Blue Mountains full day – Mandy + Richard 18.10.23

The Blue Mountains full day trike tour was a fabulous way to see some interesting parts of Western Sydney. Over the 7 hours, the rider showed them many beautiful views and interesting places.

The rider picked them up after they had finished the Bridge Climb.

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 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.

Bells Line of Road

After that, they rode west on the motorway and joined up with the Bells Line of Road, approx 64km north west of Sydney. The Bells Line of Road was originally known as Bells Line, after a local pastoralist, Archibald Bell Jr, who was shown the route by Dharug men in 1823.

Bells Line of Road is a 59 km major road which provides an alternative crossing of the Blue Mountains to the Great Western Highway. It’s well known by Sydneyites, especially bikers who love the bends. It starts at Richmond Bridge.

Richmond

While they didn’t stop here, there is so much history in this area, both from the Aboriginals and Caucasians. The area was originally explored by British settlers in 1789. Interestingly, during WWII the RAAF operated a top secret operations bunker from somewhere in Richmond. It was either half or completely underground. The location of this bunker is unknown.

Kurrajong

Kurrajong, the Aboriginal name for ‘shade tree’, which grew in abundance in the town, was settled around 1790. In earlier times the seeds of the trees were roasted as a coffee substitute. Prior to 1823, attempts to cross the Blue Mountains had been unsuccessful until Archibald Bell followed some Aboriginal women who had been kidnapped by the Springwood tribe.

Bilpin

There are probably more orchards here than people – Bilpin is all about apples. The rider stopped at a Cidery and bought pizza for lunch for the passengers. Food to a certain value is included on rides of 5 hours or longer. Bilpin is 623 m above sea level so there are some beautiful views here. So far, on the Blue Mountains full day trike tour they have already seen and experienced so much.

Mount Tomah

Further along the Bells Line of Road, Mount Tomah is only a small township (pop 76), yet the town hosts one of the Blue Mountains’ major tourist attractions. ‘The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah’, subtitled the cool climate garden of the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. Featuring over 5000 species of cool climate plants set on 28 hectares of land, it’s well known in Sydney but we definitely didn’t have time to stop here.

Bell

Although widely known because of its key location at the meeting point of Bells Line of Road and the Darling Causeway which connects with Mount Victoria and the Great Western Highway, Bell is really nothing more than a small village with a few services and a major truck checking point.

Darling Causeway

From Bell, the rider turned left (south) and rode along the 9 km Darling Causeway, leaving the Bell Range behind and heading towards Mount Victoria and the Blue Mountains Range. 2 km of the Darling Causeway has a steeper in incline/grade than 5%.

Mount Victoria

The westernmost village in the Blue Mountains, Mount Victoria is brimming with historic charm and natural attractions. Originally a stockade for convict chain-gangs, and later an important staging post for Cobb & Co coaches, the town became known as Mount Victoria in the 1860s when the railway came to town.

Evans lookout

They stopped at Evans lookout for a stretch and a look at the breathtaking views towards Grose Valley.

Hydro Majestic

Next stop was the amazing Hydro Majestic, which has incredible architecture. Perhaps as early as 1901, Mark Foy, dashing retail baron, world traveller and sportsman, sold off shares in Mark Foy’s Department Stores to finance what was to become Australia’s first health retreat. Check out their website for more interesting history.

Most of the construction of the Hydro Majestic took place in 1903. It’s been refurbished and in parts, rebuilt over the years. It’s definitely worth a visit. The wonderful views are across the Megalong Valley.

Katoomba

The rock formation known as the Three Sisters, viewable from Echo Point about 2 km south of the main town, attracts four million visitors each year. Katoomba is the chief town of the City of Blue Mountains, its name is a derivative of the Aboriginal word ‘Kedumba’ meaning ‘shiny, falling waters’ after the natural beauty of the area.

The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters is essentially an unusual rock formation representing three sisters who according to Aboriginal legend were turned to stone. They are stunning and it’s an easy walk to them.

Leura Village

Finally, they rode into the garden village of Leura, showing the autumn trees with the leaves turning reds & yellows. What a great time of year to see this. Leura is arguably the prettiest village in the Blue Mountains. It’s has character-filled heritage homes, glorious cool climate gardens and a National Trust-classified town centre lined with cherry trees that sends Instagrammers into a frenzy during blossom season.

However, it was time to head back to Sydney via the Great Western Highway. All in all, it was a great, relaxing day out for both rider and passengers. In conclusion, the Blue Mountains full day trike tour was a fun and memorable experience. Feel the Freedom!