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Harley tour for fun – Kas 23.05.20

Kas had no particular reason to do the ride, she just want the Harley tour for fun.

Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

Our Harley rider Phil, picked Kaz up from Birkenhead Point Brand Outlet. She drove in with some family from the western suburbs. This is a good place to meet if you don’t want to drive into the city. The rest of the family went shopping while Kasz went on the Harley tour. We always send a map showing where to meet if it isn’t obvious. Firstly, they rode over the flyover and onto 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.

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

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

It is the Fig Tree Bridge which 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

Priscilla’s favourite bridge is the ANZAC Bridge. We agree 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 3 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.

Usually by now the time is up but there is less traffic on the roads. This is due to COVID 19 with the restrictions and many people working from home. So, they had enough time to do a short ride into the city.

However, time was nearly up so Phil dropped her back at Kings Street Wharf, Darling Harbour. Kas thought the Harley tour for fun was fantastic, a great way to see parts of the city only the locals know about. Now she wants to buy a motorbike!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

Surprise 60th trike ride – Charlee + Hugh 23.05.20

The surprise 60th trike ride was organised by Hugh’s wife. She reckoned it would be a bit of a hoot for him and their daughter.

Our trike rider Craig, picked Hugh and Charlee up from in front of Luna Park. Hugh did receive a huge surprise and thought it was a great present.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode via Kirribilli to the lower north shore suburb of Neutral Bay. Next, it was onto 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.

Crossing the bridge in good time, they had time to spare so rode to Mrs Macquaries Point.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Mrs Macquaries Point has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour. From here, look towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They stopped for photos and a look at the gorgeous view. Mrs Macquaries Point is a peninsula which was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife. Luckily, being the bosses wife, she could order a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquaries Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

The Rocks

Interestingly, the traffic is still not back to normal in Sydney, so in addition, there was time to ride through the Rocks. The Rocks is a neighbourhood of historic laneways in the shadow of Sydney Harbour Bridge. However, time was almost up so they rode back across the Sydney Harbour Bridge before returning to Luna Park.

In conclusion, the surprise 60th trike ride was so much fun for both of the passengers. Just look at the smiles on their faces. One of the best parts of organising the Harley and trike tours is seeing the big smiles on our passenger’s faces.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/harbour-bridge-ride/

Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the different types of mums in our lives!

To all the mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, and women who love with a mother’s heart. ?

Photo credit: Tourism Australia

Happy Mother's Day from near the Sydney Opera House
Happy Mother’s Day from near the Sydney Opera House

ANZAC BRIDGE SYDNEY – in memory of ANZACS

ANZAC BRIDGE SYDNEY – in memory of ANZACS is on the 25 April every year.

The Anzac spirit

The Anzac spirit is all about looking after your mates. It is only fitting that the bronze statue of an Aussie Digger standing sentry on Anzac Bridge, keeps an eye on his Kiwi counterpart on the opposite side.

The New Zealand soldier is 2cm taller than his counterpart and also eight years younger. He was winched into position in time for Anzac Day in 2008. The sculptor Alan Somerville said the height difference is because the trans-Tasman Digger (NZ) is wearing the traditional “lemon-squeezer” headwear, while the Australian has the famous slouch hat.

Interestingly, inside the plinth on which the Kiwi Digger stands, is a jar of sand from the shores of Gallipoli.

It is said “When the statue is placed on its plinth, it will be angled so that the Digger faces the setting sun, while the Kiwi will greet the dawn.” The Daily Telegraph of April 16, 2008 had an article about the unveiling of the New Zealand soldier. Thanks to the Daily Telegraph for the photo of the Australian soldier (on the left).

The Anzac Bridge

The ANZAC Bridge, formally known as the Glebe Island Bridge, was completed in 1996. With a span of 345 metres, it is the longest cable-stayed bridge in Australia. The Anzac Bridge is an eight-lane cable-stayed bridge that carries cars along the Western Distributor (A4). It crosses Johnstons Bay between Pyrmont and Glebe Island (part of the suburb of Rozelle), on the western fringe of the Sydney CBD.

The bridge was opened to traffic on 3 December 1995 as the Glebe Island Bridge.

However, the Anzac Bridge was given its current name on Remembrance Day in 1998. It is to honour the memory of the soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (known as Anzacs) who served in World War I. Now, ANZAC Day includes soldiers of all wars. An Australian Flag flies atop the eastern pylon and a New Zealand Flag flies atop the western pylon. On Anzac Day in 2000, a bronze memorial statue of an Australian Anzac soldier (“digger”) holding a Lee–Enfield rifle in the “rest on arms reverse” drill position, was placed on the western end of the bridge. A statue of a New Zealand soldier was added to a plinth across the road from the Australian Digger. He is facing towards the east, and was unveiled by Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark on Sunday 27 April 2008.

