Melbourne: Gangsters, Brothels and Lolly Shops Tour
ID: GYG186522-287445
Category:
Country: Australia
Duration:
02:00 hours
Description
Explore Melbourne’s former red-light and slum district known as 'Little Lon'. Learn of the women who ran the area and their battles against gangsters & police. C.1850s-1940s.
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 circa 1850s-1940s, 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 (speakeasies), and hear the stories of what occurred within their walls and on the streets and laneways around them.
You can also see examples of former opium dens and all night cocaine cafes, and learn of the characters who frequented these establishments. You will hear of shootings, bombings, bashings, brothels, robberies, opium, cocaine and sly grog (speakeasies), on a tour designed and delivered by writer and historian, Michael Shelford.
Highlights
- Explore the streets and alleys of Melbourne's former slum & brothel district
- Stop outside the former home of Australia's most famous gangster Squizzy Taylor
- Discover buildings which were 'houses of ill-fame' 100 years ago
- See former opium dens and cocaine cafes and learn about the people who frequented these premises
- Visit the last remaining single storey cottage in Melbourne's back lanes
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking suggested
• Sunscreen and weather protection are recommended according to conditions
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
The tour group meets at 282 Exhibition Street (Coopers Inn Hotel), and leaves from this location right on starting time. If you're running a little late, you'll probably see the group in the small paved park across the lane.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.
