Surry Hills Crime History walking tour
Be guided by a qualified historian and archaeologist on a 2-hour crime history walking tour of Surry Hills. Starting at Central Station you will explore Sydney’s “trendiest” suburb and its history as the former crime capital of Australia.
About Surry Hills Crime History Walking Tour
Approximately 2 Hours
A gentle walking tour of one of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhoods for those who want to avoid the tourist traps, explore back streets and see where the locals eat, drink and play. Surry Hills is today considered the coolest village in Sydney.
Fashionable Today
Surry Hills is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Sydney and is considered by TimeOut to be the coolest neighbourhood in Sydney Surry Hills is made up of a network of winding little alleys, laneways and beautiful cobble-stoned streets, all lined with stunning architecture dating back to the 1830s. People travel from across Sydney to visit the cafes, bars and restaurants in this vibrant suburb.
The most feared Suburb in Sydney
However, until the late 1980s, Surry Hills was perhaps the most feared and misunderstood urban community in Australia. The myths and legends of what took place in the dilapidated cottages, dark alleys and abandoned factories were strong enough to scare away most Sydneysiders. Tales and rumours of old graveyards, underworld battles, razor gangs, drug dens, horrific murders, prostitution, syringe-littered alleys, cut-throat bandits and psychotic nazi skin-heads, still persist to circulate.
It was all true.
Your guide will take you on a journey through the back streets of historical Surry Hills and show you exactly where it all happened. See where the old Devonshire Street graveyard was once found, investigate several historical crime scenes and a 1920s cold case murder, see the exact cottages and terrace houses, that today sell for millions of dollars, that were once brothels, opium dens, sly-grog shops, horrific crime scenes and the homes of violent gangsters. See Little Riley Street, the backbone of ‘Little Harlem’ where the African American servicemen were segregated during WW2. Uncover the hidden old pubs, one in particular where the infamous push gangs began the Crown Street riot that involved hundreds of drunk armed street thugs in the 1890s.
Real history
You have seen the squeaky-clean textbook history tours of The Rocks and the city centre and heard all about the first hospital, the first banks, the governor’s horse, and so on. Now it is time to see how the real people lived. This tour is not just a crime tour, it is a social history tour where we share real stories of actual historical residents dating back 180 years.
Enjoy a gentle walk from Hyde Park to Taylor Square and see the most beautiful little streets and lanes lined with old shady trees (flowering jacarandas from September to November), convict-built cottages, elegant rows of terraces and grand hilltop mansions from the Victorian age.
You will discover the hippest cafes, cocktail bars, restaurants and pubs that you will definitely want to return to.
Why choose this Surry Hills Walking Tour?
Some of the Unique Surry Hills locations you will explore
Central Station
Did you know Central Station sits above an old colonial cemetery and mortuary? Hear the story of the family who were murdered and buried there in 1822.
Crown Street
Crown Street is the beating heart of Surry Hills and is covered with cool cafes and bars. But not long ago it was a dangerous street of crime, murders and riots!
Devonshire Street
Devonshire Street is known for its seven pubs and the light rail stop. Once upon a time, it was the home of crime queen Kate Leigh. See her home and last sly-grog shop.
Frequently asked questions
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Clients Reviews
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