Small-Group History of Immigration in Melbourne Tour

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^$ 77

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Melbourne, Australia

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3 Hours

Moderate

Shore Excursion with Guaranteed Return to Ship

From (USD)

^$ 77

Multicultural Heritage Tour: Set off on a discovery of Little Lonsdale Street, archaeological remains, and a 19th century converted synagogue.
Chinese Museum: Snuggled into Melbourne’s famous Chinatown is a museum that preserves Chinese-Australian history.
Cumberland Place: Admire the intricate architecture of Victorian terrace houses and expose yourself to Cumberland Place’s red-light district at Madame Brussels brothel.
Little Bourke Street: Notice post-gold rush Chinese influences on a street where Asian groups settled and a dumpling shop opened its doors.

Meeting point

Please meet your guide at the top of the steps of the Old Treasury Building, located on Spring Street where Collins Street deadends, just to the right of the entrance, outside on the steps. In case of rain, meet inside just beyond the information desk.

Helpful hints

As in many cities, keep your wallet or purse secured and leave the bling behind. Dress for the weather with flat, comfortable shoes for walking and don’t forget your sunscreen and bottled water.

Getting around

Plan to walk for approximately 2 miles at a gentle pace. If your mobility is limited, this tour may be too challenging for you. This itinerary is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Activity type

Walking Tour, Cultural, Scenic, Family Friendly

Transportation used

Public transportation may be used from time to time. Have local currency available for tickets. Your tour may involve walking only.

Included amenities

Ph.D. or MA-level scholar guide

Tour ID

TR-ANZ-AUS-MELB-EN-2003

Tour Participation Requirements

Activity Level

This experience is rated moderate. Full participation may require extended periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, steep terrain and/or water activity in a slight current. There may be steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces, and extended periods of standing. Participants with physical limitations should take this into account.

Age restrictions

Travelers must be 13 years of age and older to participate.

Special comments

Walks are held rain or shine with some variations to accommodate the weather. If you are running late for your meeting with our guide, we ask that you call to alert us so that we can relay the message to the guide.

Today, quaint cafes are sprinkled along Little Lonsdale Street, which was once a hub for prostitution and slum-like living. An integral part of the Hoddle Grid, "Little Lon" runs from East to West. Inspect the historic remains of a previously popular brothel site run by Madame Brussels herself and stroll down the disappearing laneways, before unearthing more of the city at a 19th-century synagogue. Consecrated in 1877, this place of worship will give you a unique insight into the city's Jewish population.

Just 20 years before the synaogue was consecrated, the largest gold discovery of Australia occurred. This consequently led to an influx of immigrants, with the vast majority being Asian. Notice the Chinese influences along Bourke Street and in Chinatown, which was formed as a staging post for Chinese settlers who were in search of gold. A trip to the Chinese Museum and Chinese Nationalist Party Headquarters will teach you about Chinese descent among Australia's modern population.

The Notorious Little Lon Laneway

What was formerly one of the most well-known red-light districts of Melbourne looks just as normal as any other part of the metropolis nowadays. Today, Little Lon is home to tall skyscrapers, cafes, office blocks and retail businesses. Back in 1854, Little Lon was an established slum, frequented by foul-mouthed and shady females who flocked around men like sheep. Luring them in with vile language, the brothel workers were usually employed by "Madame Brussels" - a powerful brothel proprietor who ran numerous Lonsdale Street-facing brothels that were known for attracting wealthy men.

You cannot participate in this tour if you have not sent your passport number and name beforehand. Context walks can be cancelled up to 48 hours prior to the walk with an 85% refund. Within 48 hours all reservations are final and cannot be refunded. Walks are held rain or shine with some variations to accommodate the weather. If you are running late for your meeting with our guide, we ask that you call to alert us so that we can relay the message to the guide. No shows are treated as last-minute cancelations and are non-refundable. Cancellations within two business days need to be made directly with our local offices by calling them directly (or on the emergency number provided). Cancellations made via email or by calling our U.S. 800 number may not be honored.

Small-Group History of Immigration in Melbourne Tour