Parent’s Sydney trike tour – Anne + Lawrence 25.02.24

Andrew organised the Parent’s Sydney trike tour for his parents. They are visiting him in Sydney so he thought it would be a fun thing to do, also it was his Dad’s birthday. What a way to celebrate! Our trike rider picked the passengers up from his home on the North Shore of Sydney. They did the 3 Bridges tour plus some of the city.

Fig Tree Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge, Gladesville Bridge

Firstly, they rode over a small bridge, not one of the 3. It 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 small bridges, Tarban Creek Bridge. Also not one of the 3. This spans Tarban Creek, likewise, it has nice views east to the Harbour Bridge. Then they got to bridge #1 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 western suburbs to the city (or vice versa).

Bay Run

Then, they did a detour off the main arterial road through the inner west suburbs of Rozelle, Lilyfield, Haberfield, Five Dock and Drummoyne. They followed part of the Bay Run. It is a 7km long (4.3 mi) shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians that encircles much of Iron Cove. It never deviates more than 20m from the water so the views are pretty nice.

ANZAC Bridge

Riding over our favourite bridge, the ANZAC Bridge, is an experience. We think it is incredible, a work of art and design. It is main bridge #2. 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.

Kings Cross

Continuing on, they had time to ride through the city. 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).

Woolloomooloo

Down the hill and they rode past Garden Island which is the location of a major Royal Australian Navy base. 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.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Next, they rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. he 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.

Kirribilli

Then, 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

Finally, they rode under the north side of the bridge. 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.

However, the hour was up so our trike rider dropped the passengers back at home. In conclusion, you can see by their smiles that they loved their parent’s Sydney trike tour!