Fitzroy True Crime Walking Tour

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Melbourne, Australia

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Take a walk through Melbourne's seedy side on a true crime tour of Fitzroy, once the city’s most dangerous and notorious district. Feel transported back to the turn of the 20th century while a historian guide shares the dark deeds of thieves, murderers, gang bosses, pimps, and other scoundrels who once stalked the streets. Meet these hardened criminals through a booklet with historic photos that bring the chilling stories to life.

Discover the shady history of Fitzroy, Melbourne's former crime district
Walk past one-time brothels, gang hot spots, and the sites of shocking crimes
Let by local historian and author Michael Shelford for an expert retelling of real crimes
Easily accessible neighborhood is just a short tram ride from Melbourne's CBD

What's Included

A tour booklet featuring photos of the characters discussed along the way.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Melbourne Museum
11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
We meet at the entrance doors to Melbourne Museum, 9 Nicholson St Carlton. Melbourne Museum is the modern building on the other side of the Royal Exhibition Building when travelling away from the city.

End point

148 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
At the corner of Gertude and Napier St.

Itinerary

Fitzroy

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed

Near public transportation
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 126 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Excellent experience for...

Ebony_H, Jan 2026

Excellent experience for older children who are in crime and history great narratior and excellent run down on gangster life in Melbourne back in the day .

Micheal is a very...

Rushani_P, Dec 2025

Micheal is a very passionate true crime historian. If you love true crime Micheal is the guide for you.

Insightful deep dive!

Frank_S, Sep 2025

An amazing tour of a relatively small area that was a nexus of criminal activity in the early 20th century - and it’s now a trendy neighborhood!

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Thank you for the review. Really glad you enjoyed the tour. Cheers, Michael

You are a gangster Michael

Emma_J, Sep 2025

Thanks Michael your knowledge about the history was both impressive and exciting. It was fascinating and thrilling. Thanks

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Ha ha, I don't know about that. Thanks so much for the review and really glad that you enjoyed the Fitzroy tour, Cheers, Michael.

Must do for those living in the North of Melbourne! Or really living anywhere in Melbourne!

Vera_D, Mar 2025

We are locals, and it was just so fascinating to hear the amazing stories of our own neighbourhood! You will know the infamous names, now you can see where they lived and "worked". A must see!

Amazing tour with easy to...

Amanda_r, Mar 2025

Amazing tour with easy to follow stories from a true history and crime buff! You will really feel like you have a true understanding of the neighborhood back in the day! Michael is amazing and you won’t regret booking this!

Brilliant!

Sally_P, Jan 2025

Fun, interesting, and educational - even as a local we learned a lot in this 2h walk around Fitzroy. Highly recommended!

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you! Really glad you enjoyed the tour and appreciate the review, Thanks, Michael

Informative

Judy_H, Dec 2024

Not a lot of walking. So any age can do it. The guide was excellent very friendly and had lots of little tit bits if extra info. Really liked this tour.

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thank you Judy. Really glad you enjoyed the tour of Fitzroy. Much appreciated, Cheers, Michael.

A journey back in time.

Jenny_J, Oct 2024

Michael had so much knowledge whatever you asked he could answer. He took you back to that time and you were able to see the houses and imagine the circumstances.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Thanks Jenny. Very much appreciated.

Great historical tour,

Ross_H, Oct 2024

The detailed knowledge of the people and events described.Michael's description of the events and converations surrounding Squizzy Taylor's death was compelling.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Thanks Ross. Really glad you enjoyed the tour, Cheers, Michael

A fascinating insight into the past

Hilary_O, Sep 2024

This tour was thoroughly interesting and enjoyable. Michael brings the past alive with his knowledge of the criminal history of Fitzroy of the early 20th century. We felt we got to know some of the gangsters and police officers of the times. The walk is also very pleasant. We highly recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Thanks for the great review. Really glad you enjoyed the tour, Michael

Great way to spend the morning

Nicole_S, Jun 2024

Fabulous tour, Michael is a great storyteller and knows his facts inside out. He easily held our interest for the two hours. Highly recommend.

Response from Host, Jun 2024

Thank you Nicole. Really glad you enjoyed the tour. Much appreciated, Michael.

Michael is a captivating...

Ann_M, Feb 2024

Michael is a captivating storyteller. So knowledgeable about the area and the crime stories from the past are riveting.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thank You Ann. Really glad you enjoyed the tour and appreciate the review, Thanks, Michael

Fitzroy shady history

Christine_H, Jan 2024

Michael's knowledge of the area and the events of the early 1900's was fascinating! He had so many stories of the gangs and their rivalries, and we got to see many infamous areas that I never knew existed. I also now know why The Tote (an iconic Melbourne pub) is called that! Thank you Michael.

Outstanding tour.

Jim_L, Nov 2023

Tour guide Michael has an amazing ability to deliver a great experience. His knowledge of crime in Fitzroy in the early 1900s is remarkable. He shows a real passion which makes the tour even more enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thanks for the great review, much appreciated, Cheers, Michael

A great way to spend an afternoon.

Vahishta_S, Jun 2023

Michael is so incredibly knowledgeable and his passion radiates as he takes you around the tour. On a day that was quite chilly, we had the best time learning about the suburb of Fitzroy and its history. The two hours flew by, and we would certainly recommend this to friends.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you so much for the review and really glad you enjoyed the tour, Cheers, Michael

The Past

Suzanne_V, Mar 2023

The knowledge of Micheal, I learned things I wasn’t aware of. Great to know how ppl survived in years of hardship, & beautiful buildings

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you Suzanne. Really glad that you enjoyed the tour and the history of old Fitzroy, Cheers, Michael

Interesting tour

Caitriana_M, Feb 2023

It was very interesting to hear about the life in Fitzroy in early 1900’s and walking around and hearing the stories really brought it to life.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Thank you! Really glad you rnjoyed the tour, thanks, Michael

Interesting and entertaining

Sue_W, Jan 2023

Great info and really engaging. Great to find out the history of Melbourne from someone who has done the research themselves

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Thanks Sue, really glad you liked the tour and thank you for the review, much appreciated, Michael

Transported in time

Allison_C, Jan 2023

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour which was guided by Michael, an extremely passionate historian who brought the old streets of Fitzroy and its true crime alive.