It’s only right and proper that a country founded as a convict colony should have a few attractions designed to appeal to bad boys (and girls). Whether exploring Australia’s convict past, sleeping in prison cells or following in the footsteps of bushrangers and murderous grog-runners, there are plenty of destinations to visit that appeal to our wicked side.
King’s Cross, Sydney
It may have cleaned up its act a little in recent years, but The Cross is still where naughty boys (including misbehaving rugby league stars) go out to play. With its 24-hour bars, strip clubs with live shows and reputation for sleaze, it’s hardly family fare.
But, believe it or not, King’s Cross used to be far, far worse.
Back in the 20s and 30s, it was crawling with illegal grog-runners and razor gangs who weren’t shy about slitting the throats of those that crossed them. The Cross was a place of murder and mayhem, controlled by murky underground bigwigs.
And it’s this side of the area’s history that is explored on Runaway Tours’ Sydney By Night trip. The tour, which is available to private groups only, includes free drinks and a legendary pie from Harry’s Cafe De Wheels at Woolloomooloo.
Port Arthur, Tasmania
While most of the Brits shipped to Australia in the early colonial days weren’t exactly choir boys, the ones in Port Arthur tended to be amongst the worst of the bunch. It was a grim – often cruel – prison for those who didn’t learn the first time round and re-offended whilst in Australia.
Surrounded by shark-infested waters and guarded by snarling dogs, it was regarded as a highly secure prison, and the treatment was harsh. Some prisoners were brutally whipped, while others were forced to cover their faces with hoods and stand in silence.
These days, Port Arthur is arguably Australia’s best exploration of the convict days. The site is well preserved, and the tours are excellent. One thing’s for certain – after a trip round, any urges to misbehave will be quickly wiped out.
Norfolk Island
If the residents of Port Arthur were bad, then whole new adjectives need to be invented for those who got sent to Norfolk Island. This tiny speck in the Pacific was reserved for the very worst, and those sent there were dispatched on the understanding that they’d never be coming back.
It was deemed to be a punishment that was one step down from death, although conditions were so bad that convicts often expressed joy when told that they were going to be executed.
Fighting, murders and inhumane treatment were rife, and escape was impossible – there was nowhere to run to.
In recent years, there have been efforts to preserve the remnants of the gruesome convict experience on Norfolk Island. Tours of the New Gaol – including the cramped solitary confinement cells – are particularly chilling.
The Jail, Mount Gambier, South Australia
There’s only one place for the badly behaved, and that’s behind bars. Luckily, those who want to experience life in a prison cell without the awkward bits involving the police and judge can do so.
The old prison in the South Australian town of Mount Gambier has been converted into backpacker accommodation. There are two double rooms and nineteen twin shares in the former cells, and they’ve not had all that much decoration since the criminals were in residence.
That said, it would have been a shame to knock everything down and put in cosy hotel rooms. The facilities are adequate, but the authenticity is the key thing.
Those staying can get a free guided tour of the property so that they can understand what prison life would have been like.
Meanwhile, those that don’t get their round in at the bar can get threatened with being locked up properly.
Mary Valley Heritage Railway, SE Queensland
Back in the 19th and early 20th century, the bushrangers were Australia’s notorious bad boys. They were the lawless types that entered into legend along with British highwaymen and American Indian ambushes.
The most famous bushranger, of course, was Ned Kelly. There are a whole host of attractions devoted to him in and around Glenrowan, Victoria.
But those who want to experience being on the wrong end of a bushranger’s raid should head to south-east Queensland.
Every third Sunday, the Mary Valley Heritage Railway hosts a special journey. Travelling from Gympie to Indil, the steam train goes in for a bit of role-playing. The scenario dates back to 1870, when a large shipment of gold is being taken from the goldfields. Bushrangers make an appearance at the stations, before there’s a full-on ambush in Indil.
Luckily it’s all a re-enactment, so no-one’s going to get shot…
Justice and Police Museum, Sydney
Other criminals get the treatment at the Justice and Police Museum, which looks into famous old cases. These include the Shark Arm murder, Graeme Thorne kidnapping and Pyjama Girl case. Want to know more? Well you’ll have to visit then.
The building was attached to a court in a previous incarnation, and its exhibitions focus on crime and punishment. As part of the package there’s a magistrates court as well as recreated remand cells and a police charge room.
There are also mugshots of early crooks, and some of the weapons they used for their dastardly deeds.
This article was originally written for Ninemsn.
Copyright David Whitley
