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A 3 Bridges trike tour – Corrina + Debbie 30.12.20

A 3 Bridges trike tour sounded like the perfect fun. The passengers are in Sydney for a holiday and decided to do something a bit different. Our trike and Harley tours are definitely that!

Craig, our trike rider, picked them up from their hotel in the city. Firstly, they rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic.

Kirribilli

Next, after riding across the Harbour Bridge they rode past Kirribilli House. Kirribilli House is the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. After that, they rode around the corner to Jeffrey Street Wharf. From here, the views across Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the CBD are magnificent. In addition, it also has an up-close view of the side and underneath of the bridge. A perfect place to stop for photos.

The Kirribilli Loop

They rode under the north side of the bridge and continued on their tour. The underside of the northern end of the SHB – Sydney Harbour Bridge – is very interesting. The Kirribilli Loop was finished by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool. So far, a 3 Bridges trike tour is so much fun.

They continued riding on through North Sydney and Crows Nest before joining River Road. It is a fun road to ride on. River Road leads to Burns Bay Road which, in turn, leads to another bridge but not one of the main three.

Fig Tree Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge, Gladesville Bridge

The Fig Tree Bridge opened in 1963 and spans the Lane Cove River. After that bridge, they continued on and crossed the second of the bridges Tarban Creek Bridge. This spans Tarban Creek, likewise, it has nice views east to the Harbour Bridge. Then they got to bridge #2 of the main 3 Bridges, the Gladesville Bridge. It has wonderful views along Parramatta River towards the Harbour Bridge and the city.

This bridge is on the main arterial thoroughfare of Victoria Road. They travelled along for a short while before turning off into the inner west suburb of Drummoyne. Following the shoreline of Iron Cove, which is part of the Parramatta River, they saw some lovely water views. It is part of the 7 km long Bay Run.

ANZAC Bridge

Our favourite bridge is the ANZAC Bridge. We think it is incredible, a work of art and design. It is main bridge #3. Similarly, it is also great to see without a roof over your head inhibiting the view.

Most noteworthy, the stay cable design concept development and final design for the new bridge were carried out by the Roads & Traffic Authority of NSW. Finally, the bridge was opened to traffic on 03 December 1995 as the Glebe Island Bridge.

The bridge was given its current name on Remembrance Day in 1998 to honour the memory of the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (known as Anzacs) who served in World War I.

However, time was nearly up so Craig and Steve dropped our passengers back at their hotel. The passengers thought a 3 Bridges trike tour was fantastic, a great way to see parts of the city only the locals know about. https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

The Three Bridges
A 3 Bridges trike tour

The Gap Sydney NSW – Part 2

Following on from Part #1 : The Gap, Sydney NSW

Suicides

The Gap is also infamous for suicides and accidental deaths.

The tall cliffs have made it a location for those wishing to end their lives. The Tasman Sea is the body of water here, east of Sydney and all the way to New Zealand. Between 2008 and 2011 numerous measures have been implemented to dissuade those at risk of suicide, these include security cameras to monitor the area, several purpose-built Lifeline counselling phone booths, and information boards from the Black Dog Institute and Beyondblue. An inward-leaning fence has also been erected to deter people from jumping. The Gap, Sydney NSW is a seriously interesting place.

William Albert Swivell

On the afternoon of 20 April 1936, noted Australian diarist Meta Truscott recorded how she and her uncle, Christopher Dunne, witnessed a suicide at The Gap. By chance, the pair shared a bench with a well-dressed, middle-aged man who was later identified as William Albert Swivell. As the three watched a ship sail through the Sydney Heads, her uncle asked the man if he knew its name, to which Swivell replied, “The Nieuw Holland.” Soon afterwards, the smartly-dressed man stood up and walked away; he climbed to the top of the cliff and jumped to his death.

Caroline Byrne

Feeling old! We remember this one – in June 1995, a 24-year-old model, Caroline Byrne, fell to her death at The Gap. Due to the notoriety of the area, police did not initially suspect foul play. However, in 2008, her then-boyfriend was convicted of pushing her over the edge, but in February 2012, he was acquitted of her murder on appeal.

