Sin & The City — Kings X History Tour
Check local COVID-19 restrictions before booking
Experience hosted by Max
2.5 hours
Includes drinks
Up to 6 people
Hosted in English
What you'll do
ON THIS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE:
Uncover the notorious secrets, stories & scandals of Kings Cross (Sydney's historic red-light strip) with a passionate & professional guide.
Once a bourgeois neighbourhood boasting harbour-side mansions & Victorian villas, this bustling pocket of Sydney was transformed by bohemia, entertainment & modernist architecture during the roaring 1920's Jazz Age. Amidst the sparkling lights of its inter-war years, The Cross also became riddled with backstreet bordellos, sly-grog stores, razor-wielding gangs, crime-lords (and ladies), murders, mysteries & martinis.
By the 1960s, the streets teamed with revellers visiting its red-light strip of neon fantasies, nightclubs & local eccentrics — dubbed in the media as 'Sin City'. Crime and corruption continued as new heavyweights such as The Boss of The Cross took the reigns, and by 1975 the neighbourhood was embroiled in one of Sydney's most scandalous cold-case murder mysteries.
This tour will bring to life the local personalities & visiting Rock-Stars of the golden years, reveal the glamorous (and often quirky) Art Deco street-scapes of Potts Point, and delve into Kings Cross's controversial history of lust, luxuriance & long-nights out!
Other things to note
Comfortable shoes, water bottles and sun / rain protection are always well advised on outdoor walking tours.
We will be on mainly flat ground with minimal stairs and cover approx 2.5 km in a circuit.
Uncover the notorious secrets, stories & scandals of Kings Cross (Sydney's historic red-light strip) with a passionate & professional guide.
Once a bourgeois neighbourhood boasting harbour-side mansions & Victorian villas, this bustling pocket of Sydney was transformed by bohemia, entertainment & modernist architecture during the roaring 1920's Jazz Age. Amidst the sparkling lights of its inter-war years, The Cross also became riddled with backstreet bordellos, sly-grog stores, razor-wielding gangs, crime-lords (and ladies), murders, mysteries & martinis.
By the 1960s, the streets teamed with revellers visiting its red-light strip of neon fantasies, nightclubs & local eccentrics — dubbed in the media as 'Sin City'. Crime and corruption continued as new heavyweights such as The Boss of The Cross took the reigns, and by 1975 the neighbourhood was embroiled in one of Sydney's most scandalous cold-case murder mysteries.
This tour will bring to life the local personalities & visiting Rock-Stars of the golden years, reveal the glamorous (and often quirky) Art Deco street-scapes of Potts Point, and delve into Kings Cross's controversial history of lust, luxuriance & long-nights out!
Other things to note
Comfortable shoes, water bottles and sun / rain protection are always well advised on outdoor walking tours.
We will be on mainly flat ground with minimal stairs and cover approx 2.5 km in a circuit.
ON THIS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE:
Uncover the notorious secrets, stories & scandals of Kings Cross (Sydney's historic red-light strip) with a passionate & professional guide.
Once a bourgeois neighbourhood boasting harbour-side mansions & Victorian villas, this bustling pocket of Sydney was transformed by bohemia, entertainment & modernist architecture during the roaring 1920's Jazz Age. Amidst the sparkling lights of its inter-war years…
Uncover the notorious secrets, stories & scandals of Kings Cross (Sydney's historic red-light strip) with a passionate & professional guide.
Once a bourgeois neighbourhood boasting harbour-side mansions & Victorian villas, this bustling pocket of Sydney was transformed by bohemia, entertainment & modernist architecture during the roaring 1920's Jazz Age. Amidst the sparkling lights of its inter-war years…
Max's commitment to safety
This host has committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines – including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practising good hygiene, and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
What's included
- DrinksEnjoy a refreshing glass of local Beer, Cider, Wine or Soft drink in the hi...
- 64 Reviews
- Identity verified
Hi I'm Max Burns-McRuvie, co-founder of Journey Walks — History, Crime & Culture Tours of Sydney. Either myself or my co-host Danica Micallef will be your guide on this fun, historic exploration.
Max:
I'm a local to the Kings Cross area & proud to present its fascinating & notorious heritage. With 10 years guiding experience between Sydney & Europe, backed by a M.A in History & Heritage Studies & extensive research into the secrets of this city — I offer my guests a unique tour experience that's full of imagery, detail & storytelling.
Danica:
I'm a born & raised Sydney local, and with my B.A in History, Diploma of Travel and Tourism, M.A in Museum & Heritage studies, and five years experience as a Sydney tour guide, I’m a certified history nerd! I love sharing the stories of everyday people who lived extraordinary lives in Kings Cross
Max:
I'm a local to the Kings Cross area & proud to present its fascinating & notorious heritage. With 10 years guiding experience between Sydney & Europe, backed by a M.A in History & Heritage Studies & extensive research into the secrets of this city — I offer my guests a unique tour experience that's full of imagery, detail & storytelling.
Danica:
I'm a born & raised Sydney local, and with my B.A in History, Diploma of Travel and Tourism, M.A in Museum & Heritage studies, and five years experience as a Sydney tour guide, I’m a certified history nerd! I love sharing the stories of everyday people who lived extraordinary lives in Kings Cross
Hi I'm Max Burns-McRuvie, co-founder of Journey Walks — History, Crime & Culture Tours of Sydney. Either myself or my co-host Danica Micallef will be your guide on this fun, historic exploration.
Max:
I'm a local to the Kings Cross area & proud to present its fascinating & notorious heritage. With 10 years guiding experience between Sydney & Europe, backed by a M.A in History & Heritage Studies & extensive research into the secrets of this city — I offer my guests a unique tour…
Max:
I'm a local to the Kings Cross area & proud to present its fascinating & notorious heritage. With 10 years guiding experience between Sydney & Europe, backed by a M.A in History & Heritage Studies & extensive research into the secrets of this city — I offer my guests a unique tour…
Where you'll be
The old red-light strip of downtown Kings Cross.
Deluxe Art Deco Apartment Blocks.
Bohemian haunts & hangouts.
Extravagant mansions & 19th C. Terraces.
1930s Hollywood style venues.
Australia's first night-club & its underworld boss.
Hidden gardens & outstanding views of the city/bridge.
The Yellow House art factory.
Hotel rooms of The Beatles & Stones.
American 'Go-Go' bars.
1960s drag-show venues.
Razor Gang street battle locations.
Iconic Pubs
Deluxe Art Deco Apartment Blocks.
Bohemian haunts & hangouts.
Extravagant mansions & 19th C. Terraces.
1930s Hollywood style venues.
Australia's first night-club & its underworld boss.
Hidden gardens & outstanding views of the city/bridge.
The Yellow House art factory.
Hotel rooms of The Beatles & Stones.
American 'Go-Go' bars.
1960s drag-show venues.
Razor Gang street battle locations.
Iconic Pubs
Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 64 reviews.
We had a lovely afternoon rambling through our suburb and picking up on a range of historical information about the formation of our suburb and some of the shady aspects of its past.
Danica was more than an historical guide and asked us to reflect on the historical themes of the areas and project it on to the evolution of current times.
She clearly loves history as it pertains to people and culture.
Danica was well prepared, modified her tour to the audience and we all thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
We had a lovely afternoon rambling through our suburb and picking up on a range of historical information about the formation of our suburb and some of the shady aspects of its pas…
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 6 guests ages 18 and up can attend.
What to bring
A Water Bottle. Comfy Walking Shoes. Wet weather gear when necessary.