Croft Family 24.02.20 – Sydney Harbour Harley Tour

A Sydney Harbour Harley Tour was organised by a group of Pommies. Honestly, Pommie is a term of endearment. One couple is living here, the other couple are on holidays. They wanted something interesting to do and we sure provided it.

Firstly, our Harley riders met the passengers outside a hotel in The Rocks. Secondly, they rode through the Rocks and over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. The view of the arches is fantastic without a metal roof over your head. Surprisingly, the rivets are interesting and the arch is so iconic. More than 6,000,000 rivets were used to assemble the various plates on the bridge.

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

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.

Blues Point Reserve

After there, they rode to Blues Point Reserve. Here is another area where the views across Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the CBD are magnificent. Also, there is a lovely view of Luna Park. Blues Point is a harbourside locality of North Sydney, Australia. Named after local mariner Billy Blue in the 19th century, Blues Point is at the very southern tip of the McMahons Point peninsula and has views of Sydney Harbour.

Mrs Macquaries Point

Then it was back over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Mrs Macquaries Point. From here, there are wonderful views west across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

I have looked up the history. Mrs Macquaries Point is a peninsula which was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife, who ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquaries Chair, as it’s also known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

However, time was almost up so our Harley riders headed back to the Rocks to drop the passengers off.

The Sydney Harbour Harley Tour was a huge success. How could it not be with our fun and professional riders, fabulous Harleys, beautiful city and iconic bridge!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/harbour-bridge-ride/

The terms Pommy, Pommie and Pom, in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand usually denotes an English person (or, less commonly, people from other parts of the UK). The Oxford Dictionary defines their use as “often derogatory” but after complaints to the Australian Advertising Standards Board regarding five advertisements poking fun at “Poms”, the board ruled in 2006 that these words are inoffensive, in part because they are “largely used in playful or affectionate terms.” Which is so true.

Mardi Gras Party 23.02.20 – mini trike transfers Sydney

It is the annual Mardi Gras time of year in Sydney. We were contacted by an organiser of a Mardi Gras Party. She wanted mini trike transfers Sydney. Yes, we sure could arrange that. Two of our trike riders, Craig and Steve, were to take passengers from one end of Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont to the other. Above all, the party goers absolutely loved the experience, it did save their feet from getting sore. 🙂

Craig and Steve were early as usual. We asked them to meet Rachel, the organiser, early so she could brief them. Once they knew exactly what they were to do, they got to it. Later, our riders told us they loved the job. Great people and it wasn’t stressful (no traffic) :-).

They rode up and down Jones Bay Wharf doing the mini trike transfers Sydney. It was a hit with the passengers as you can see by the two photos. However, the four hours was over very quickly. After that, at the end of the booked time, our trike riders took some special VIPs back to their hotel. The mini trike transfers Sydney was such a success, they are going to book us again next year!

Testimonial

I recently booked Troll Tours for a corporate event and they were fantastic. The riders were great, the trike were immaculate and over all they added so much fun to the event. Troll were an absolute dream to work with, highly recommend them!

Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2020

This Saturday over 12,600 dazzling parade participants will sashay their way up Oxford Street. It is the 42nd annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade! This year the theme is WHAT MATTERS. 91 diverse floats, each taking their own unique take on the festival’s theme WHAT MATTERS. Similarly, the Parade promises to be a stunning display of celebration, passion and support. Apparently, it is to draw attention to climate and sustainability.

History

The event grew from gay rights parades held annually since 1978. However, for years, numerous participants had been arrested by New South Wales Police. Now, the Mardi Gras Parade maintains a political flavour. Many marching groups and floats promote LGBTQI rights issues or themes. In other words, it reflects changes since the first Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, participants in the Mardi Gras Parade now include uniformed groups. Uniformed Australian Defence Force personnel, police officers from New South Wales State Police. In addition, there are interstate and federal police officers, firefighters and other emergency services personnel from the Australian LGBTQI communities.

WorldPride

In 2019 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras submitted a bid to host WorldPride 2023. It competed against Montreal, Canada and Houston, Texas. InterPride, at their October 2019 Annual General Meeting . There were three hundred delegate organisations, and the AGM was held in Athens, Greece. The AGM chose Sydney, Australia! We are to host WorldPride 2023 – the first time WorldPride will be held in the Southern Hemisphere or Asia Pacific region!

