Darlinghurst
Historical Walking Tour
The Darlinghurst: Sex, Scandal and Murder Walking Tour
Darlinghurst (East Sydney) is one of Australia’s oldest and most notorious inner-city suburbs. Most people know it for Oxford Street, the Sydney LGBT Mardi Gras and the bars and nightclubs, but beyond that, it is shrouded in mystery. For much of its history, Darlinghurst was synonymous with sex, drugs and murder. Known as Razorhurst in the roaring 1920s, it was the centre of the violent razor gang wars. For over 100 years, the alleys and laneways teemed with prostitutes, dope dealers, and thugs. If the walls of the old corner pubs could speak, the stories they could tell would send shivers down your spine.
This walking tour will turn whispered myths and legends into reality.
What You Can Expect On This Darlinghurst Walking Tour
You will explore the mysterious back lanes, alleys and streets while…
- Investigating the historical crime scenes of several horrifying murders, including ‘The Mutilator’ murders of the 1960s, committed by William Macdonald, arguably Australia’s most disturbed serial killer. In each case, the narrative will develop as you walk from location to location. View real crime scene photos.
- Stand before the old homes of Sydney’s infamous vice queens, Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine.
- Stroll along the battlegrounds of the old push gangs (1880s-1910s), razor gangs (1920s-1930s) and the heroin gangs of the Blue Murder series (1970s to 1990s).
- Discover the lost history of the segregated African American soldiers during World War Two and see where their hip jazz and swing clubs once stood.
- See the original “Little Italy.”
- See the old streets, lanes, parks and brothels where Sydney’s sex markets operated for over 100 years.
- Experience the old Darlinghurst prison where several of the characters introduced in the tour were “hurled into eternity” on the end of a rope.
- See the old beats and hook-up spots, including ‘the wall’ where the rent boys were once found.
- And learn about crime and punishment on the streets from the tough old cops like Roger Rogerson and Bumper Farrell.
You will also be introduced to exquisite Victorian and Edwardian architecture and style and enter and explore the peaceful Hayden Lane community garden (and learn of its incredible past).
It will finish at Kinselas Hotel on the world-famous Taylor Square (minutes from buses and trains) set in a 1930s funeral parlour. Come in for refreshments, and lunch and explore Oxford Street after.
Kinselas Hotel
It will finish at Kinselas Hotel on the world-famous Taylor Square (minutes from buses and trains) set in a 1930s funeral parlour. Come in for refreshments, and lunch and explore Oxford Street after.
Jo Ward2023-09-17Awesome tour! Myself and a group of friends met with Elliot for the Crime Scenes and Secret Laneways of Surry Hills. Amazing ! Due to the fact that Elliot has so much knowledge about the area and you can tell he loves his job . All questions were answered and honestly we could have sat there all afternoon listening to the history of the area. Thanks Elliot I will definitely be booking one of your other tours.
Peter2023-09-10An interesting and enjoyable day with friends. Elliott's knowledge and enthusiasm is infections. The walk is easily doable and the tour is recommended to see and learn about parts of Sydney not normally considered by the tourist or Sydneysiders.
Bonnie Sykes2023-09-03One of the best, most thorough tours I've done in Sydney. Eliot was so knowledgeable and approachable, the walk was well paced (I've done some that are too fast) and the crime stories plus general knowledge he has are excellent. Old photos are so fascinating to see too. I would highly recommend his tour and would love to do one of his other ones in the future.
Joanne Campbell2023-09-03We loved this tour. As usual Eliott was fantastic. We learnt so much and had so much fun. I really recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about our city and is interested in crime. Thanks Jo
Carol Hyde2023-09-01Learnt so much from Elliot and you get caught up in his enthusiasm. Such an interesting tour and a great way to finish with lunch at the Dove & Olive Hotel for lunch. Go ahead and book and you will not be disappointed.
Deborah Dean2023-08-17An informative tour. Thanks Elliot for being a great tour guide. Myself and the ladies in my group had a really enjoyable time.
Rebecca Hall2023-08-15Tour guide Elliot has a real passion for the history and architecture of Sydney, which was projected on this tour. It was very interesting, informative and relaxed, would definitely reccomended and plan do another of his tours in future.
Natalie Bentley2023-08-15Enjoyed our Circular Quay/ Botanical Gardens walk thanks Elliot for the great morning.
Chris Harrison2023-08-14A very interesting and informative day. Elliott really knew his history and made the tour very enjoyable. Would recommend to friends. Thank you.
Read About Sydney’s Historical Murders
Discover the forgotten murders in your Sydney suburb and neighbourhood including Glebe, Darlinghurst, Killara, Cronulla, Newtown, Crows Nest, Narrabeen and more.
