Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, razor gangs and razor wars took over Sydney's Kings Cross district. Join your professional guide on a walking tour of the events, stories, people and places central in this dangerous period in Sydney's history.

In the early 1920s, Sydney saw an upsurge in organized crime due to the prohibition of cocaine and prostitution, the criminalization of off-course racetrack betting as well as the introduction of six o'clock closing for public bars. Illegal drug distribution became a serious social problem, particularly in Sydney's inner-city suburbs of Kings Cross, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst. This period was especially lucrative for criminal entrepreneurs like Kate Leigh, Tilly Devine and Nellie Cameron.

After handguns were criminalized, razors became the weapon of choice amongst Sydney's gangs. The two major gangs, associated with Kate Leigh and Tilly Devine, began open warfare in 1929, resulting in two of Sydney's most notorious riots:, the 'Battle of Blood Alley' and the 'Battle of Kellet Street.' Both riots took place in the streets in and around Kings Cross.

Get an up-close look and hear the stories of this interesting time in Australian history. Your guide dives into the streets and alleyways that make up Kings Cross (also known as Sydney’s red light district).