Christmas gift voucher present – Claire + Ryan 15.08.20

The Christmas gift voucher present was bought for them by Ryan’s parents. Claire + Ryan live outside of Sydney so we organised a date with them for when they would be here. It was postponed a few times for various reasons, including coronavirus. But, one day it all came together.

Manly ferry from the CBD to Manly was the first part of the fun weekend. Craig, our trike rider, picked them up from a pre-arranged place near the wharf. We send a map so our passengers know where to meet.

Firstly, they stopped a view worth checking out – at Tania Park, on Dobroyd Head. The views are amazing looking across Sydney Harbour and through North and South Heads. Next, they rode around the peninsula into Clontarf. Joining the A8, an arterial road, they headed south and crossed the Spit Bridge. This is always fun, with lovely views of Middle Harbour and hundreds of yachts.

Balmoral Beach

After that, they did a detour to have a look at Balmoral Beach. It is one of the ‘posh’ Sydney suburbs and you can see why when you visit. The Balmoral Beach Conservation Area is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. The area includes Edwards Beach as well as Balmoral Beach, plus the promenade, esplanade, rotunda and Bather’s Pavilion, which date back to the 1930s. All parts we ride past on our tour.

Continuing west, they rode through Cremorne, Mosman and down past the Zoo to Bradleys Head. Make sure you look for the koalas eating and sleeping in the gum trees.

Bradleys Head

Similarly, Bradleys Head has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the CBD. After that, it was back up the hill and past Taronga Zoo. Then it was into the suburb of Neutral Bay.

Kirribilli

This leads to Kirribilli, where they rode past Admiralty House. It is the Sydney official residence of the Governor-General of Australia. After that they rode past the Prime Ministers mansion – Kirribilli House. It is the official Sydney residence of the Prime Minister of Australia.

Continuing around the corner they arrived at 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. They also stopped for photos here.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Lastly, they rode through Sydney city and over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. The view of the arches is fantastic without a metal roof over your head. More than 6,000,000 rivets were used to assemble the various plates on the bridge.

However, time was just about up so Craig dropped them off at a hotel in the city. In conclusion, the Christmas gift voucher present was a big success and a present neither Claire or Ryan will ever forget.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-north-shore-skimmer-trike-tour/

birthday present Harley tour – Elise + Peter 06.08.2020

Elise bought the birthday present Harley tour for her husband. What a way to celebrate! They are a Malaysian couple living in Sydney and Elise thought the Harley tour would be a great way to see Sydney but also a fun present for Peter.

Jungle and Phil picked them up from outside the Queen Victoria Building. They ate a celebratory lunch there before the Harley ride.

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.

Kirribilli

Next, after riding across the Harbour Bridge 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. So far, the birthday present Harley tour.

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.

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. They travelled along for a short while before turning off into the inner west suburb of Drummoyne. Following the shoreline of Iron Cove, which is part of the Parramatta River, they saw some lovely water views. It is part of the 7 km long Bay Run.

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.

However, time was nearly up so Jungle and Phil dropped our passengers back at the QVB. Elise and Peter thought the birthday present Harley tour was fantastic, a great way to see parts of the city only the locals know about.

Elise wrote: “We just finished our tour it was good to meet George and Phil. They are so nice and friendly guys. May I ask could we get the photo from Phil and Instagram? I would like to put a tagging you all”. Sure thing! We always send a follow up email with the photos, all part of our service!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

Scenic Harley tour Sydney – Dan 03.08.20

Dan bought the Scenic Harley tour Sydney for herself. Something different to do while in Sydney, a Harley tour had been on her bucket list for a long while. What better place than Sydney to do it from!

Eastern Sydney Beaches

Phil picked Dan up from a hotel in the city. Firstly, they rode through the large but lovely Centennial Park. Next, they continued on to the eastern beaches of Sydney. Starting from the south and heading north, they rode past Bronte, past the little and secluded Tamarama Beach and the most famous, Bondi Beach.

They stopped at the famous Bondi Beach for photos, 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.

Eastern Suburbs

However, the 1 hour was almost up. So Phil and Dan rode back down Old South Head Road and back along the posh eastern suburbs of the inner harbour. It is always a nice view through Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay because it follows the Sydney Harbour coastline.

This led into the infamous red light district of Kings Cross. In its heyday it was the home of the drug lords and the Australian version of the mafia. Not so much any more. Down the hill into Woolloomooloo and past Finger Wharf. So the adventure of a lifetime was just about over. Phil rode Dan back to her hotel and dropped her off.