Charmaine Dragun

We remember this one – it’s so sad. In November 2007, Charmaine Dragun, a 29-year-old newsreader who worked for 10 News First, jumped from The Gap after battling depression and anorexia.

In conclusion, Troll Tours finds The Gap, Sydney NSW very interesting. We love taking our passengers here, to show them the view and to tell them the haunting history.

Photo by ConstantZero
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Harley and trike tour – Kallipolitis family 23.12.20

Stacey wrote asking about a Harley and trike tour for her husband’s 40th birthday. Absolutely we can organise a tour for the four of you. There are 2 adults and 2 children which meant we could put 3 on the trike and her husband on the Harley. The kids are 6 and 9 so too young to go on a Harley. It;s fun sitting on a trike anyway, as you can talk to each other.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Our trike rider craig and our Harley rider Jungle, picked the passengers up from their hotel. Firstly, they rode through the city and past the Royal Botanical Gardens. This are has beautiful views looking west towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Then they rode past Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench, on a peninsula in Sydney Harbour. It was hand carved by convicts in 1810, for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of Major-General Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of NSW. So far, the Harley and trike tour was a lot of fun!

the infamous Kings Cross

Continuing on, they rode through Woolloomoolloo and past the famous Harry Cafe De Wheels. Next, it was up the hill, through Potts Point and into the infamous Kings Cross, though it has calmed down a lot since it’s heyday.

Bondi Beach

Past the posh eastern suburbs of Sydney, including the Bays: Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay. Next the riders stopped at North Bondi Beach for photos and so our passengers can have a proper look at one of the most famous beaches in the world.

If there is time we drive through Centennial Park. Originally a swamp and then set aside as land for the water source for Sydney, Centennial Park was reconstructed as a public park and opened in 1888. However, the hour was nearly up so our riders drove thought the city and to the drop off point. Our passengers were then able to continue exploring our wonderful city of Sydney. In conclusion, the Harley and trike tour was a huge success. A very memorable 40th birthday! They ended up having so much fun we gave them extra time.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-city-viewer/

An interesting article about the architecture in Sam Fiszman Memorial Park: https://architectureau.com/articles/sam-fiszman-park/

Eastern Panorama Harley ride – Shane 18.12.20

Shane shouted himself the Eastern Panorama Harley ride as a Christmas present. It was touch and go with the weather and as usual, we are always happy to postpone to a nicer day. However, Shane decided to risk it and just as well he did. The weather was cloudy bit it was actually very nice and didn’t rain.

Our Harley rider Phil, picked him up from outside the CountryLink Railway at Central Station. Shane lives on the central coast so caught the train down into Sydney city.

Centennial Park

Firstly, Phil rode through the lovely Centennial Park. 120 fields and venues, and 35+ different sports played, Centennial Parklands is the largest community sports precinct in Australia! The history is also interesting: “Originally a swamp and then set aside as land for the water source for Sydney, Centennial Park was reconstructed as a public park and opened in 1888. Sir Henry Parkes’ vision was to create a ‘People’s Park’ in which the citizens of Sydney could ‘take in the air’ away from the Sydney town centre.”

Bronte Beach and Tamarama Beach

Next, they rode east to Bronte Beach and then north to the tiny but picturesque Tamarama Beach. It’s lovely to look out to the South Pacific Ocean from any of the beaches. So far, the Eastern Panorama Harley ride was a lot of fun.

Bondi Beach

Further north they came to the famous Bondi Beach. Here they stopped for photos and why not with this view! Just to the left of this photo is the the world famous tower of the Bondi Lifeguards of the Bondi Rescue TV series. After there, they headed west through Bondi Junction and the posh suburb of Paddington.

Oxford Street

However, the 1.5 hours was nearly up so they rode through Taylor Square, part of Oxford Street. Pre-covid, this is where the Mardi Gras parade route went through. Oxford Street is very interesting in its own right. Finally they arrived back at CountryLink, Central Station. In conclusion, Shane loved the Eastern Panorama Harley ride. He is going to book another Harley tour soon.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/eastern-sydney-panorama-trike-ride/
https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/visit/history-and-heritage

In memory of dad celebration – Bloom Family 17.12.20

Wendy wanted to organise a “In memory of dad celebration”. “My husband passed away 2 years ago tomorrow and we have decided to celebrate him as a family every year by doing something fun together. We are really looking forward to our ride.” His wife and three kids are doing a wonderful thing, having fun keeping his memory alive. He would want that.