Thanks to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Bridge for the information.

Harley and trike tours over the Anzac Bridge

ANZAC BRIDGE SYDNEY – in memory of ANZACS – we can take you over the Anzac Bridge on our Harley and trike tours. Our 3 Bridges https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/ will take you over the wonderful Anzac Bridge. Or, we can adapt another tour or design a completely new tour to take you over the Anzac Bridge. It’s our favourite bridge of Sydney.

The Australian Digger on the left is looking towards the setting sun. The New Zealand soldier on the right is looking towards the rising sun.

We are still open for business – Gift Vouchers

We are still open for business – Gift Vouchers. These certainly are difficult times for everyone. Almost every business is suffering to some degree. and we are no exception. The tour and travel industry is basically non-existant now. As you would imagine, we are not legally allowed to take people on Harley tours or rides anymore, this includes the trikes.

A Gift Voucher will give hope for the future!

Gift Voucher

However, our office is still open. If you are wondering what to give someone for their birthday, or for Mother’s Day next month, we can organise a Gift Voucher for you. The best way would be for us to email it but we can also print it and post it if you’d prefer.

We will extend the expiry date

For Gift Vouchers bought during this COVID19 pandemic, we will extend the expiry date for 3 years. This should give peace of mind that it will be used. If, for some reason the virus is still around in 3 years we will refund your payment in full.

A Gift Voucher in these uncertain times, will give hope. It will show that there is something to look forward to. One day life will get back to normal. We intend to weather this virus storm out and be here to put smiles back on the faces of our passengers.

Our Harley and trike tours are definitely the best

Our Harley and trike tours are definitely the best way to see the sights and sites of Sydney. Whether for 1 hour or 4 hours, or longer, we know you will have a lot of fun and see some interesting and iconic nature, beaches and buildings.

An interesting fact about Sydney Harbour

Here is an interesting fact about Sydney Harbour. The harbour is a drowned river estuary carved out of the sandstone about 29 million years ago. The sea level rose about 17,000 years ago flooding the river and creating the harbour. Around the world, it really is hard to think of a more beautiful harbour than Sydney Harbour.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Jackson

So, we are still open for business – Gift Vouchers. Contact us today to organise one.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/gift-certificate

Sydney Harbour Harley tours
We are still open for business – Gift Vouchers

Sydneyites 24.03.20 – NorthernBeaches exploration by trike

Before all the shutdowns came along, we had some Sydneysiders wanting to do a NorthernBeaches exploration by trike. Why not! They had a four hours spare and what better way to fill in the time? What better way is there to see Sydney than on the back of a trike! Craig picked the passengers up from in the CBD.

Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode 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.

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

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.

lower North Shore suburbs

Continuing north east, they rode 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.

Bradleys Head and Balmoral Beach

Similarly, Bradleys Head has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the CBD. Continuing on, they rode past the lovely posh Balmoral Beach. Everyone who comes here loves it!

The Northern Beaches

Next, 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. Riding further up the hill they rode into the northern beach suburbs of Seaforth and Clontarf. Continuing on, they rode through Freshwater Beach, Curl Curl and Dee Why. All are such lovely beaches.

After that, they rode north to Newport Beach where they crossed over and followed Pittwater via Bilgola Plateau and Clareville. Then it was up to Avalon where they stopped at North Avalon Beach. So far, the NorthernBeaches exploration by trike tour was a success. However, the four hours was almost up so they rode back to the Sydney CBD via McCarrs Creek Road, Terry Hills and Wakehurst Parkway. 

Craig dropped them off at the Rocks so they could continue wandering. In conclusion, the NorthernBeaches exploration by trike tour was a success.

Testimonial

The passengers wrote: “lots of fun and went all too quick”.

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

Grace + Kathleen 22.03.20 – Northern Skimmer Harley tour

The Northern Skimmer Harley tour was picked by Kathleen. She was given a voucher for her 50th birthday so she could choose where she wanted to go. Kathleen brought her daughter along as well. Our Harley riders Jungle and Phil, picked them up from Circular Quay. Pick up can be anywhere (depending on the route or time frame you choose). A map will be emailed if needed.

Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode 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 were used to assemble the various plates on the bridge. Actually, they are so interesting to look at 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

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.

