Perth’s True Crime Tour offers a chance to uncover the city’s hidden, shadowy past through a guided walk that highlights its most notorious crimes and criminal figures. Designed for those intrigued by history with a twist of mystery, this tour promises an engaging blend of storytelling, history, and local color. It’s an experience that appeals to travelers looking for something different—an authentic peek into Perth’s more sinister stories that the city’s peaceful reputation tends to hide.
What we love about this tour is the expert guides who bring the stories to life with a mix of humor and depth, plus the chance to walk through historic crime sites that you might otherwise never notice. The inclusion of photography opportunities makes it even more appealing, allowing you to capture Perth’s contrasting scenery—serene waters and dark tales—in one shot.
One potential consideration is the duration—at just under two hours, it’s a fairly brisk walk. Travelers with mobility issues should consider their comfort level, but overall, it’s manageable for most.
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, true crime fans, or anyone curious about Perth’s lesser-known stories. Casual walkers, families, and solo explorers alike will find it a compelling way to see the city from a different perspective.
Key Points

- Rich storytelling from knowledgeable guides makes the dark history engaging and memorable.
- Affordable price point at just over $24 per person offers good value for a local history experience.
- Photographic moments abound, balancing the eerie with scenic Perth views.
- Walking tour covers historic crime sites in a manageable timeframe (~1 hour 45 minutes).
- Small group size enhances interaction and storytelling, with a maximum of 30 travelers.
- Free cancellation provides peace of mind for flexible planning.
A Closer Look at Perth’s True Crime Tour
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Perth.
Setting the Scene: What the Tour Offers
For those curious about Perth’s darker chapters, this guided walking tour provides a fascinating overview of the city’s criminal past. Starting at Horseshoe Bridge on William Street, the tour takes you through several historic crime sites, each selected for their stories and their connection to Perth’s shadowy history. The tour lasts about 105 minutes, giving you enough time to absorb the tales without feeling rushed.
The Guides: Knowledgeable and Entertaining
Guests rave about the guides, describing them as informative, fun, and full of puns. One reviewer called the experience “wonderful, informative, and fun,” highlighting how the guides’ storytelling made the dark stories approachable and even amusing at times. Their ability to intertwine facts with humor makes what might otherwise be grim history into an entertaining experience.
The Experience: What to Expect
The tour’s focus is on notorious criminals and criminal sites that are woven into Perth’s history. As you walk, your guide will share stories of scandal, devious plots, and unresolved mysteries that kept Perth’s police busy in the past. The contrast between the city’s peaceful scenery and its violent past creates a compelling visual and emotional experience. Photographers will enjoy the myriad chances to capture images of the city’s historic sites, with the added thrill of knowing the stories behind them.
Itinerary Breakdown
The tour covers a series of crime sites, each with its own story. While the exact stops aren’t listed in detail, the emphasis is on walking through Perth’s historic sites while hearing tales of notorious criminals, scandals, and crimes. Expect to learn about crimes that “Perth wished the Swan River had swept away,” giving a sense of the city’s effort to forget or conceal its darker moments. The tour ends back at the starting point, making it a seamless experience for those staying nearby.
Group Size and Accessibility
With a maximum of 30 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate feel, allowing for questions and lively discussion. The tour is accessible for service animals and suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness levels, which typically means you should be comfortable walking for nearly two hours.
Value for Money
At $24.39 per person, this tour offers excellent value for a unique, guided experience that combines history, storytelling, and scenic walking. The fact that it’s a mobile ticket adds convenience, allowing you to join the tour without fuss.
Review Insights and Real Experiences
One enthusiastic reviewer called it “the Punny Perth Crime Tour,” emphasizing how the guides’ humor added to the enjoyment. They appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the way the stories shed light on early Perth criminal history. The friendly, knowledgeable guides, combined with the engaging storytelling, seem to be the key to making this tour stand out.
Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, and curious travelers eager to see Perth through a different lens. If you enjoy stories of scandal and intrigue, or if you simply want to walk through Perth’s city streets with a knowledgeable guide who makes history entertaining, this is a perfect fit.
Families with older children, solo explorers, and small groups will all find this tour engaging. It’s especially good for those wanting an authentic, local experience that goes beyond the usual sightseeing.
Practical Details and Tips

- Meeting Point: Horseshoe Bridge, William Street, Perth
- Start Time: 5:30 pm
- Tour Duration: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
- Price: $24.39 per person
- Includes: Guided narration by a knowledgeable host
- Exclusions: Food and drinks (own expense)
- Booking: Book 17 days in advance on average, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before.
- Weather considerations: The tour relies on good weather, so check the forecast and be prepared for outdoor walking.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the age range isn’t specified, the dark themes and walking nature suggest it’s best for older children or teenagers with an interest in history or crime stories.
How physically demanding is the tour?
It’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness, involving walking for about an hour and 45 minutes, mostly on city streets.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if done at least 24 hours before the tour starts. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refunded.
Is it accessible for people with disabilities?
Service animals are allowed, and the tour is suitable for those with moderate mobility, but specific accessibility accommodations aren’t detailed.
What’s included in the ticket price?
The ticket covers the 105-minute guided tour and the expertise of your host.
Are there any food or drink stops?
No, food and drinks are not included, and there are no specified stops for refreshments.
What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 5:30 pm, making it a good option for an evening activity.
Where does the tour end?
It ends back at the starting point, Horseshoe Bridge on William Street.
Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, solo travelers will find it easy to join, and the small group size fosters an inclusive environment.
What makes this tour stand out compared to other Perth experiences?
Its focus on local crime stories, the engaging guides, and the balance of history with entertainment make it a unique way to explore Perth.
Final Thoughts

Perth’s True Crime Tour offers an affordable, engaging, and authentic way to learn about the city’s darker stories. The combination of knowledgeable guides, scenic urban walks, and compelling tales makes it much more than just a history lesson—it’s a lively, memorable experience. Whether you’re a true crime fan or simply intrigued by Perth’s hidden past, this tour provides a perspective you won’t find in typical sightseeing.
Ideal for travelers who seek something different from their city exploration, it’s a great way to add a dash of intrigue to your Perth visit. The relaxed pace, friendly guides, and fascinating stories make it a worthwhile addition to any trip, especially if you appreciate stories that reveal the city’s less-polished side.
If you’re in Perth and want a small-group, well-rated experience that blends history, humor, and local lore, this tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a perfect mix of entertainment and education that leaves you with stories to tell long after your visit.
More Tours in Perth
- Best of Rotto Self-Guided Tour with Bike and Lunch
- Perth: Guided Kayak Tour around Canning River Wetlands
- Perth: Shoalwater Islands Marine Park Sea Kayaking Tour
- From Perth: Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
- From Perth: Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner
- Swan Valley: Tour with 5 star Culinary Chefs 5 course lunch.
More Tour Reviews in Perth
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- Perth: Gin Distilling Masterclass with Your Own Signature
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- Perth: Guided Kayak Tour around Canning River Wetlands
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- From Perth: Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
- Rottnest Island Round-Trip Ferry from Perth
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