The surprise 60th Harley tour present was given to them by a friend, Christine. They and other friends and family, were all celebrating together at the Christine’s when suddenly 2 Harley Davidsons turned up. Annette and Carrie received the biggest surprise when they found out the Harleys were for them. They totally loved the surprise and many memories were made. Pick up was in Clovelly, a small beach-side suburb in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

Clovelly Beach

Clovelly Beach is a small beach that sits on the end of the narrow bay. The bay is home to one of the first surf lifesaving clubs in the world, Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club, which was founded in 1906.

Bronte Beach and Baths

Firstly, they rode north 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.

Tamarama Beach

Next, they rode further north 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.

Bondi Beach

Further north they came to the famous Bondi Beach. Here they stopped for photos (where this photo was taken) 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.

So far, the surprise 60th Harley tour present is fun and lots of laughs along the way.

Vaucluse

After there, they headed north through the posh eastern suburb of Vaucluse. The first European activity in the area took place not long after settlement, when a makeshift signalling station was set up on the ridge overlooking the ocean. Its role was to signal the colony if a ship was approaching. Pilots based at Camp Cove, Watsons Bay, could then meet the ship and guide it through the harbour. A formal signal station was established in 1790, serviced by a bridle trail that later became Old South Head Road in 1811.

However, the hour was almost up so our Harley Davidson riders turned around and headed south. They went back via a different route.

Rose Bay

The name Rose Bay was used as early as 1788 by Captain John Hunter. HMAS Tingira, named after an Aboriginal word for ‘open sea’ was moored in Rose Bay from 1912 to 1927. It was used to train over 3,000 Australian sailors, many for service in World War I.

From 1938, seaplane flights to and from London began and terminated in Sydney Harbour on Rose Bay, making it Sydney’s first international airport, and what is now Rose Bay Water Airport. On 14 September 1945, nine Catalina flying boats landed and moored at the Rose Bay wharf, repatriating Australian prisoners of war who were survivors of Japanese camps.

We often pick up or drop off passengers at the Rose Bay Seaplanes.

Bondi Junction

Bondi Junction is a largely commercial area which has undergone many changes since the late 20th century. It is interesting to ride through, that’s for sure. Bondi is an Aboriginal word meaning water breaking over rocks. It has been spelt a number of different ways over time: for example, Boondi, Bundi and Bundye.

Arriving back at Clovelly, the Harley Davidson passengers were so happy. In conclusion, the surprise 60th Harley tour present was a huge success. A memorable surprise and a lot of fun. Feel the Freedom!

Check out our tours and prices / design-your-own-ride for a fun and happy time. Create new memories with us!

Tours and Prices

Kate contacted us to organise a memory lane trike tour. “We both used to live in Sydney about 25 years ago hence we would like to drive by the places we used to live!” Sure, we can put together an itinerary and take you to the places you’d like to see. So they emailed a list and we incorporated it into a design your own ride.

North Sydney

Our trike rider picked them up from North Sydney. The North Sydney municipality was incorporated in 1890 and after naming disputes, North Sydney was settled upon. It’s approx 5 kms north of Sydney CBD.

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.

The Kirribilli Loop

Then 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.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Next, they rode 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.

Cahill Expressway

Then they rode onto the Cahill Expressway. It was the first freeway constructed in Australia, opening to traffic in 1958. There is a lovely view of both the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We can’t get very close but we know some good angles which give some great scenic views.

Woolloomooloo, Harry’s and Garden Island

A place they wanted to see was Woolloomooloo Bay (Hotel), Harrys Cafe de Wheels and Garden Island. They had spent a lot time in this area and had such wonderful times. It sure brought back memories for them.

The inner eastern suburb of Woolloomoolloo has the famous Harry Cafe De Wheels. Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. Lots of interesting photos are on the walls, mostly of famous celebrities who have visited over the years. So far, the memory lane trike tour was fun, reminiscing over their past life in Sydney.

Kings Cross

Continuing on, they rode through the infamous Kings Cross, though it has calmed down a lot since it’s heyday – home of the famous and huge Coca Cola sign. Kings Cross is also home to nightclubs and ladies of the night though it is not nearly as raunchy as it was in the 1970s (apparently).

Redfern

Kelly used to live in Redfern so our trike rider rode through the city to the inner west. The suburb is named after surgeon William Redfern, who was granted 100 acres of land in this area in 1817 by Lachlan Macquarie. Then it was to Castlereagh Street in the city where Kate used to live. A little further on was Crown Hotel where they created fond memories.

Circular Quay

However, the 1.5 hours was almost up so Fred rode them to drop off at Circular Quay. This famous area was built by convicts between 1837 and 1844 on the site of the first colonial settlement at Sydney Cove. Sandstone blocks were used to construct an artificial shoreline on what were originally mudflats. It was originally known as Semi Circular Quay as the original wharves lining the cove were semi-circular. Over the years the name was shortened by popular use to Circular Quay and the cove was given corners to make maximum use of its wharves.

In conclusion, the memory lane trike tour was so much fun, it brought back so many fabulous memories and they created new ones on the trike. Feel the Freedom!

The Sydney group trike ride was organised months ago and it was worth the wait! From Qld, our passengers were in Sydney for a holiday. Our two trike riders picked them up from their hotel.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Firstly, they rode along Art Gallery Road, past the Royal Botanical Gardens to Mrs Macquarie’s Point was next. It has beautiful views looking west towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They ride 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. The Art Gallery of NSW is also along this road, it’s beautiful historic sandstone buildings were built between 1896 and 1909.

Cahill Expressway

Then they rode through the city and onto the Cahill Expressway. It was the first freeway constructed in Australia, opening to traffic in 1958. There is a lovely view of both the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We can’t get very close but we know some good angles which give some great scenic views.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Cahill Expressway is a set of lanes that goes 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.

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. So far, the Sydney group trike ride was a great experience.

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.

Barangaroo

Then it was through the comparatively new development of Barangaroo. A spectacular transformation from a disused container terminal on the edge of Sydney’s CBD into a spectacular 22-hectare waterfront precinct. This leads into the Rocks which is the birthplace of modern Sydney.

Crown Casino

They rode past Crown Sydney (also referred to as One Barangaroo), is a skyscraper in Barangaroo, Australia. It stands at a height of 271.3 m (890 ft) with 75 floors, making it the tallest building in Sydney and 4th tallest building in Australia. Construction first began in October 2016 and was completed in December 2020.

Harbour Bridge Southern Side

Finally, it was along Hickson Road and under the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, what a wonderful view! They continued further along and they came close to the Sydney Opera House from a different angle. Even as “forever Sydneyites” we never get tired of looking at the Opera House.

The Rocks

Lastly, the trike tours drove them around the most historic place in Australia. The Rocks is a neighbourhood of historic laneways in the shadow of Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Rocks became established shortly after the colony’s formation in 1788 so it is the oldest residential, developed area in Australia – the birthplace of modern Sydney. With the arrival of European settlers in 1788, it was here that the convicts first set up house and shop.

However, the 1.5 hours was up so the riders rode through the city and dropped them back at their hotel. In conclusion, the Sydney group trike ride was fun, informative and memorable. They saw so much that the average traveller to Sydney doesn’t. Design your own ride and feel the freedom!