Heading north, they rode through the northern suburbs of Sydney. Suburbs such as Artarmon, Frenchs Forest and Terry Hills. This led to Mc Carrs Creek and Church Point. From here there is a lovely view of Pittwater. Pittwater is a semi–mature tide dominated drowned valley estuary, located about 40 kilometres north of the Sydney CBD. So far, teh Northern Skimmer Harley tour is a success.

Northern Beaches

Then they rode to Mona Vale, Narrabeen and the famous Dee Why. Continuing on, they rode to Curl Curl Beach (one of our favourites). Of course, if you haven’t been past Manly Beach you need to. It’s the second main beach for Sydneysiders. It is only a short ride to North Head, it has wonderful views of South Head and the CBD. After the wonderful North Head, they rode west to the Spit. Crossing the Spit Bridge is fun, it has great views of Middle Harbour.

Lower north shore

Not far south of the Spit Bridge is the posh Balmoral. Balmoral Beach is not so well known by visitors and tourists, but the stunning natural beauty of the beach and surrounds make it well worth a visit. However, the 3 hours was almost up so Jungle and Phil rode our passengers back to the drop off at Circular Quay. 

In conclusion, the Northern Skimmer Harley tour was a huge success. Just check out their smiles in the photo.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/
https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-north/pittwater

Geffner Family 17.03.20 – trike and Harley tour Sydney

The trike and Harley tour Sydney was a great one for our American passengers. A holiday full of exciting experiences, our trike and Harley tour Sydney was included as one of the best. Our trike rider Craig and Harley rider Steve, picked them up after a seaplane ride in the eastern suburbs.

Bondi Beach, Tamarama and Bronte Beaches

Firstly, they rode through the posh eastern suburbs of Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Dover Heights. Of course, no tour of the eastern suburbs is complete without a ride past Bondi Beach! Then it was past the lovely Tamarama and Bronte Beaches.

Centennial Park

Next, it was through the lovely Centennial Park. Centennial Park is part of the Centennial Parklands. Centennial Parklands is the name given to a group of three urban parklands. Comprising about 360 hectares (890 acres), the lands encompass Centennial Park, Moore Park and Queen’s Park. The Parklands are listed on the New South Wales Heritage Register, with various components of national, state or local heritage significance.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

After that, it was to Mrs Macquaries Point which has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour. From here, look towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They stopped for photos and a look at the gorgeous view. Mrs Macquaries 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 Macquaries Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

However, the 1.5 hours was almost up so our riders dropped the passengers off at Circular Quay. They were going to continue their exciting experiences with a jet boat ride.

In conclusion, the trike and Harley tour Sydney was so much fun, just look at the smiles on the Geffner Family faces. One of the best parts of organising the Harley and trike tours is seeing the big smiles on our passenger’s faces.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/eastern-sydney-panorama-trike-ride/

Mark + Michelle 11.03.20 – surprise anniversary trike transfer

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.

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

Sitara 10.03.20 – Harley tour western Sydney

The Harley tour western Sydney was organised by our passenger. She had always wanted a ride on a Harley, we were happy to make her wish come true.

Our Harley rider Syl, picked her up from home in the western suburbs of Sydney. Sitara didn’t mind where she went, she just wanted to experience the freedom of being on a Harley. We agree, it is rather fun without the roof and four walls surrounding you.

Sydney’s western suburbs

Syl knows the western suburbs well, so he took her on an interesting tour. Firstly, he rode to the lovely Prospect Reservoir. They stopped for photos with the lovely view behind her. Then he hit the M4 Western Motorway and rode to St Marys. Next, he rode around the area and then back onto the freeway.

However, time was up so Syl headed back and dropped Sitara at her home. In conclusion, our passenger loved Harley tour western Sydney, a tick on her list of experiences!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

The Prospect Reservoir

The Prospect Reservoir is a heritage-listed 50,200-megalitre (1,770×106 cu ft) potablewater supply and storage reservoir created by the Prospect Dam.

M4 Motorway

The M4 Motorway is a 51.5-kilometre-long (32.0 mi) dual carriageway motorway that is designated with the M4 route. The M4 designation is part of the wider A4 and M4 route designation. It runs parallel to the Great Western Highway and Parramatta Road.

The M4 route number comprises two connected parts:

  • The original section was completed between 1971 and 1993 is titled M4 Western Motorway, formerly known as F4 Western Freeway. It spans between Concord in the east, to Glenbrook in west, where it continues as the Great Western Highway as the A32. The section between Church Street in Parramatta and Concord was widened as the first stage of WestConnex, and is tolled as part of WestConnex.
  • An eastern tunnel extension of the M4 to Haberfield, known as M4 East, was completed as the second stage of WestConnex and opened to traffic on 13 July 2019. The whole of this section is tolled as part of WestConnex.