Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers
Overview
Take a walk through downtown Melbourne and learn of an era in which there was much more on offer at the local confectionery store than just lollies and soft drinks. Explore Melbourne’s underworld c.1870’s to 1930’s, an era in which Melbourne’s downtown slum district, ‘Little Lon’, was mostly run by women. Learn about the battle for supremacy, madams who stood their ground against well-known gangsters such as Squizzy Taylor, and an all-female crime syndicate known as ‘The Combine’. Stop outside buildings which were once brothels and sly grog shops (speak easies), and hear the stories of what occurred within their walls and on the streets and laneways around them.
The tour is designed and delivered by writer and historian, Michael Shelford.
What's included
A tour booklet featuring photos of the characters discussed along the way.
Please bring along your own food and drinks.
What to expect
Little Lon Distilling Co.
10m
Little Lon Distilling Co is a Gin Distillery which operates from Melbourne CBD's only surviving single story cottage. It also happens to be a former house of ill repute. You will hear stories of the cottage's former inhabitants, sourced from original police files.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
We meet at the Coopers Inn Hotel, 282 Exhibition St, Melbourne CBD. The Coopers has great food, drink, and a friendly Australian pub atmosphere.
End point
The tour finishes at the corner of Lonsdale Street and Madame Brussels Lane.
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
