True Crime Walking Tour - A comedian's guide to St Kilda's dark past
Tour Description:
St Kilda is famous for its beach, its cake shops, and its colourful
nightlife. But lying beneath the surface are some long-forgotten tales that showcase a darker side of Melbourne's seaside playground.
Many of its visitors might not know it, but St Kilda has a wild history, a chaotic past of gangsters and rebels that
has been lost to time.
Follow the footsteps of your tour guide, Shayne Hunter, as he takes you on a unique, funny, and intriguing journey in and around Fitzroy Street. A walking tour in which each step takes you deeper into a forgotten world. On this
tour, you will learn about Australia's most notorious (and shortest) gangster, the fascinating women who survived St Kilda's underworld, teen gang wars that terrified the suburbs, and other wild secrets of the seaside suburb.
The
Approach:
This tour examines the psychology, sociology, and sheer absurdity of St Kilda's criminal past. We approach these stories with sensitivity and respect. While we find humor in criminal incompetence and the absurdity of
circumstances, we never mock victims of violence. Our comedy comes from examining the bizarre realities of organized crime, the psychology of those who chose this life, and the often-ridiculous gap between criminal reputation and reality. These carefully selected
stories from 70-100 years ago allow us to explore history's shadows with both insight and humanity.
Weather Policy: The tour runs in light rain or drizzle (Melbourne wouldn't
function otherwise!). In the event of heavy rain, we'll aim to reschedule with as much notice as possible. Check your phone before heading out - we'll text if conditions look dangerous.
What
to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing recommended. We'll be walking for 75 minutes on Fitzroy Street Precinct's streets and laneways, so rug up in a jacket, beanie and scarf, and bring a brolly!
Duration: 60 - 75 minutes
Starts: Meet at cnr of Fawkner & Barkly Streets, St Kilda at 6.45pm, starts
7pm sharp
Ends: Historic Fitzroy Street - perfect for a post-tour drink
About Shayne Hunter:
"Having entertained crowds across Australia and Asia for over a decade, Shayne Hunter is arguably one of Australia's most intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking comedians" – The Creative Issue Magazine.