Sydney surprise trike ride – John + Lachlan 13.08.23

The Sydney surprise trike ride was organised by their wife/mum. Our trike rider picked them up from their hotel.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode through the city and over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passenger to look up and enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic. It’s nicknamed ‘The Coathanger’ because of its arch-based design. It is the largest steel arch bridge in the world.

This bridge is the eighth longest spanning-arch bridge in the world and the tallest steel arch bridge, measuring 134 m (440 ft) from top to water level. It was also the world’s widest long-span bridge, at 48.8 m (160 ft) wide, until construction of the new Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver was completed in 2012.

Kirribilli

Next, 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.

Blues Point Reserve – McMahons Point

Continuing on, they rode on through Milsons Point, did a left hand turn and rode up a few streets. This lead to MacMhons Point and 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. Another perfect place for photos.

Garden Island Naval Base

Then it was back over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and through Woolloomooloo and past the Garden Island Naval Base. The Garden Island Naval Precinct is a heritage-listed naval base and defence precinct built from 1856.

Eastern suburbs and Kings Cross

Heading east and through the posh suburbs of the eastern suburbs of Sydney, is interesting. These include the Bays: Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay.

Bondi Beach

Next, they came to the famous Bondi Beach. Here they stopped for photos and why not with this view! On the left of this photo (not in view) is the the world famous tower of the Bondi Lifeguards of the Bondi Rescue TV series. 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. Bondi Beach is recorded by the Australian Museum that Bondi means place where a fight using boondi sticks (nullas nullas or fighting sticks) took place.

Tamarama Beach

Then, they rode south to the tiny but picturesque Tamarama Beach. It’s lovely to look out to the South Pacific Ocean from any of the beaches. Initially known as Dixon Bay by early European settlers, the name was changed to Tamarama in the 1800s. Tamarama is probably a derivation of the Aboriginal name ‘Gamma Gamma’ (possibly meaning ‘storm’), which appeared on maps of the coastline in the 1860s by the Military or Naval Authority. So far, the Sydney surprise trike ride was a lot of fun.

Bronte Beach and Baths

Next, they rode further south to Bronte Beach.

Contrary to the popular misconception that Bronte Beach was named after the Brontë sisters, or Bronte House, Bronte Beach was in fact named after the British military figure Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, Duke of Bronté. Horatio Nelson was awarded the title of the Duke of Bronte from the King of Naples in 1799 and from that time signed his name as “Nelson and Bronte”. (Wikipedia).

The Bronte Baths story begins in 1883 when Waverley Council set aside 150 pounds to build sea baths at Bronte. Before the Baths there was an existing swimming spot in this location, known as ‘the bogey hole at South Nelson Bay’. Construction of the Baths commenced in 1887.

However, the hour was almost up so they turned around and were dropped back at their hotel. In conclusion, the Sydney surprise trike ride was a fun and memorable experience. Check out our Tours and Prices page for ideas.

Part of John’s testimonial on Google; “Andrew was very friendly and relaxed and very generous with his time. Would recommend to anyone.”