Yes the street walkers along Brunswick Street the Valley down towards New Farm and up the side streets like Brown Street were a thing but the cops ran a blitz on them around 25 years back with hefty fines so they went the way of the dodo.
I have seen likely sole operators loitering with apparent intent on footpaths in side streets off Melbourne Street West End on my way to Musgrave Park to attend events. These sightings are quite infrequent but I am always surprised when I see them.