Historical True Crime Walking Tour of East Sydney
Overview
Available languages
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 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.
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.
What‘s Included
Casefiles eBook
Options
Historical True Crime Walking Tour of East Sydney
Reviews
53 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommended-Darlinghurst: Sex, Scandal & Murder Walking Tour
noshirb,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Darlinghurst: Sex, Scandal & Murder Walking Tour. We thoroughly enjoyed this informative and entertaining tour. Elliot was amazing. He was friendly, informative and a great story teller. Highly recommend this tour.
Great day and a great experience
D4477XDjohnh,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great day we had. I took the tour with my wife, two daughters and their partners and although we were all born and bred in Sydney (bar one), with a basic knowledge of the city’s history, our tour guide, Elliot, added to what we knew. His knowledge combined with his storytelling were highlights of the tour. Elliot was engaging and passionate. He painted a picture through words and answered questions with the same knowledge and passion. I particularly liked how Elliot linked stories throughout the tour. The tour finishes at Kinselas in Taylor Square so we had lunch and stayed for a couple of hours. I’ve already recommended this tour to friends. 5 stars
A great way to spend a few hours in Sydney
Carmen M,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Even 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
5.00Very 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
5.00A 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
5.00One 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
5.00Great 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
5.00Elliot’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
5.00Excellent 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
5.00We enjoyed a great tour with Elliot. It was very interesting and his knowledge of the area, the people and the times was excellent.
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