The surprise Southern Spectacular trike tour was booked by Jane. John used to ride so she thought it would be a great experience for them both. She wrote later, “Had a great time and will totally recommend the tour.”

They did the 4 hour Southern Spectacular. Also, being from Brisbane QLD, they saw different views to the average to tourist. They saw places not even many Sydneysiders have seen.

Our trike rider picked them up from their hotel in the CBD. Firstly, he rode along the Eastern Distributir and under the runway at Mascot (part of the Kingsford Smith Airport).

Brighton Le Sands

This brought them out at Brighton Le Sands. It is located 13 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD, on the western shore of Botany Bay. It has a lovely beach and some nice parks.

Captain Cook Bridge

This bridge has good views of the river. The Captain Cook Bridge is a road bridge that carries Taren Point and Rocky Point Roads across the Georges River. It’s often called the Taren Point Bridge. It consists of seven spans totalling 475 m in length, with a 506 m long deck that is 27.5 m wide with six traffic lanes and two shared bicycle and pedestrian paths. Its foundations extend as deep as 67 metres (220 ft) below water level to its sandstone base. The bridge was opened on 29 May 1965.

Sutherland

Sutherland Shire is located at the southern border of the Sydney metropolitan area, 26km from the Sydney CBD. It is home to one of Sydney’s longest surf beaches. Kurnell within the Sutherland Shire was the original landing place of Captain James Cook on 29th April 1770, making the Shire the birthplace of our modern nation.

the Royal National Park

Established in 1879 it is Australia’s first national park and the world’s second oldest national park – after Yellowstone in the USA. It features unique heritage attractions, along with fascinating plants, birds and animals.

Originally known as just National Park, it was renamed Royal National Park in 1955, in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Australia in 1954. It was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2006.

Stanwell Tops

They stopped for a coffee and stretch at Stanwell Tops. It rests on the Illawarra escarpment, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the neighbouring village of Stanwell Park. It is bounded on all sides by state-forest reserves and other forested crown lands.

Bald Hill Lookout

Part of Stanwell Tops, Bald Hill Lookout not only has excellent views, the area is also internationally known as a major hang-gliding point. It was on the beach below Bald Hill that Lawrence Hargrave, an Australian pioneer of flight, made a successful flight with his box kite, on 12 November 1894. A memorial cairn dedicated to him has been erected at the peak of the hill near the car park.

Bald Hill overlooks the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge which extends along the Grand Pacific Drive a 140 kilometre award-winning coastal drive beginning 45 minutes south of Sydney International Airport in the Royal National Park.

Stanwell Park

Then they drove down to Stanwell Park and pat the beautiful beach. So far, the surprise Southern Spectacular trike tour was impressive. Our passengers had seen some beautiful views and riden through the lovely National Park. Something not many people experience.

Coalcliff

Coalcliff is beginning of the famous Sea Cliff Bridge coming from the North. It is a suburb of northern Wollongong at the base of the Illawarra escarpment. Founded in 1797 when survivors of a wreck set out to find Sydney and found coal here, which they used to make a fire for warmth.

Explorer George Bass was then sent by Governor Hunter to investigate, and found several seams that extended for some distance.

Sea Cliff Bridge

We then continued onto the Sea Cliff Bridge and along the coastline. The 665 metre long Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive – a drive which takes in 140 kilometres worth of coastal scenery from the Royal National Park, Loftus down to Nowra.

Bulli Pass

Next, they rode north up the Bulli Pass. The original Throsby track, which lay less than a kilometre to the south of today’s Bulli Pass road, was used from 1815 to 1844. In 1867 today’s Bulli Pass was built, the maximum grade on Bulli Pass is 14.6 per cent. Wheeled vehicles began using the road in 1863.

Sublime Point Lookout

At the top is Sublime Point Lookout which offers 180 degree views over the sea, the rainforest and the 17 beaches that span the coastline to Wollongong. It’s where this photo was taken.

Princes Highway

Instead of riding back on the motorway, Fred took them along the Princes Highway. It runs parallel to the motorway but is quieter and has more of a nice atmosphere.

Newtown

This leads back through the southern suburbs of Sydney and into Newtown. Famous for its quirky, bohemian spirit, Newtown is where you’ll find eclectic vintage shopping, iconic arts and theatre spaces, and a renowned dining and drinking scene. Adorned with beautifully-restored 19th-century terrace houses and street art, this vibrant inner Sydney neighbourhood attracts artists and foodies alike.

Sydney Fish Markets

However, the 4 hours was up and the passengers were feeling hungry. Fred dropped them off at the famous Sydney Fish Markets. Here they could wander around an find something delicious to eat.

Sydney Fish Market moved to its current location at Blackwattle Bay, Pyrmont in 1966. Fish were sold using the traditional ‘voice’ auction system. This system saw buyers assemble outside the sales bay fence, where inside an assistant would hold up samples of fish from each box for buyers to bid until the highest price was reached.

The history of the fish selling industry in Sydney is very interesting. Like everything else in the world, how they sell the fish has changed dramatically since it began pre-1945. Currently, there are 150 to 200 buyers each day.

