friend’s Sydney trike ride – Friend’s 16.11.25

Three of the four passengers are holidaying from the UK, visiting the fourth passenger, Helen, who lives locally. Helen decided the friend’s Sydney trike ride would be a memorable yet fun experience – it was!

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode 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 a bridge in Canada was completed in 2012.

McMahons Point / Blues Point Reserve

Secondly, they rode on through Milsons Point, did a left hand turn and rode up a few streets. This leads to Blues Point Reserve. The views over Blues Bay towards the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the CBD are just stunning. It’s where this photo was taken.

Fig Tree Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge, Gladesville Bridge

The next bridge is an old but smallish bridge – the Fig Tree Bridge. It 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.

Gladesville Bridge is a heritage-listed concrete arch road bridge that carries Victoria Road over the Parramatta River, from the western suburbs to the city (or vice versa). It was the first 305-metre (1,000 ft) span concrete bridge in the world and had a substantial number of engineering and technical elements that made it a world-leading bridge design and construction achievement. It was also the first bridge, if not one of the first bridges, to utilise computer programming in its construction.

This bridge is on the main arterial thoroughfare of Victoria Road – from the western suburbs to the city (or vice versa).

Iron Cove Bridge

Further along Victoria Road, the Iron Cove Bridge is an interesting bridge. One of a couple of heritage-listed road bridges in Sydney. This one 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.

ANZAC Bridge

After a couple of turns, they rode over our favourite bridge, the ANZAC Bridge. We think it is incredible, a work of art and design. It is main bridge #1 of this tour. 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

Next, they rode down the road that leads 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. The friend’s Sydney trike ride has shown them all so many unique views and areas that most people don’t see.

Crown Casino

Along here, is the Crown Sydney (also referred to as One Barangaroo), which is a skyscraper in Barangaroo. 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

Then, it was along Hickson Road was next, and under the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. What a wonderful view!

The Rocks

They rode through the Rocks, such an interesting place in/of Sydney. It’s the most historic place in Australia! It 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.

Palisade Hotel

Lastly, riding further into the Rocks, they rode past the historic Palisade Hotel. It is a heritage-listed pub and hotel, in the inner city suburb of Millers Point. The construction of the Palisade Hotel commenced on 6 April 1915 and was completed in May 1916 at a total cost of just over 3000 pounds (it was pounds back then). It has recently been refurbished and looks fab.

From here, there is a wonderful view that overlooks all of the Barangaroo area. The hour was up so the riders dropped them at Wynyard train station so they could catch the train home.

In conclusion, the friend’s Sydney trike ride was the best experience. Our passengers are so happy they did it. A unique adventure, something different to do in Sydney. A great way to celebrate a holiday in Sydney!!

Feel the Freedom!

Check out a description of the tour here. Don’t forget every tour is unique so may not be exactly as stated but you will always see the icons mentioned. For example, this was the 4 Bridges tour and missed out on the Bay Run.

or just email trevor@trolltours.com.au and tell us what you would like to do.