In conclusion, the scenic Harley tour Sydney was a great success. One of the best experience she’s done.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Centennial Park: Originally a swamp and then set aside as land for the water source for Sydney, Centennial Park was reconstructed as a public park and opened in 1888. Sir Henry Parkes’ vision was to create a ‘People’s Park’ in which the citizens of Sydney could ‘take in the air’ away from the Sydney town centre. 189-hectares of wide open spaces for recreation, learning and leisure.
https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/visit/history-and-heritage

Harley tour 60th birthday present – Bella 02.08.20

Bella’s great friend Gerry gave her the Harley tour 60th birthday present. Gerry knew Bella had been wanting so badly, to do a Harley ride.

Our Harley rider Phil, picked her up from her home in the inner west of Sydney.

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.

Kirribilli

Next, after riding across the Harbour Bridge 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.

Eastern Sydney Beaches

Then, it was back over the bridge to the Eastern Suburbs. They rode through the large but lovely Centennial Park. Next, they continued on to the eastern beaches of Sydney. Starting from the south and heading north, they rode past Bronte, past the little and secluded Tamarama Beach and the most famous, Bondi Beach.

They stopped at the famous Bondi Beach for photos, 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.

Eastern Suburbs

However, the 1.5 hours was almost up. So Phil and Bella rode back down Old South Head Road and back along the posh eastern suburbs of the inner harbour. It is always a nice view through Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay because it follows the Sydney Harbour coastline.

This led into the infamous red light district of Kings Cross. In its heyday it was the home of the drug lords and the Australian version of the mafia. Not so much any more. Down the hill into Woolloomooloo and past Finger Wharf. So the adventure of a lifetime was just about over. Phil rode Bella back to her home and dropped her off.

In conclusion, the Harley tour 60th birthday present was a great success. One of the best birthday presents ever Bella said. She rang us straight after the ride to say “Wow!”.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/
https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/bondi/beach-lifestyle

Short disability trike rides – Two Shoes Network 18.07.20

A few times a year, we do short disability trike rides for the Two Shoes Network. Two Shoes is a social network that specialises in providing challenging recreation activities. These are for groups of young adults with disabilities.

The young adults become so excited when they know another ride day has been organised.

Davidson Park, Roseville

Our trike rider Craig, arrived at Davidson Park, Roseville (a northern suburb of Sydney), at the prearranged time. Usually, he takes three passengers at a time, a carer and two young adults. The idea is to give them all roughly a 20 minute ride around the area.

Firstly, he rode with the passengers from Davidson Park which is under the Roseville Bridge. Secondly, the route was through the back streets of Forestville and Killarney Heights. Though by then, time was nearly up for that group. This meant they turned south and rode back to Davidson Park. Craig would then pick up the next group and take them on the route. And so on. However, the 3 hours was up so soon but all the passengers had a ride (or two). In conclusion, the short disability trike rides were (and always are) a huge success. Everyone had a wonderful time as you can see by the smiles in the photo. After that, they enjoyed a bbq to finish the fabulous day.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Information about the area

The Roseville Bridge is a pre-stressed concrete box girder road bridge. Located adjacent to the suburb of Roseville, in Sydney. Davidson Park is underneath the Roseville Bridge and within Garigal National Park. The Garigal National Park is a protected national park. It is located within the North Shore and Forest District regions of Sydney. At 2,202-hectare (5,440-acre) in size, the national park is quite small but important. Moreover, it is situated just 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of the Sydney CBD.

Original peoples

The word Garigal is a derivation of the word Carigal or Caregal. Importantly, this is used to describe the indigenous people who lived in Guringai country. Interestingly, it is translated in modern English as Ku-ring-gai.

Guringai people are the traditional custodians of the land now reserved as the Garigal National Park. In addition, there is considerable evidence of past Aboriginal activity in the area. Over 100 Aboriginal sites recorded to date, including shelters, cave art, rock engravings, middens, grinding grooves and a possible stone arrangement.

Harley tour lower Blue Mountains – Louise 18.07.20

Louise loves Harleys but had never been on one. So, her partner Anthony decided to buy her a tour to realise her dream. He organised for her to do the Harley tour lower Blue Mountains with us. Well, actually, neither Anthony or Louise minded where she went. Our Harley rider Wayne, turned up at their house in Penrith at the organised time. They discussed the route, Wayne also lives in the Penrith area so he knows it well.

