Your Experience

Discover Brisbane’s Crime-Filled History

Step into the shadowed alleys and grand facades of Brisbane, where the city’s history is coloured by tales of intrigue, famous criminals and infamous heists. On this 90-minute True Crime Guided Walking Tour, you will see how whispers of the past still echo through Brisbane’s streets.

Walking Through Crime Scenes of the Past

Meet your guide at the iconic Brisbane City Hall and take off on a captivating stroll through the heart of the city. Uncover stories behind buildings such as the Old Windmill, Parliament House and the Treasury Building, each of which witnessed real events that shaped Brisbane’s reputation. Stand at sites of headline-making murders, high-profile scams and sensational love triangles as your guide replays the pivotal moments behind these tales.

Infamous Figures, Real Stories

Throughout your tour you’ll walk in the footsteps of notorious characters like Patrick Mayne, the wealthy butcher with a dark secret, Ellen Thomson, the only woman ever executed in Queensland, and Slim Halliday, the Houdini-like escapee. Their stories shine a light on a time when Brisbane was branded the “Chicago of Australia.”

Transformation from Penal Colony

Learn how Brisbane grew from a gritty penal outpost for Sydney’s hardest criminals to a thriving metropolis. Your guide will reveal how events—from the city’s earliest days as a convict settlement, through the uproar of the 20th century’s police corruption scandals, to the social transformations sparked by landmark events like the 1988 World Expo—have left their mark on the landscape.

Cultural Context and Living Legacy

As you navigate backstreets and hidden corners, discover how the past still informs the present. See Brisbane City Hall, the Old Windmill and other key sites in a new light, with expert commentary bringing lesser-known stories to life. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious local, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the layers beneath the surface of modern Brisbane.

Tour Essentials

• This walking tour covers approximately 1.5 hours at a comfortable pace

• Guided by a knowledgeable crime historian

• Ideal for anyone interested in local history or crime stories

Why Take This Tour?

• See Brisbane’s historic transformation first-hand

• Uncover the untold tales behind some of the city’s most recognisable buildings

• Experience real stories of drama, danger and redemption that shaped modern Brisbane

• Engage with an expert guide for a deeper understanding of local culture

Book your True Crime Guided Walking Tour in Brisbane tickets now!