Old Stories of Melbourne's Chinatown

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Come on an amazing trip back in time to Melbourne's Chinatown from c.1850s to the 1950s. Receive a free tour booklet with images of the characters discussed, original police-drawn crime maps, confiscated gambling paraphernalia and other evidence from 100+ years ago. Hear the stories of police raids for opium, illegal gambling, and other lawbreaking activities. Hear stories of blackmail, gang war, and police corruption. Your tour guide has been researching Melbourne's Chinatown via the original police files for over 15 years and delivers the old stories from original source material. Opium, gambling, speakeasies, blackmail, riots, police corruption.

Additional Info

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

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Professional Guide

A free tour book containing photos of the characters discussed, police-drawn maps etc.

Snacks

What To Expect

Chinatown

Melbourne's Chinatown is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the Western world. A high percentage of the older buildings still exist and each has its stories.

2 hours • Admission Included

Options

Old Stories of Melbourne's Chinatown

Reviews

5.00

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great tour of China town,...
Julie G,
Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great tour of China town, so much information, very descriptive, paints an amazing picture of the early days in this area!!! Thankyou!!!
An amazing China Town history tour
bernardn955,
Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The knowledge & insights, the booklets, along with the original statements and reports, Michael presented were absolutely amazing. This is a must do tour of Melbourne's amazing China Town. Highly recommended.
Chinatown tour - amazing!
X5539EKjasonr,
Jan 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very informative tour.Michael is extremely knowledgeable in the subject and I look forward to reading his soon to be published book.
A must do for visitors and Melbournians alike!
438stefano,
Dec 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A socio-cultural-deep-dive into the origins of the Chinese community and criminal underworld of Chinatown in the heart of Melbourne’s cbd. Michael takes you on a captivating journey of the mind as you step back in time walking Little Bourke Street and its many laneways and back-alleys, while viewing its many original original buildings (and finding out what happened inside), as you listen to the true (and sometimes tall) tales of iconic Chinese criminal figures and warring factions, corrupt and drunken constabulary, and the generally seedy underbelly of the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Michael’s remarkably well-researched historical knowledge, the intriguing, sometimes dark and often hilarious stories, and all the other juicy details of Chinatown’s past are laid bare. A must do for visitors and Melbournians alike!