So, our trike riders Craig and Steve picked them up from their hotel. Even though they live in the north west of Sydney, they stay in the city for a mini holiday.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic.

Kirribilli

Next, after riding across the Harbour Bridge they rode past Kirribilli House. Kirribilli House is the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. After that, they rode around the corner to Jeffrey Street Wharf. From here, the views across Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the CBD are magnificent. In addition, it also has an up-close view of the side and underneath of the bridge. A perfect place to stop for photos.

The Kirribilli Loop

They rode under the north side of the bridge and continued on their tour. The underside of the northern end of the SHB – Sydney Harbour Bridge – is very interesting. The Kirribilli Loop was finished by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool. So far, the in memory of dad celebration is a lot of fun.

They continued riding on through North Sydney and Crows Nest before joining River Road. It is a fun road to ride on. River Road leads to Burns Bay Road which, in turn, leads to another bridge but not one of the main three.

Fig Tree Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge, Gladesville Bridge

The Fig Tree Bridge opened in 1963 and spans the Lane Cove River. After that bridge, they continued on and crossed the second of the bridges Tarban Creek Bridge. This spans Tarban Creek, likewise, it has nice views east to the Harbour Bridge. Then they got to bridge #2 of the main 3 Bridges, the Gladesville Bridge. It has wonderful views along Parramatta River towards the Harbour Bridge and the city.

This bridge is on the main arterial thoroughfare of Victoria Road. They travelled along for a short while before turning off into the inner west suburb of Drummoyne. Following the shoreline of Iron Cove, which is part of the Parramatta River, they saw some lovely water views. It is part of the 7 km long Bay Run. So far, the fun 3bridges trike tour was a huge success.

ANZAC Bridge

Our favourite bridge is the ANZAC Bridge. We think it is incredible, a work of art and design. It is main bridge #3. Similarly, it is also great to see without a roof over your head inhibiting the view.

Most noteworthy, the stay cable design concept development and final design for the new bridge were carried out by the Roads & Traffic Authority of NSW. Finally, the bridge was opened to traffic on 03 December 1995 as the Glebe Island Bridge.

The bridge was given its current name on Remembrance Day in 1998 to honour the memory of the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (known as Anzacs) who served in World War I.

However, time was nearly up so Steve dropped our passengers at their drop off place. The In memory of dad celebration was just that – plenty of fun and very memorable. A wonderful way to celebrate life and memories. Feel the freedom!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

surprise celebration trike transfer – Denise + Nicky 11.12.20

Nicky organised a surprise celebration trike transfer for her friend Denise. She wrote: “It’s my friend’s birthday in a few days and she is also nearly finished with her PhD. So I wanted to treat her (and me) to a trike ride. I have organised a little birthday dinner for her at Newtown. Denise lives with cerebral palsy and uses 2 crutches to move around.” Yes, we can tie the crutches to the trike.

Brighton-Le-Sands

Our trike rider Brian, picked our passengers up from home in Peakhurst. A southern suburb of Sydney. Firstly, they drove along side the Georges River, also known as Tucoerah River. The total length of the Georges River is around 100 km long. Next, they rode towards Brighton-Le-Sands and alongside Botany Bay. So far, the surprise celebration trike transfer is so much fun!

La Perouse

Then they rode around the southern perimeter of Sydney Airport. This led them to La Perouse. La Perouse is an important part of Sydney’s history. It’s where Captain Arthur Phillip’s First Fleet initially landed in 1788 before deciding on Sydney Cove. The area is named after a French explorer who missed the First Fleet by days.

However, time was nearly up so they rode through the city to the drop-off point – at a restaurant in King Street Newtown. In conclusion, the surprise celebration trike transfer was a real surprise and a huge success.

https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/la-perouse

Georges River

The Georges River is an urban river in southern Sydney. It flows from the headwaters on the Illawarra escarpment and Appin down to the river mouth at Botany Bay. The catchment area of the Georges River covers an area of approximately 960 km2. It’s population is approximately 1.5 million people.

