Historical True Crime Walking Tour of East Sydney

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Discover East Sydney (Darlinghurst), a suburb celebrated for nightlife and the LGBT community but with a hidden, darker past. Once called 'Razorhurst' in the 1920s, it was the battleground of prohibition-era gangs. Journey through alleys that once buzzed with criminals, prostitutes, and drug dealers. Highlights include:

Exploring crime scenes, notably the 'Parkland Killer' of the 1920s and the chilling 'Mutilator' murders of the 1960s.

Visiting homes of vice queens, Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine.

Standing in the shadows of the looming Old Sydney (Darlinghurst) Prison gates to hear about hangmen and inmates.

Learning about segregated African American soldiers in WW2 and their cultural impact on Sydney's jazz scene.

Admiring Darlinghurst's Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

Uncovering the forgotten LGBT history from the 19th century.

Compare now and then with photos.

Ending at Kinselas Hotel, a former 1930s funeral parlour, for refreshments and architecture secrets.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Casefiles eBook

What To Expect

Hyde Park

Discover the history of Hyde Park, the ANZAC Memorial and pond. Hear about a cold case murder from the 1920s. The first cricket match between the Australians and English in 1830. The use of Hyde Park by Aboriginal people before colonization.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Darlinghurst

After leaving Hyde Park you enter the old suburb of Darlinghurst ( aka East Sydney). You will spend the rest of the tour in this suburb exploring old laneways and streets investigating historical crime scenes from 1860 to 1970. Darlinghurst was the most dangerous suburb in Australia between 1890 and 1960. It was full of dangerous slums and ganglands. Here you will see the old Sydney (Darlinghurst) gaol that was built by convicts in 1841 and hear about the inmates and the hangmen. Next is the old Police Station and Courthouse. Finally, you will finish at Kinselas Hotel, a 1930s funeral parlour that has been converted into a bar, on Taylor Square. This is the famous backdrop of Sydney's LGBT Mardi Gras.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Historical True Crime Walking Tour of East Sydney

Reviews

5.00

51 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A great way to spend a few hours in Sydney
Carmen M,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Even though it’s a walking tour, you actually don’t walk terribly far, so don’t be put off. Our guide, Elliot, was extremely knowledgeable and very engaging. The historical subject matter was so interesting.
Fascinating
375leahj,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very interesting and informative tour. Elliot was extremely engaging and his love of his local history really shone through. Thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you!
East Sydney Crime Walk
S7060OIjoannef,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A really interesting walk around East Sydney / Darlinghurst. Loved the stories of having to use pub cellars as morgues & of course seeing where Tilly Devine & Kate Leigh "lived". Elliott is a fantastic guide full of interesting info. This is our 2nd tour with him. Looking forward now to the Surry Hills walk!
Amazing experience - Do not miss out.
J7325ZAcm,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
One of the best walking tours I have been on! Would go again. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the local area and answered every question.
Awesome tour of Darlinghurst
B1910TKvickim,
Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour and Elliott’s knowledge and colourful stories from the past was great looking forward to doing more. 😊😊😊
The darker side of our history.
yolandee211,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Elliot’s knowledge and entertaining story telling made this a very enjoyable tour. He chose an interesting route through the back lanes of East Sydney and Darlinghurst enhancing our experience with on the spot tales of colourful characters from the past. A fascinating few hours.
Exceptional tour and Elliott is very knowledgeable
margw2009,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent tour and Elliott has so much overall knowledge of the history of East Sydney, Elliott not only had extensive information on the riveting murder stories but he gave us a very good understanding of the sociological aspects from convict years to the 1970’’s
Fabulous tour of Surry Hills
Kim h,
Aug 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We enjoyed a great tour with Elliot. It was very interesting and his knowledge of the area, the people and the times was excellent.
Engaging and entertaining true crime
P2079PLjasona,
Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Elliot’s tours are so worth the money. He is so knowledgeable and engaging. The way he links the stories and locations, and really knows his stuff, with confidence is truly amazing. I did the Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and now the Juanita Neison tours. I’ve lived in the area for many years and it is has transformed my view of many buildings and streets I thought I knew.
Fascinating tour of Darlinghurst
803tarnac,
Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thanks to Elliot for a fascinating tour today. His knowledge of Sydney and his storytelling was amazing. His enthusiasm for his subject was contagious. This is a great way to learn about our city. Our group had a fabulous day. We'll definitely be going on another tour. Thoroughly recommended.