Kings Cross Golden Age — crime stories and neon fantasies

Explore the eclectic sights & stories that made Kings Cross & Potts Point an international playground for (adult) entertainment, crime & bohemia.

From bourgeois beginnings, The Cross became infamous in the early 20th century for its wild nights and neon lights — evolving into a red light strip where everything was for sale and Sydney could source its sex drive.

Dubbed in the media as Sin City, it is no secret that the success of this entertainment mecca was largely built on crime and corruption. Or that murders and martinis often came hand in hand.

Together we’ll rewind the clock to explore how this glittering, golden mile of scandals and fantasies was forged. From the bohemians, razor gangs and brothel keepers of the roaring 1920s & ’30s to the pioneers of its strip clubs and all-night adult entertainment, we’ll explore the notorious golden age of Kings Cross and the colourful array of characters who left their mark on its incredible history.

“One of the most enjoyable and thought-provoking tours I have ever encountered.” —Jill, QLD

“We discussed the various stories for hours after the event. It opened our eyes to a part of our home town that we were totally unaware of.” — Paula, SYD

“A fascinating way to get under the skin of Kings Cross” — Ian, VIC

On this unique experience:

• You’ll explore the notorious secrets & scandals of Sydney’s historic red-light strip with a professional local guide & storyteller.

• Discover how this glamorous colonial locality began to transform into Sydney’s late-night playground of vice, bohemia and entertainment by the 1920’s & 30s.

• Walk in the footsteps of razor-wielding gangs and underworld queens such as Kate Leigh & Tilly Devine who once battled for criminal supremacy over the area’s sly-grog stores, dope-dealing haunts and the sex trade.

• Recall the neon-lit fantasies of the Glittering Mile as colourful bright lights dominated the late-night skyline and attracted the city’s masses like moths to a flame.

• Evoke the buzzing atmosphere of the 1960s and ’70s as local and international revellers, U.S servicemen, visiting rock stars, eccentrics and beatniks flocked to its infamous stretch of nightclubs, strip shows & go-go bars.

• Expose the pioneering club owners and brothel keepers who successfully installed a highly lucrative underbelly of organised crime, police corruption and adult entertainment

•  Reopen one of Sydney’s most scandalous cold-case murder mysteries from 1975 that embroiled the neighbourhood and shocked the nation: the unsolved disappearance of Juanita Nielsen.

• Plus: get immersed in the contemporary culture of the Cross: a complicated fusion of the past and the present where the last of the Gentlemen’s Clubs sit aside dog-friendly cafes; and local libraries face-off adult book stores along the old Golden Mile.

For more tour information, photos and booking details: https://journeywalks.com/tours/kingscross/