The water is fresh above Liverpool Weir and is tidal and saltier below the weir down to Botany Bay. The Georges River catchment is home to almost 1.4 million people and 454 species of fauna (including aquatic and land animals). Also home to 30 riparian or riverside vegetation communities and 29 Endangered Ecological Communities.

fun trike tour present – Gloria + Rhonda 10.12.20

Gloria organised a fun trike tour present for her sister and a friend. The friend had to work so Gloria had the ride with Rhonda instead. They are from outer NSW and came to Sydney for a holiday.

Our trike rider David picked them up from outside the Novotel Brighton-le-Sands. They really wanted to go over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so David made sure he took them. Firstly, they rode around the back of the airport, it’s still quiet but is picking up. Next, they rode through the city. There wasn’t much time for sightseeing but riding on a trike through the city is a lot of fun. You will see things you have never noticed from inside a car.

Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

After that, they rode over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic. The fun trike tour present was such a success.

Blues Point Reserve

After you ride off the Harbour Bridge, a left hand turn and a ride up a few streets, leads to Blues Point Reserve. The views over Blues Bay towards the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the CBD are just stunning. All the more stunning because of the lovely weather.

After a stop for a stretch and a few photos, they hopped back on the trike and David took them back over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They rode back through the city. However, time was up so he dropped the passengers back at their hotel. In conclusion, the fun trike tour present was a winner!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Blues Point was named after Billy Blue, a convict who arrived in Sydney on the Minorca on 14 December 1801, transported for stealing a bag of sugar. Physically imposing, he was described as a “strapping Jamaican Negro ‘a very Hercules in proportion’ with a bright eye and a jocular wit”. (credit: Wikipedia).

post lockdown trike tour – Eloise + Hannah 08.12.20

Now that all the states are opening up, we are doing a few post lockdown trike tour. Hanna is from the Sutherland area of Sydney. Eloise is from South Australia and is over for a couple of days for work. They both took a day work off to catch up.

Craig our trike rider picked them up from Milsons Point, on the north side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. He took them on the 3 Bridges tour.

Kirribilli

Firstly, they rode past Kirribilli House. Kirribilli House is the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. After that, they rode around the corner to Jeffrey Street Wharf. From here, the views across Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the CBD are magnificent. In addition, it also has an up-close view of the side and underneath of the bridge. A perfect place to stop for photos.

The Kirribilli Loop

They rode under the north side of the bridge and continued on their tour. The underside of the northern end of the SHB – Sydney Harbour Bridge – is very interesting. The Kirribilli Loop was finished by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool.

They continued riding on through North Sydney and Crows Nest before joining River Road. It is a fun road to ride on. River Road leads to Burns Bay Road which, in turn, leads to another bridge but not one of the main three.

Fig Tree Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge, Gladesville Bridge

The Fig Tree Bridge opened in 1963 and spans the Lane Cove River. After that bridge, they continued on and crossed the second of the bridges Tarban Creek Bridge. This spans Tarban Creek, likewise, it has nice views east to the Harbour Bridge. Then they got to bridge #2 of the main 3 Bridges, the Gladesville Bridge. It has wonderful views along Parramatta River towards the Harbour Bridge and the city. So far, post lockdown trike tour was a big success.

This bridge is on the main arterial thoroughfare of Victoria Road. They travelled along for a short while before turning off into the inner west suburb of Drummoyne. Following the shoreline of Iron Cove, which is part of the Parramatta River, they saw some lovely water views. It is part of the 7 km long Bay Run. So far, the fun 3bridges trike tour was a huge success.

ANZAC Bridge

Our favourite bridge is the ANZAC Bridge. We think it is incredible, a work of art and design. It is main bridge #3. Similarly, it is also great to see without a roof over your head inhibiting the view. Most noteworthy, the stay cable design concept development and final design for the new bridge were carried out by the Roads & Traffic Authority of NSW. Finally, the bridge was opened to traffic on 03 December 1995 as the Glebe Island Bridge.

The bridge was given its current name on Remembrance Day in 1998 to honour the memory of the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (known as Anzacs) who served in World War I.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

After riding over the ANZAC Bridge, they rode over the flyover and saw Barangaroo on the left. Next, they rode over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic.

