Townsville True Crime Walking Tour with Dave Crisante - NAFA 2025

For those intrigued by the darker chapters of history, the Townsville True Crime Walking Tour offers a compelling journey into the city’s shadowy past. Led by Dave Crisante, a former federal government operative turned true crime guide (amongst other media and business pursuits), this tour blends historical insight with a chance to raise your step count for the day.

Despite not being a Townsville local, Dave’s dedication to uncovering the city’s criminal history is evident. His research is thorough, and his storytelling is polished. Over the course of the tour, he navigates the group through inner-city Townsville and North Ward, pointing out sites that have witnessed everything from petty theft to chilling acts of violence. His ability to connect the dots between historical events and their modern-day locations adds a layer of authenticity that elevates the experience.

Among the cases covered,  a theft aboard Captain Cook’s Endeavour offers a surprising maritime twist, while the recent shooting on Mitchell Street brings a contemporary edge to the narrative. The former jail, now the site of Townsville Central State School, and the adjacent ‘lunatic asylum’ in Queens Park, are haunting reminders of the city’s penal and psychiatric past. Dave’s account of the painting of the Saint on Castle Hill adds a curious cultural footnote, and his sensitive handling of the historical sexual abuse linked to Sacred Heart Cathedral is both respectful and informative.

The tour’s climax is undoubtedly the story of Arthur Stanley Brown, Townsville’s most notorious serial killer. Dave recounts Brown’s chilling legacy, including his confession to the murders of the Mackay sisters and his staggering 45 criminal charges. The possibility of his involvement in the disappearance of the Beaumont children from Adelaide adds a layer of unresolved mystery that lingers long after the tour ends.

Physically, the walk is manageable for most, thanks to well-timed shady stops and a refreshing breeze. The only real challenge is the incline near Sacred Heart Cathedral, which may test the stamina of some participants. However, the effort is rewarded with panoramic views and gripping tales that make the climb worthwhile.

Dave strikes the right tone, sharing shocking details without sensationalism, maintaining a respectful distance from the trauma while still engaging his audience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the tour offers a unique lens through which to view the city—one that reveals some of the place’s darkest stories.