experience Highlights

Participants on the ‘Melbourne: Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour’ can expect to explore Melbourne’s former red-light and slum district, Little Lon, from the 1850s to 1940s.

They will learn about the women who ran the area and their battles against gangsters and police.

The tour takes visitors to sites of former brothels, opium dens, and cocaine cafes, and stops outside the home of Australia’s famous gangster, Squizzy Taylor.

Along the way, guests will discover stories of crime, including:

1. Shootings

2. Bombings

3. Robberies

This immersive experience, led by writer and historian Michael Shelford, offers a glimpse into Melbourne’s gritty past and the powerful figures who shaped it.

Tour Details

Live tour guide Michael Shelford, a writer and historian, leads this immersive exploration of Melbourne’s gritty past.

The tour includes a free booklet with photos of the featured characters, providing participants with a deeper understanding of the powerful figures who shaped the city’s history.

The tour departs on time from the meeting location at 282 Exhibition Street, the Coopers Inn Hotel.

Throughout the two-hour experience, Shelford shares captivating stories of crime, corruption, and the underground economy that thrived in Melbourne’s former red-light district.

Guests will be enthralled by the vivid accounts of shootings, bombings, and robberies that defined this turbulent era in the city’s development.

Booking Information

Customers can reserve their spot on the tour and pay nothing today, allowing them to check availability for different start times. The booking process is straightforward and flexible. Here’s what to expect:

1. Select your preferred tour date and time from the available options.

2. Provide your contact information and confirm your booking.

3. Pay later, either online or on the day of the tour, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

This ‘reserve now & pay later’ policy gives customers the freedom to plan their visit without the need to commit financially upfront.

With this convenient booking system, exploring Melbourne’s captivating history of gangsters, brothels, and lolly shops has never been easier.

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Preparation Tips

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking during the Melbourne: Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour.

Plus, bringing sunscreen and weather protection is advisable, as the tour takes place outdoors.

The two-hour journey through the city’s former red-light district requires navigating uneven terrain and exploring historic sites.

Dressing appropriately for the weather conditions will help participants fully enjoy the fascinating stories of crime, vice, and local characters from Melbourne’s past.

With the proper preparation, guests can focus on the engaging commentary from the tour’s expert guide and discover the rich history that shaped this vibrant neighborhood.

Gangsters and Brothels

The Melbourne: Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour explores the city’s former red-light district, where powerful criminal figures and notorious brothel madams once dominated the seedy underworld.

Visitors learn about the exploits of Australia’s infamous gangster, Squizzy Taylor, whose activities ranged from armed robbery to murder.

The tour also highlights the battles between the area’s female proprietors and the police, as they fought for control over the lucrative sex trade.

Guests visit the sites of former opium dens and cocaine cafes, uncovering stories of drug use, violence, and corruption that characterized this lawless era.

The tour provides a gritty yet captivating glimpse into Melbourne’s shadowy past.

Women’s Battles

Women who ran the notorious brothels and businesses in Melbourne’s former red-light district fiercely battled against the local gangsters and police, fighting for control over the lucrative sex trade.

These resilient women refused to be intimidated by the criminal elements that dominated the area known as Little Lon. They used cunning, determination, and even physical force to protect their turf and assert their power.

Confrontations with corrupt cops and ruthless gang members were common as these trailblazing women navigated the treacherous world of vice and illicit activities.

Their stories of bravery and survival are a testament to the strength and tenacity of those who carved out a living in the shadows of Melbourne’s underbelly.

Crime and Stories

Amidst the battles waged by the tenacious women who ran Melbourne’s former red-light district, a web of crime and captivating stories emerged that characterized the area’s notorious underworld.

From shootings and bombings to daring robberies, the tour delves into the dark underbelly of Little Lon’s criminal past. Visitors will:

1. Hear tales of infamous gangsters, like Squizzy Taylor, whose home remains a key stop on the tour.

2. Discover the sites of former opium dens and cocaine cafes that fueled the area’s illicit activities.

3. Explore the stories behind the brazen robberies and violent turf wars that plagued the district.

These gripping narratives offer a glimpse into the complex and compelling history that shaped Melbourne’s shadowy past.

Recap

The ‘Melbourne: Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour’ offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s shadowy past.

Participants explore notorious sites, uncover gripping tales of crime and conflict, and gain insight into the resilient women who navigated the intertwining realms of corruption, survival, and entrepreneurship in Little Lon’s red-light district.

This immersive experience provides a thought-provoking exploration of Melbourne’s dark history.

You can check if your dates are available here: