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Northern Skimmer birthday surprise – Skinner Family 11.07.20

Northern Skimmers birthday surprise testimonial. As written on TripAdvisor and Facebook.

Great way to see the sites of Sydney ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“This was my 2nd experience with Troll Tours, this time I surprised my Mum for her birthday with a Troll Tour around the northern beaches. Troll Tours couldn’t have been more helpful with the bookings, and on the day the trikes were ready and waiting for us, right outside the zoo where we were staying! The surprise couldn’t have been better! We got to see some awesome scenery and our guides were very knowledgeable about the areas were were touring through. 5 star service all the way, if you are looking for something different to do and a new way to see the sites of Sydney, you won’t be disappointed with Troll Tours.” Sam

Sam bought the Northern Skimmer birthday surprise for her Mum. She and her husband did a tour a few years ago. They absolutely loved it and were looking for an excuse to do another one. Mum had a wonderful surprise. Celebrating Mum’s birthday by staying at the Taronga Zoo accommodation the night before, we met them there.

Our trike riders, Craig and Steve, picked our passengers up from the main entrance of the Zoo. The riders took them on the Northern Skimmer birthday surprise, the inner northern suburbs of Sydney are beautiful. Firstly, they rode the back roads to the posh Balmoral Beach.

The Northern Beaches

Riding through the back streets before crossing the Spit Bridge, is always fun. Such lovely views of Middle Harbour and the hundreds of yachts are hard to forget. Further up the hill they rode into the northern beach suburbs of Seaforth and Clontarf. Tania Park on Dobroyd Head is another view worth checking out. Amazing views looking across Sydney Harbour and through North and South Heads. The photo on this post was taken here, even though it is wet it is still beautiful.

Manly, Freshwater, Curl Curl and Dee Why Beaches.

Continuing on, they rode to the lovely Manly and through Freshwater Beach, Curl Curl and Dee Why. We love the northern beaches, they are all such lovely scenic beaches. By now the 1.5 hours was nearly up. Our riders took our passengers back to Taronga Zoo via the scenic route. In conclusion, the Northern Skimmer birthday surprise was a huge success. They want to do another tour one day.

Taronga Zoo

Officially opened in Sydney in 1884, it was the first public zoo in New South Wales. On a site known as Billy Goat Swamp in Moore Park, operated by the Zoological Society of NSW. The first exhibits to be built were the seal ponds, elephant temple, monkey pits, top entrance, aviaries, paths and roadways and the refreshment rooms. In all, 228 mammals, 552 birds and 64 reptiles were moved from Moore Park to Taronga. In addition, many animals, including the elephants, crossed the harbour on board a flat top barge.

Importantly, Taronga Zoo Sydney was officially opened on October 7th, 1916. An interesting history is found here: https://taronga.org.au/about/history-and-culture/sydney

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

Trike tour eastern panorama – Nicole + Rachel 07.07.20

The trike tour eastern panorama testimonial: “Our tour guide Craig took us around the eastern suburbs of Sydney. And we had a great time and would highly recommend and do again. Thanks.” Nicole and Rachel.

Mum Nicole organised the tour for herself and her daughter while they are in Sydney for a holiday.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Our trike rider Craig, picked our passengers up from their hotel in Darling Harbour. Firstly, they rode through the city to Mrs Macquarie’s Point, home of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. From here there is a gorgeous view looking towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Mrs Macquarie’s Point is a peninsula which was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife. She ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

the infamous Kings Cross

Riding past Finger Wharf and the iconic Harry’s Café De Wheels is always interesting. Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. It is in the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomooloo. This leads up into the infamous Kings Cross – home of the famous and huge Coca Cola sign. It is also home to nightclubs and ladies of the night though it is not nearly as raunchy as it was in the 1970s (apparently).

Watsons Bay and The Gap

Continuing on, they rode through the posh eastern suburbs of Rushcutters Bay,  Double Bay, Rose Bay and Watsons Bay. Here, they stopped at “The Gap” for photos. The view towards North Head and out to the South Pacific Ocean. Watsons Bay sits on the end of the South Head peninsula.

Of course, no tour or visit to Sydney, is complete without seeing the famous Bondi Beach. It’s probably the most famous beach in the world. The beach is seriously nice (but not our favourite) and we usually stop near the lifeguard station, made famous by the TV series “Bondi Rescue”. Bondi Beach is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia. Our passengers could hardly believe they were actually doing the trike tour eastern panorama, it was so much fun.

However, the 1.5 hours was almost up so Craig headed back into Sydney and dropped them at their hotel. In conclusion, the trike tour eastern panorama was a huge success. We love happy passengers!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/eastern-sydney-panorama-trike-ride/

trike transfer to Q Station – Fiona 12.07.20

Fiona thought a trike transfer to Q Station would be the way to go. She was going to stay at Q Station and what a great experience to start a fun time.

the infamous Kings Cross

Craig picked Fiona up from in the city. Firstly, they rode down the major thoroughfare of William Street. This leads up into the infamous Kings Cross – home of the famous and huge Coca Cola sign. It is also home to nightclubs and ladies of the night though it is not nearly as raunchy as it was in the 1970s (apparently). This road leads through Potts Point and down to Woolloomooloo, an inner eastern suburb of Sydney.

Riding past Finger Wharf and the iconic Harry’s Café De Wheels is always interesting. Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. Next, they rode to Mrs Macquarie’s Point. home of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. From here there is a gorgeous view looking towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Mrs Macquarie’s Point is a peninsula which was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife. She ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

For instance, a great part of our rides is the flyover on to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Look up we always tell our passengers, 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.

The Kirribilli Loop

Following the road, 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 Cremorne, Mosman and down past the Taronga Zoo to Bradleys Head. Make sure you look for the koalas eating and sleeping in the gum trees. Posh Balmoral Beach is a favourite of Sydneysiders and worth a look. After that, they rode through the back streets before crossing the Spit Bridge, this is always fun. The lovely views of Middle Harbour and hundreds of yachts are hard to forget. Through Seaforth, Balgowlah and Manly. However, the 1.5 hours was almost up so Craig dropped Fiona off at Q Station.

Q Station Manly

Interestingly, Q Station Manly has the haunting past of an Australian quarantine station. Before air traffic, maritime quarantine was the first defence against infectious diseases, including the Spanish flu. In conclusion, Fiona thought the trike transfer to Q Station was a lot of fun and well worth doing. https://www.qstation.com.au/
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Northern Skimmer birthday surprise – Skinner Family 11.07.20

Sam bought the Northern Skimmer birthday surprise for her Mum. Sam and her husband did a tour a few years ago. They absolutely loved it and were looking for an excuse to do another one. Mum had a wonderful surprise. Celebrating Mum’s birthday by staying at the Taronga Zoo accommodation the night before, we met them there.

Our trike riders, Craig and Steve, picked our passengers up from the main entrance of the Zoo. The riders took them on the Northern Skimmer birthday surprise, the inner northern suburbs of Sydney are beautiful. Firstly, they rode the back roads to the posh Balmoral Beach.

The Northern Beaches

Next, they riding through the back streets before crossing the Spit Bridge, is always fun. Middle Harbour and the hundreds of yachts are such a lovely view that they are hard to forget. Further up the hill they rode into the northern beach suburbs of Seaforth and Clontarf. Another view worth checking out, is at Tania Park, on Dobroyd Head. The views are amazing looking across Sydney Harbour and through North and South Heads. The photo on this post was taken here, even though it is wet it is still beautiful.

Manly, Freshwater, Curl Curl and Dee Why Beaches.

Continuing on, they rode to the lovely Manly and through Freshwater Beach, Curl Curl and Dee Why. We love the northern beaches, they are all such lovely scenic beaches. By now the 1.5 hours was nearly up. Our riders took our passengers back to Taronga Zoo via the scenic route. In conclusion, the Northern Skimmer birthday surprise was a huge success. They want to do another tour one day.

Taronga Zoo

Officially opened in Sydney in 1884, it was the first public zoo in New South Wales. On a site known as Billy Goat Swamp in Moore Park, operated by the Zoological Society of NSW. The first exhibits to be built were the seal ponds, elephant temple, monkey pits, top entrance, aviaries, paths and roadways and the refreshment rooms. In all, 228 mammals, 552 birds and 64 reptiles were moved from Moore Park to Taronga. In addition, many animals, including the elephants, crossed the harbour on board a flat top barge.

Importantly, Taronga Zoo Sydney was officially opened on October 7th, 1916. An interesting history is found here: https://taronga.org.au/about/history-and-culture/sydney

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

Broken Bay trike tour – Rafael + Son 11.07.20

Rafael’s son loves bikes so Rafael and his wife organised the Broken Bay trike tour. Actually, they didn’t mind where they went. Craig, our trike rider, knows the northern beaches area of Sydney extremely well. He planned the ride route at the pick up. Our tours are all so flexible. Rafael’s son has autism so the trike is a good way to make him feel safe and secure.

Northern Sydney suburbs

So, Craig picked the passengers up from home in St Ives. Firstly they rode down Mona Vale Road, then through the back of Terry Hills. This in turn, joins Mc Carr’s Creek Road.

Akuna Bay

Which leads down as far as Akuna Bay. Akuna Bay, tucked away at the end of Coal and Candle Creek. Superb birdlife and some animals such as kangaroos, can sometimes be seen. Akuna Bay is inside Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Located in Sydney’s north, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park combines important history with scenic beauty, making it perfect for tours. Also, Bobbin Head is a great place for a family picnic, and parts of the park are ideal for cycling, fishing and bushwalking.

Duffys Forest

They then continued onto Duffys Forest. Duffys Forest is named after Patrick Duffy, who received a land grant there in 1857. He became a timber cutter and cleared a road through the bush to Cowan Creek, where he built a stone wharf for transporting timber. The wharf is still known as Duffys Wharf and the road is Duffys Track.

St Ives

The St Ives area was first explored by Governor Arthur Phillip and a party of men in 1788 where they set up a campsite. The area produced a small scale timber felling industry. There are still some examples of the thirty metre and higher trees. In nearby Pymble in the Dalrymple Hay forest and near Canisius College. Native turpentine trees were also once abundant and provided useful timber for cabinet making. It was once known for its apple orchards but due to residential demand, there is no longer any commercial fruit growing in the area

However, the hour was almost up so they turned around and rode back home to St Ives. In conclusion the Broken Bay trike tour was a huge success. Both passengers had such a fun time as you can see by the photo.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kuringgai-chase-national-park

Trike tour eastern panorama – Nicole + Rachel 07.07.20

The trike tour eastern panorama testimonial: “Our tour guide Craig took us around the eastern suburbs of Sydney. And we had a great time and would highly recommend and do again. ? Thanks.” Nicole and Rachel.

Mum organised the tour for herself and her daughter while they are in Sydney for a holiday.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Our trike rider Craig, picked our passengers up from their hotel in Darling Harbour. Firstly, they rode through the city to Mrs Macquarie’s Point, home of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. From here there is a gorgeous view looking towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Mrs Macquarie’s Point is a peninsula which was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife. She ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

the infamous Kings Cross

Riding past Finger Wharf and the iconic Harry’s Café De Wheels is always interesting. Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. It is in the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomooloo. This leads up into the infamous Kings Cross – home of the famous and huge Coca Cola sign. It is also home to nightclubs and ladies of the night though it is not nearly as raunchy as it was in the 1970s (apparently).

Watsons Bay and The Gap

Continuing on, they rode through the posh eastern suburbs of Rushcutters Bay,  Double Bay, Rose Bay and Watsons Bay. Here, they stopped at “The Gap” for photos. The view towards North Head and out to the South Pacific Ocean. Watsons Bay sits on the end of the South Head peninsula.

Of course, no tour or visit to Sydney, is complete without seeing the famous Bondi Beach. It’s probably the most famous beach in the world. The beach is seriously nice (but not our favourite) and we usually stop near the lifeguard station, made famous by the TV series “Bondi Rescue”. Bondi Beach is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia. Our passengers could hardly believe they were actually doing the trike tour eastern panorama, it was so much fun.

However, the 1.5 hours was almost up so Craig headed back into Sydney and dropped them at their hotel. In conclusion, the trike tour eastern panorama was a huge success. We love happy passengers!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/eastern-sydney-panorama-trike-ride/

Surprise anniversary trike transfer – Mark + Michelle 11.03.20

Surprise anniversary trike transfer testimonial: “Had a fantastic troll ride from Davidson to Woolomooloo for our 25th wedding anniversary. Craig was fantastic and took us to all the back streets and amazing areas. It was so much fun we felt like kids again. Would highly recommend ??. Thanks again”. Mark and Michelle ?

Michelle rang us to organise a surprise anniversary trike transfer. They were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and had lunch in town organised. Michelle thought it would be fun to do something different to get to the restaurant. We couldn’t email because it was a surprise for Mark, we love surprises.

Firstly, our trike rider Craig picked them up from their home on the northern beaches. They rode via the Wakehurst Parkway to the northern beaches of Seaforth and Clovelly. Crossing the Spit Bridge is always fun, with lovely views of Middle Harbour and hundreds of yachts.

Then it was into the lower north shore suburbs. The posh Balmoral Beach is always worth driving past, it is so pretty. Next was Mosman, Cremorne and to Kirribilli.

Kirribilli

In Kirribilli, they rode past Admiralty House which is the Sydney official residence of the Governor-General of Australia. After that they rode past the Prime Ministers mansion – Kirribilli House. It is the official Sydney residence of the Prime Minister of Australia.

Continuing around the corner they arrived at 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. They also stopped for photos here.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Heading south, they rode over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. The view of the arches is fantastic without a metal roof over your head. More than 6,000,000 rivets were used to assemble the various plates on the bridge. However, time was up so they headed to Woolloomooloo Wharf where Craig dropped them off. Mark + Michelle were going to have a lovely lunch to celebrate their 25 years of marriage, quite a milestone!

In conclusion, the surprise anniversary trike transfer was a huge success and a lot of fun.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Eastern Panorama trike ride – Angie + Mark 25.02.20

Eastern Panorama trike ride testimonial:

Trip Advisor: We booked on the spur of the moment and so glad we did. Had an absolute awesome time. Saw so many iconic sights of Sydney .. definitely a must on anyone’s list!

Facebook “We had an awesome time with Craig from Troll tours cruising around Sydney. Saw many iconic sights for 1.5hours. Totally recommend ????” Angie.

Angie had been on a trike ride with us many years ago. She loved it so much she wanted to do another. So, we organised the Eastern Panorama trike ride for her and Mark.

Our trike rider Craig picked them up from their hotel in the CBD and took them on an adventure of their life!

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Firstly, it was through the city to Mrs Macquarie’s Point. The view from here looking westward, is beautiful. Most noteworthy, you’ll see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from a different and interesting perspective.

Harry’s Cafe De Wheels, Finger Wharf and Kings Cross

Next, Craig rode through Woolloomooloo. This leads past the interesting Finger Wharf and Harry’s Cafe De Wheels. Then they rode up the hill and through the infamous Kings Cross, through to Rushcutters Bay and Double Bay.

Bondi Beach

After that, they stopped at the famous Bondi Beach. When in Sydney it is one of the places you should visit. The beach is seriously nice (but not our favourite) and we usually stop near the lifeguard station, made famous by the TV series “Bondi Rescue”. Bondi Beach is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia.

Watsons Bay and the Gap

This route led to Watsons Bay, home of a well known seafood restaurant. Not far from here is the Gap. The Gap is an ocean cliff on the South Head peninsula in eastern Sydney. Although the cliff is a popular visitor destination, it has an infamy for suicides.

posh eastern suburbs

However, the 1.5 hours was almost up. So Craig rode back down Old South Head Road and back along the posh eastern suburbs of the inner harbour. It is always a nice view through Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay because it follows the Sydney Harbour coastline.

In conclusion, the Eastern Panorama trike ride was a great success.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Mini trike transfers Sydney – Mardi Gras Party 23.02.20

Mini trike transfers Sydney testimonial:

“I recently booked Troll Tours for a corporate event and they were fantastic. The riders were great, the trike were immaculate and over all they added so much fun to the event. Troll were an absolute dream to work with, highly recommend them!” Rach.

It is the annual Mardi Gras time of year in Sydney. We were contacted by an organiser of a Mardi Gras Party. She wanted mini trike transfers Sydney. Yes, we sure could arrange that. Two of our trike riders, Craig and Steve, were to take passengers from one end of Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont to the other. Above all, the party goers absolutely loved the experience, it did save their feet from getting sore. ?

Craig and Steve were early as usual. We asked them to meet Rachel, the organiser, early so she could brief them. Once they knew exactly what they were to do, they got to it. Later, our riders told us they loved the job. Great people and it wasn’t stressful (no traffic) ?.

They rode up and down Jones Bay Wharf doing the mini trike transfers Sydney. It was a hit with the passengers as you can see by the two photos. However, the four hours was over very quickly. After that, at the end of the booked time, our trike riders took some special VIPs back to their hotel. The mini trike transfers Sydney was such a success, they are going to book us again next year!

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020

This Saturday over 12,600 dazzling parade participants will sashay their way up Oxford Street. It is the 42nd annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade! This year the theme is WHAT MATTERS. 91 diverse floats, each taking their own unique take on the festival’s theme WHAT MATTERS. Similarly, the Parade promises to be a stunning display of celebration, passion and support. Apparently, it is to draw attention to climate and sustainability.

History

The event grew from gay rights parades held annually since 1978. However, for years, numerous participants had been arrested by New South Wales Police. Now, the Mardi Gras Parade maintains a political flavour. Many marching groups and floats promote LGBTQI rights issues or themes. In other words, it reflects changes since the first Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, participants in the Mardi Gras Parade now include uniformed groups. Uniformed Australian Defence Force personnel, police officers from New South Wales State Police. In addition, there are interstate and federal police officers, firefighters and other emergency services personnel from the Australian LGBTQI communities.

WorldPride

In 2019 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras submitted a bid to host WorldPride 2023. It competed against Montreal, Canada and Houston, Texas. InterPride, at their October 2019 Annual General Meeting . There were three hundred delegate organisations, and the AGM was held in Athens, Greece. The AGM chose Sydney, Australia! We are to host WorldPride 2023 – the first time WorldPride will be held in the Southern Hemisphere or Asia Pacific region!

Bushfire Heroes

The heroes from the frontline of the recent bushfires will also come together. They will be celebrated on Parade night. LGBTQI+ community members and their allies from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW State Emergency Services. Proudly take to Oxford Street in a symbol of unity for their LGBTQI + members and the community.  
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Harbour Bridge trike tours – Countrysiders 28.06.20

Our passengers are from country NSW and in Sydney for a holiday. As usual, most of our passengers want some fun and to do something different. These passengers were the same. We were happy to organise the Harbour Bridge trike tours for them.

famous Coca Cola sign

Craig, our trike rider, picked them up from their hotel in the city. Firstly, they rode down the wide William Street to the huge and famous Coca Cola sign. This led them to the infamous Kings Cross, which was quite raunchy back in its day. Today, it is still worth a drive through because you can see some interesting people.

From Kings Cross, they rode through Potts Point and into Woolloomooloo. This road leads past the iconic Harry’s Cafe De Wheels and also, the rejuvenated Finger Wharf. Even after all these sights, the Harbour Bridge trike tours continued.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Next, the rode past the Art Gallery of NSW to Mrs Macquarie’s Point. Home of Mrs Maquarie’s Chair. They stopped for photos and a look at the beautiful view. After that, it was back through the city and 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.

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.

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.

Next, they rode up to Neutral Bay before turning around and riding back over the bridge. However, time was nearly up so Craig dropped them back at their hotel. In conclusion, the Harbour Bridge trike tours was a memorable success.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/harbour-bridge-ride/
https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/city-centre/attractions/mrs-macquaries-chair-sydney