Perth: True Crime Guided Walking Tour — A Step into the Shadows of Western Australia’s Capital
If you’re looking to combine a love of history, storytelling, and a touch of intrigue, the Perth True Crime Guided Walking Tour offers an engaging 1.5-hour journey through the city’s darker side. For just $22 per person, you’ll follow a route that takes you past notorious crime scenes and hidden sites, all while learning about the unsolved mysteries and scandalous events that have shaped Perth’s past. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour promises to shed light on the stories Perth often keeps behind closed doors.
What we love about this experience is how it balances entertaining storytelling with eye-opening insights. The guides, like Amy and Jason, are praised for their enthusiasm and ability to make historical crime stories come alive, ensuring you’re not just walking from point A to B but genuinely engaging with Perth’s shadowy history. Plus, the tour’s route through central Perth, starting at the Horseshoe Bridge overlooking the Railway Station and Yagan Square, makes it ideal for visitors new to the city wanting a quick, captivating orientation.
A small consideration is that, at just an hour and a half, the tour covers only select sites, so if you’re craving an in-depth deep-dive into the city’s entire past, you might want to supplement this experience. Also, since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are a must—be prepared for some light urban hiking.
This tour is perfect for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Perth’s less-polished stories. Families with older children, history students, or travelers eager for a unique perspective on the city’s streets will find plenty to enjoy here.
Key Points

- Authentic storytelling: Engaging guides bring Perth’s dark stories vividly to life.
- Central location: Starts at Horseshoe Bridge, easy to reach from many Perth accommodations.
- Affordable price: At $22, it offers excellent value for a memorable, guided experience.
- Photo opportunities: The route offers plenty of chances for unique photographs of Perth’s architecture and streets.
- Unsolved and solved crimes: Learn about both famous and lesser-known criminal tales.
- Inclusivity and accessibility: Wheelchair friendly and conducted in English, making it accessible for many travelers.
Exploring Perth’s Shadowy Streets: A Deep Dive

Walking through Perth’s city center on this True Crime Tour, we found ourselves transported back to a time when the city’s streets echoed with scandal, violence, and mystery. The tour, expertly led by guides like Amy and Jason, combines historical facts with colorful storytelling, making history come alive in a way textbooks rarely do.
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The Route and Key Stops
Starting at the Horseshoe Bridge, overlooking the Perth Railway Station, the tour immediately immerses you in the city’s bustling hub. From there, you’ll walk past historic buildings and crime scenes, many of which are in plain sight but often overlooked. The guides highlight the importance of these locations in Perth’s criminal past, giving you a sense of the city’s darker side beneath its modern veneer.
A notable highlight is how guides show genuine enthusiasm while sharing tales of notorious criminals and unsolved crimes. As one reviewer said, “Amy was a really engaging guide who told the tales well. She showed loads of enthusiasm and the whole tour was really well paced.” These stories aren’t just about violence but often include devious alibis, scandals, and clever escapes—all part of Perth’s unique character.
The Stories That Stick
You’ll hear about scandals from the past, including notable crimes that shook the city and left lasting marks on local lore. Because the tour focuses on historic crime scenes, you get a fascinating contrast: serene, modern Perth against the backdrop of a city with a turbulent secret history.
Visual and Photographic Opportunities
One of the joys of this tour is how it allows for great photo opportunities. The streets, old buildings, and even some lesser-known alleyways provide perfect spots to snap images that combine Perth’s urban charm with a dash of intrigue. It’s a chance to capture Perth’s peaceful scenery in stark contrast with its dark stories, making your photographs more than just pretty pictures—they tell stories too.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details and Experience
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, which makes it a perfect activity for an evening after a day of sightseeing or as a quick introduction to the city’s streets. Since it’s conducted in English, it’s accessible for most travelers. The small group size ensures you get a more personal experience, and the tour being wheelchair accessible broadens another layer of inclusivity.
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Value for Money
At $22, the tour offers excellent value. For less than the cost of a fancy coffee, you get a well-led, entertaining, and educational experience. As one reviewer noted, “The tour takes you past some interesting architecture and starts and finishes at central points so ideal for new arrivals to help you orientate yourself in the city centre.” It’s a compact way to add a little mystery and history to your Perth itinerary.
Why It Works
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of storytelling, location, and accessibility. Travelers consistently praise the guides’ engagement and enthusiasm, which turn a simple walk into a memorable experience. It’s a gift for anyone interested in Perth’s less-glamorous stories—a reminder that every city has shadows, and exploring them can be surprisingly fun.
Who Should Take This Tour?

If you’re fascinated by true crime stories, enjoy urban exploration, or just want a different perspective on Perth, this walk is an excellent choice. It’s especially well-suited for history buffs, first-time visitors wanting orientation, or night owls eager for a slightly spooky adventure. Families with older children or teenagers who appreciate stories of mystery and intrigue will also find this tour engaging.
FAQs

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for those with mobility considerations.
How long does the tour last?
The walking tour takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Is the tour conducted in a language other than English?
No, it’s offered in English only.
Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Horseshoe Bridge overlooking Perth Railway Station, opposite Yagan Square.
Does the price include transportation?
No, it’s a walking tour, so no transportation is included beyond walking.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
To sum it up, the Perth True Crime Guided Walking Tour offers a compelling, accessible way to explore the city’s hidden criminal history in a short amount of time. With enthusiastic guides, engaging stories, and a central meeting point, it’s an experience that balances entertainment and education. Perfect for those curious about Perth’s darker side or visitors looking for a distinctive activity that’s both fun and insightful, this tour is a worthwhile addition to any travel itinerary focused on authentic, local stories.
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