Springwood Lookout

Firstly, they joined and rode along the Western Motorway. This took them into the lower Blue Mountains. They rode through suburbs such as Glenbrook, Blaxland and Warrimoo. At Valley Heights they turned off the motorway and rode through Winmalee to the Hawkesbury Lookout, also known as Hawkesbury Heights Lookout. Locals also know it as the Springwood Lookout. In other words, it has many names. Stopping for a stretch and a look at the beautiful view, Harley tour lower Blue Mountains or any tour, shows the best sights. Hawkesbury Lookout is in the Yellomundee Regional Park. Hawkesbury Heights offers a spectacular lookout with views over the Nepean River to the Penrith International Regatta Centre, the vast plains to Sydney and the bushland below.

Yarramundi

Next, it was north and east to Yarramundi. The suburb is named after Yarramundi, an Indigenous Australian of the Boorooberongal clan of the Darug people. He was a garadyi or ‘doctor’ and was called by Europeans ‘the chief of the Richmond Tribe’. This area was previously known as Kearns Retreat.

Riding further east, they then turned onto Castlereagh Road. However, the 1.5 hours was almost up so Wayne and Louise headed into Penrith and back to her home, the drop off point. In conclusion, the Harley tour lower Blue Mountains was a real success. Louise has finally been on a Harley – and loved it.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/hawkesbury-lookout

trike transfer to Q Station – Fiona 12.07.20

Fiona thought a trike transfer to Q Station would be the way to go. She was going to stay at Q Station and what a great experience to start a fun time.

the infamous Kings Cross

Craig picked Fiona up from in the city. Firstly, they rode down the major thoroughfare of William Street. This leads up into the infamous Kings Cross – home of the famous and huge Coca Cola sign. It is also home to nightclubs and ladies of the night though it is not nearly as raunchy as it was in the 1970s (apparently). This road leads through Potts Point and down to Woolloomooloo, an inner eastern suburb of Sydney.

Riding past Finger Wharf and the iconic Harry’s Café De Wheels is always interesting. Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. Next, they rode to Mrs Macquarie’s Point. home of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. From here there is a gorgeous view looking towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Mrs Macquarie’s Point is a peninsula which was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife. She ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

For instance, a great part of our rides is the flyover on to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Look up we always tell our passengers, enjoy the unique view. The more than 6,000,000 rivets are so interesting and the arch is so iconic.

Kirribilli

Next, after riding across the Harbour Bridge 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.

The Kirribilli Loop

Following the road, 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.

They continued riding on through Cremorne, Mosman and down past the Taronga Zoo to Bradleys Head. Make sure you look for the koalas eating and sleeping in the gum trees. Posh Balmoral Beach is a favourite of Sydneysiders and worth a look. After that, they rode through the back streets before crossing the Spit Bridge, this is always fun. The lovely views of Middle Harbour and hundreds of yachts are hard to forget. Through Seaforth, Balgowlah and Manly. However, the 1.5 hours was almost up so Craig dropped Fiona off at Q Station.

Q Station Manly

Interestingly, Q Station Manly has the haunting past of an Australian quarantine station. Before air traffic, maritime quarantine was the first defence against infectious diseases, including the Spanish flu. In conclusion, Fiona thought the trike transfer to Q Station was a lot of fun and well worth doing. https://www.qstation.com.au/
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Northern Skimmer birthday surprise – Skinner Family 11.07.20

Sam bought the Northern Skimmer birthday surprise for her Mum. Sam and her husband did a tour a few years ago. They absolutely loved it and were looking for an excuse to do another one. Mum had a wonderful surprise. Celebrating Mum’s birthday by staying at the Taronga Zoo accommodation the night before, we met them there.

Our trike riders, Craig and Steve, picked our passengers up from the main entrance of the Zoo. The riders took them on the Northern Skimmer birthday surprise, the inner northern suburbs of Sydney are beautiful. Firstly, they rode the back roads to the posh Balmoral Beach.

The Northern Beaches

Next, they riding through the back streets before crossing the Spit Bridge, is always fun. Middle Harbour and the hundreds of yachts are such a lovely view that they are hard to forget. Further up the hill they rode into the northern beach suburbs of Seaforth and Clontarf. Another view worth checking out, is at Tania Park, on Dobroyd Head. The views are amazing looking across Sydney Harbour and through North and South Heads. The photo on this post was taken here, even though it is wet it is still beautiful.

Manly, Freshwater, Curl Curl and Dee Why Beaches.