In conclusion, the surprise Southern Spectacular trike tour was a fun and memorable experience. Feel the Freedom!

The Sydney trike tour experience was organised by David for himself and his wife. They are locals from “The Shire”, an area south of Sydney. We think David is trying to soften up his wife that bikes are fun and he needs one 😆.

David decided to do the 3 Bridges ride because it would show them a different view of Sydney.

Opera House + Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode to the Sydney Opera House. We can’t get very close but we know some good angles which give some great scenic views. Then it was 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. 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. It’s where this photo was taken.

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

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

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 trike tour experience was already so much fun.

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 – from the west to the city (or vice versa).

Iron Cove Bridge

The Iron Cove Bridge is a heritage-listed road bridge that carries Victoria Road (A40) across Iron Cove, linking the suburbs of Drummoyne to Rozelle and the rest of the Sydney city. ‘A decision to replace the original bridge was made in 1939 just prior to the outbreak of World War II. Design work began in 1942 and construction commenced in 1947. The bridge was officially opened by the Hon. J.J. Cahill, MLA, Premier and Colonial Treasurer of NSW on 30 July 1955.’ Wikipedia. One of the “freeways” (not free) over the Sydney Harbour Bridge is named after him.

Then it was onto the next amazing bridge.

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. With the arrival of European settlers in 1788, it was here that the convicts first set up house and shop.

The Rocks

Fred 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 hour was up so Fred dropped them back Circular Quay so they could catch the train home. In conclusion, the Sydney trike tour experience was a big success and a lot of fun and very memorable. They saw so much that the average traveller to Sydney doesn’t. Feel the Freedom!

The friends Sydney trike tour was a last minute decision. They were lucky we had availability the following day. From Perth WA, they are in Sydney for a holiday and thought a trike ride would be a fun way to see the sights. It sure was! Our trike rider picked them up from their hotel in Sydney CBD.

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.

The Rocks

Finally, Fred 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.

Argyle Cut

The Argyle Cut is a heritage-listed roadway and road cutting located at Argyle Street in the inner-city Sydney suburb of The Rocks. We love riding through it!

Opera House + Sydney Harbour Bridge

They rode to the Sydney Opera House. We can’t get very close but we know some good angles which give some great scenic views. Also from here, there is a lovely view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 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.

St Mary’s Cathedral, Woolloomooloo and Kings Cross

Through the city and past St Mary’s Cathedral which is very impressive, even when riding past. It’s a Gothic Revival architectural building which opened in 1928. It took from 1866 to 1928 to build and has a height of 75m. Next, they rode through the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomoolloo and past 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. Then it was up the hill and through Kings Cross.

Eastern suburbs

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). After there, they headed east through the posh suburbs of the eastern suburbs of Sydney, including the Bays: Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay.

Watsons Bay and The Gap

Heading North through some upper class suburbs, they rode to “The Gap” and stopped 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. The Gap is an ocean cliff which faces the Tasman Sea, is located in the suburb of Watsons Bay. Although the cliff is a popular tourist destination, it is infamous for suicides.

North Bondi and Brighton Lookout

There are a couple of lookouts at the North Bondi headland. They all offer beautiful views of Bondi Beach and out to the Tasman Sea, part of the South Pacific Ocean. Fred stopped there for a few photos and so they could admire the view. So far, on the friends Sydney trike tour they have seen some great views and scenic sights.

Bondi Beach

Next, they drove past the world famous Bondi Beach to the south side. Looking from the two ends of the beach give a different perspective. This is the beach where Bondi Lifeguards of the Bondi Rescue TV series is filmed. 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 + Bronte

Riding further south, along more beautiful, though possibly less well known, beaches. The suburb of Tamarama has a small ocean beach about 1 kilometre south of Bondi Beach and a couple of hundred metres north of Bronte Beach. It is an extremely narrow beach and deceptive for its size. Tamarama Beach is often referred to as Glamarama (or Glamourama), owing to the alleged abundance of glamorous people who sunbathe (often topless), on what must be one of the smallest strips of sand in the state (Wikipedia).

Bronte Beach sits on Nelson Bay, surrounded by Bronte Park. Bronte offers scenic cliff-top walking paths south to Coogee via the Waverley Cemetery and north to Tamarama and Bondi Beach. Time was almost up, so they headed west, through the city and back to their hotel.

In conclusion, the friends Sydney trike tour was a huge success. They saw so many of Sydney’s famous landmarks in 1.5 hours. Feel the freedom! Check out the the Eastern Sydney Panorama tour route here. Keep in mind, every tour is slightly different.

The 18th birthday Harley tour was bought for Tenisha by her parents. From the Shoalhaven ares south of Sydney, they were up for the weekend to celebrate. Our HArley rider picked Tenisha up from the hotel.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, 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.

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.

Cahill Expressway

Then they rode back over the Harbour Bridge via 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

Through Woolloomooloo Bay (Hotel), Harry’s 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.

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).

However, the hour was almost up so our Harley rider dropped Tenisha back to her parents at the hotel. In conclusion, the 18th birthday Harley tour was so much fun, a great birthday present!

For tour ideas check here.