However, time was nearly up so Craig dropped our passengers back at their car. The post lockdown trike tour was such a fun experience and very memorable. Feel the freedom!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

70th birthday Harley tour – Mary 06.12.20

The 70th birthday Harley tour was organised as a surprise for Mary. Her daughter Leanne knows how much her Mum loves riding on a Harley. As Leanne wrote later, “She was like a little kid waving her arms when she realised Pat was taking her on a ride”.

We organised our Harley rider Pat to pick Mary up from her home in Narrabeen. We love the northern beaches, it is such a great place to explore. Beautiful beaches, national park with a few curves in the road.

Firstly, they rode up Powder Works Rd. It’s fun on a bike as it is bendy and you really do feel the freedom of being on a bike. Then it was onto Mccarrs Creek Rd. Almost straight away they rode into the lovely Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. So far, the surprise 70th birthday Harley tour was a huge success.

Church Point

Next, Church Point which is home to artists and authors. The sublime waters are perfect for boats of all shapes and sizes. The road leads to Mona Vale which back at the coast. After that, they headed north to Palm Beach.

Palm Beach

There’s a reason that Palm Beach doubles up as the setting for Summer Bay, the fictional beach in TV show Home & Away, the golden sand and sparkling blue sea make it look too good to be true. But there’s more than just sea and sand here, explore Barrenjoey Head, Sydney’s northernmost seaside point and lots more.

What makes Palm Beach, a narrow peninsular, so spectacular is its unbeatable location. It won nature’s lottery and is surrounded by water on three sides: Pittwater to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east, and Broken Bay to the north at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, which meanders inland to historic Windsor.

After having a look around Palm Beach and stopping for a stretch and photos, they hoped back on the Harley and headed south. Pat rode past the beautiful beaches along the coast. However, time was nearly up so he headed back to Narrabeen and dropped Mary off at her home. In conclusion, the 70th birthday Harley tour was a huge success.

Testimonial

Hi Katrina,

The Harley ride was a surprise for my mum for her 70th bday.

She was like a little kid waving her arms when she realised Pat was taking her on a ride.

Mum had an absolutely great time and said Pat was a great driver. She’s done a Harley ride at for 35, 50 and 70th birthdays. She was full of adrenaline and smiling all afternoon at her party.

Here is a great pic I got and perfect timing of the hot rod driving behind her.

Thanks again to Pat.

Regards,
Leanne

https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

92nd birthday Harley ride – Les 05.12.20

Andrew contacted us to organise something for his Dad. We ended up organising a 92nd birthday Harley ride for his Dad Les. A Harley ride has been on Les’ bucket list forever. As Andrew said, it’s taken me sooo long to find the perfect present for Dad.

Les knew exactly where he wanted to go. He wanted to do the famous Old Pacific Road route to Mt White. Then he wanted to stop at the Road Warrior Cafe for a stretch and a coffee.

Old Pacific Highway

Our Harley rider Phil picked Les up at home on the northern beaches. Firstly they rode along the amazing, curvy and bendy Old Pacific Highway. As the NSW Government website says: “A short – but sweet – ride through national park, full of slices of history and the ever-popular Pie in the Sky café. Older, more unpredictable corners up to Mount White are to be treated with caution, even for experienced riders.” How good is the 92nd birthday Harley ride so far!!

After a good chat at the cafe, Phil rode them back to Les’ home in the Upper North Shore of Sydney.

In conclusion, the 92nd birthday Harley ride was a huge success, see below.

When Phil emailed us the photos, he wrote,
“Great guy. Took us a while to get him on the bike but from then on it was easy. He’s now scrubbed it off his bucket list.
We went there Old Pacific H’way and came back the Motorway after having a long chat at the Road Warrior. It was a good ride.”

Testimonial

Hi Katrina,
Dad had a great ride and he thoroughly enjoyed Phil.  It seems both are engineers.  Thank you and Phil so much for Dad’s adventure.

Thanks for the photos and it is ok to use a photo on your social media.

Rgds
Andrew

https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/
Here is an interesting post about the Old Pacific Highway. http://www.storiesofbike.com/stories/old-pac