Continuing on, they rode to the lovely Manly and through Freshwater Beach, Curl Curl and Dee Why. We love the northern beaches, they are all such lovely scenic beaches. By now the 1.5 hours was nearly up. Our riders took our passengers back to Taronga Zoo via the scenic route. In conclusion, the Northern Skimmer birthday surprise was a huge success. They want to do another tour one day.

Taronga Zoo

Officially opened in Sydney in 1884, it was the first public zoo in New South Wales. On a site known as Billy Goat Swamp in Moore Park, operated by the Zoological Society of NSW. The first exhibits to be built were the seal ponds, elephant temple, monkey pits, top entrance, aviaries, paths and roadways and the refreshment rooms. In all, 228 mammals, 552 birds and 64 reptiles were moved from Moore Park to Taronga. In addition, many animals, including the elephants, crossed the harbour on board a flat top barge.

Importantly, Taronga Zoo Sydney was officially opened on October 7th, 1916. An interesting history is found here: https://taronga.org.au/about/history-and-culture/sydney

https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Broken Bay trike tour – Rafael + Son 11.07.20

Rafael’s son loves bikes so Rafael and his wife organised the Broken Bay trike tour. Actually, they didn’t mind where they went. Craig, our trike rider, knows the northern beaches area of Sydney extremely well. He planned the ride route at the pick up. Our tours are all so flexible. Rafael’s son has autism so the trike is a good way to make him feel safe and secure.

Northern Sydney suburbs

So, Craig picked the passengers up from home in St Ives. Firstly they rode down Mona Vale Road, then through the back of Terry Hills. This in turn, joins Mc Carr’s Creek Road.

Akuna Bay

Which leads down as far as Akuna Bay. Akuna Bay, tucked away at the end of Coal and Candle Creek. Superb birdlife and some animals such as kangaroos, can sometimes be seen. Akuna Bay is inside Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Located in Sydney’s north, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park combines important history with scenic beauty, making it perfect for tours. Also, Bobbin Head is a great place for a family picnic, and parts of the park are ideal for cycling, fishing and bushwalking.

Duffys Forest

They then continued onto Duffys Forest. Duffys Forest is named after Patrick Duffy, who received a land grant there in 1857. He became a timber cutter and cleared a road through the bush to Cowan Creek, where he built a stone wharf for transporting timber. The wharf is still known as Duffys Wharf and the road is Duffys Track.

St Ives

The St Ives area was first explored by Governor Arthur Phillip and a party of men in 1788 where they set up a campsite. The area produced a small scale timber felling industry. There are still some examples of the thirty metre and higher trees. In nearby Pymble in the Dalrymple Hay forest and near Canisius College. Native turpentine trees were also once abundant and provided useful timber for cabinet making. It was once known for its apple orchards but due to residential demand, there is no longer any commercial fruit growing in the area

However, the hour was almost up so they turned around and rode back home to St Ives. In conclusion the Broken Bay trike tour was a huge success. Both passengers had such a fun time as you can see by the photo.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kuringgai-chase-national-park

Trike tour eastern panorama – Nicole + Rachel 07.07.20

The trike tour eastern panorama testimonial: “Our tour guide Craig took us around the eastern suburbs of Sydney. And we had a great time and would highly recommend and do again. ? Thanks.” Nicole and Rachel.

Mum organised the tour for herself and her daughter while they are in Sydney for a holiday.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Our trike rider Craig, picked our passengers up from their hotel in Darling Harbour. Firstly, they rode through the city to Mrs Macquarie’s Point, home of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. From here there is a gorgeous view looking towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Mrs Macquarie’s Point is a peninsula which was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife. She ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

the infamous Kings Cross

Riding past Finger Wharf and the iconic Harry’s Café De Wheels is always interesting. Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. It is in the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomooloo. This leads up into the infamous Kings Cross – home of the famous and huge Coca Cola sign. It is also home to nightclubs and ladies of the night though it is not nearly as raunchy as it was in the 1970s (apparently).

Watsons Bay and The Gap

Continuing on, they rode through the posh eastern suburbs of Rushcutters Bay,  Double Bay, Rose Bay and Watsons Bay. Here, they stopped at “The Gap” 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.

Of course, no tour or visit to Sydney, is complete without seeing the famous Bondi Beach. It’s probably the most famous beach in the world. 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. Our passengers could hardly believe they were actually doing the trike tour eastern panorama, it was so much fun.

However, the 1.5 hours was almost up so Craig headed back into Sydney and dropped them at their hotel. In conclusion, the trike tour eastern panorama was a huge success. We love happy passengers!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/eastern-sydney-panorama-trike-ride/