It'd be a crime to miss these naughty hangouts.
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 appeal to our wicked side.
Kings 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, Kings Cross used to be far, far worse. Back in the 1920s and '30s, it was crawling with illegal grog runners and razor gangs who weren't shy about slitting the throats of those who 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's explored on Runaway Tours' Sydney by Night trip. The tour, available to private groups only, includes free drinks and a legendary pie from Harry's Cafe De Wheels at Woolloomooloo.
Find out more: Runaway Tours
While most of the Brits shipped to
Australia in the early colonial days weren't exactly choir boys, the ones at Port Arthur tended to be the worst of the bunch. It was a grim, often cruel, prison for those who hadn't learnt the first time round and reoffended while in
Australia.
Surrounded by shark-infested waters and guarded by snarling dogs, the Port Arthur convict settlement 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 period. The site is well preserved and the tours excellent. One thing's for certain: after a visit here, any urge to misbehave will be quickly wiped out.
Find out more: Port Arthur
The modern day bad boys have made the mean streets of
Melbourne their home, as shown in the hit TV series
Underbelly.
The gangland killings have been spread out around the city — hotels in St Kilda, car parks in Toorak, opposite the Coles supermarket in Port Melbourne, and in many other locations. Notorious underworld identity Jason Moran was shot dead outside the Cross Keys Reserve in Essendon, while suspected hitman Andrew Venaimin was gunned down in Carlton's La Porcella restaurant.
If the residents of Port Arthur were bad, then new adjectives need to be invented for those who were sent to
Norfolk Island. This tiny speck in the Pacific was reserved for the very worst and they were dispatched on the understanding that they'd never be coming back.
It was deemed a punishment only one step down from death, though 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.
Find out more: Norfolk Island
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 19 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 authenticity is the key thing.
Those staying can get a free guided tour of the property so they can understand what prison life would have been like. Meanwhile, those who don't get their round at the bar can be threatened with really being locked up.
Find out more: Mount Gambier Jail Backpackers
Mary Valley Heritage Railway, south-east Queensland
Back in the 19th and early 20th centuries, bushrangers were
Australia's notorious bad boys. They were the lawless types who became legends, along with British highwaymen and Native American ambushers. The most famous bushranger, of course, was Ned Kelly. There are a host of attractions devoted to him in and around Glenrowan,
Victoria.
Anyone who wants 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...
Find out more: Mary Valley Heritage Railway
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.
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 mug shots of early crooks and some of the weapons they used for their dastardly deeds.
Find out more: Justice and Police Museum
Click here to see these wicked hotspots!
Watch the new Underbelly Files telemovies and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage on channelnine.ninemsn.com.au/underbelly
