Gift Voucher trike tour – Amanda, Harrison + Paul 06.10.24

The Gift Voucher trike tour was given to Amanda for her 40th birthday. It was from her parents for her, her husband and son.
They are from Western Sydney so caught the train to Circular Quay. Our trike rider picked them up at the designated place, we emailed a map and description of where to meet.

Amanda emailed after the tour, “…The Trike ride was amazing! Better then what we were expecting!…”. She wrote a fab Google Review which we will put on our Review Page tomorrow.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, 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 House and Admiralty House

Next, they rode past Kirribilli House. Famous for its views, Kirribilli is also famous because of Kirribilli House. Kirribilli House is the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. Further on is Admiralty House. It is the Sydney residence of the Governor-General and one of the most historic and important residences on Sydney Harbour. The house – originally called ‘Wotonga’ – was built in the mid 1800’s.

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. It’s where this photo was taken, near the end of the loop.

Bradleys Head

Then, they rode east along a couple of back roads to Bradleys Head. While riding past the Taronga Zoo to Bradleys Head, make sure you look for the koalas eating and sleeping in the gum trees.

Bradleys Head has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the CBD. It’s in the suburb of Mosman and is one of Sydney Harbour’s most prominent natural features. First Fleet officers observed and named it, almost every ship entering Sydney Harbour has sailed past it, it possesses Aboriginal, military and naval associations, and it has for many years been the location of various recreational activities.

Mosman Wharf

Down to Mosman Wharf, with beautiful Sydney Harbour views. The first regular ferry service was arranged by property developer Richard Harnett in the early 1870s. A tram service to the wharf commenced in March 1897. Already, the Gift Voucher trike tour was showing our passengers some beautiful and unique places and views!

Balmoral Beach

Riding on, they rode past the lovely posh Balmoral Beach. Everyone who comes here loves it! Balmoral Beach is not so well known by visitors and tourists, but the stunning natural beauty of the beach and surrounds make it well worth a visit.

Balmoral Burn

The Balmoral Burn – Phil Kearns AM, came up with the idea of running up Mosman’s Awaba St as a way to raise funds. It was to say thank you to the Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) after one of his sons received emergency care, for suspected meningococcal. It started 22 years ago and is now called The Balmoral Burn.

At its steepest the gradient is nearly 30%, and over its length it rises about 70 metres (230 ft). So far, $33.7 million has been raised! Wow!

The Spit

Then, it was through Spit, which is a suburb in its own right. It protrudes off Beauty Point and is home to the Spit Bridge, a bascule bridge opened in 1958 over Middle Harbour. The bridge opens at set times to allow yachts with high masts to pass. Crossing the Spit Bridge is fun, it has great views of Middle Harbour.

Manly

Finally, they rode past the main beach of Manly. Manly has several claims to fame; it was the birthplace of surfing in Australia, the first place to legalise all-day bathing in 1903 and one of the world’s first Surf Life Saving clubs. Manly Beach was the location for the first World Surfing Championships held in 1964.

However, time was up so the rider dropped them in Manly. Here, they could explore and catch the ferry back into the CBD when they were ready. In conclusion, the Gift Voucher trike tour was a success.

Their tour was on the North Shore Skimmer tour!