Bushfire Heroes

The heroes from the frontline of the recent bushfires will also come together. They will be celebrated on Parade night. LGBTQI+ community members and their allies from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW State Emergency Services. Proudly take to Oxford Street in a symbol of unity for their LGBTQI + members and the community.  

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

Design Your Own Ride

Kerryn + Steve 23.02.20 – trike Eastern Panorama Tours

Our passengers come to Sydney regularly and decided to try something new. We organised the trike Eastern Panorama Tours for them. Originally it was meant to have been done in October last year, then December last. Unfortunately, the weather in Sydney was terrible at the time. So we kept rearranging the date and finally, a beautiful day.

Our trike rider Craig picked them up from their hotel in the CBD and took them on the ride of their life!

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Firstly, it was through the city to Mrs Macquarie’s Point. The view from here looking westward, is beautiful. Most noteworthy, you’ll see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from a different and interesting perspective.

Harry’s Cafe De Wheels, Finger Wharf and Kings Cross

Next, Craig rode through Woolloomooloo. This leads past the interesting Finger Wharf and Harry’s Cafe De Wheels. Then they rode up the hill and through the infamous Kings Cross, through to Rushcutters Bay and Double Bay.

Bondi Beach

After that, they stopped at the famous Bondi Beach. 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.

Watsons Bay and the Gap

This route led to Watsons Bay, home of a well known seafood restaurant. Not far from here is the Gap. The Gap is an ocean cliff on the South Head peninsula in eastern Sydney. Although the cliff is a popular visitor destination, it has an infamy for suicides.

posh eastern suburbs

However, the 1.5 hours was almost up. So Craig 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.

In conclusion, the trike Eastern Panorama Tours was a great success.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Testimonial

“Great fun ride and a day in the Eastern Suburbs to enjoy some of the landmarks you don’t get to see often. Hadn’t been on a bike for many years and felt safe so brought back lots of memories.”

Bondi Beach has a few different hazard ratings therefore, be careful if swimming there. While the northern end has been rated a gentle 4 (with 10 as the most hazardous), the southern side is rated as a 7 due to a famous rip current known as the “Backpackers’ Rip” because of its proximity to the bus stop, the fact that many backpackers and tourists do not realise that the flat, smooth water is a rip, and quite dangerous, and the unwillingness of tourists to walk the length of the beach to safer swimming. The south end of the beach is generally reserved for surfboard riding. Yellow and red flags define safe swimming areas, and visitors are advised to swim between them.

Barbara + Ken 22.02.20 – Eastern Suburb trike tour

The Eastern Suburb trike tour was organised by Troll Tours for our passengers. Craig our trike rider, picked them up from a hotel in the Rocks. Firstly, they rode through the city and the inner eastern suburbs to the lovely Centennial Park. Centennial Park was originally a swamp but then set aside as land for the water source for Sydney. Centennial Park was reconstructed as a public park and opened in 1888.

Secondly, they rode further east to Bronte Beach. There is a nice walk from Bronte Beach to Bondi Beach. https://bonditobrontewalk.com.au/ After that, it was north past the little and secluded Tamarama Beach. After then, 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.

posh eastern suburbs

Next, rding back around the posh eastern suburbs of the inner harbour is always nice. Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay follow the Sydney Harbour coastline. However, time was almost up so they rode through the city and back to the Rocks. In conclusion, the Eastern Suburb trike tour was a great success. One of the best presents ever!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/eastern-sydney-panorama-trike-ride/

The Eastern Sydney Panorama – Bondi, Sydney Harbour, Botanical Gardens, Kings Cross, Oxford Street

Go on! Travel on the trike or Harley Davidson motorcycle to some of the most famous sights of Sydney and Eastern Sydney. We’ll pick you up from a prearranged place and take you around Sydney Harbour. Past the Botanical Gardens which has Government house situated in it. After that, we will show you a fantastic view of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge will be found from the point where Mrs Macquaries Point is.

Next, travel through Woolloomooloo, up to infamous Kings Cross, along the posh Eastern Suburbs. Then we arrive at the world famous Bondi Beach. Similarly, you will have a fantastic view from the back of the trike or Harley. After that, we wander along the beach front where you will be momentarily as famous as the beach itself when all passersby can’t help but look at you.

If there is time we return to your drop off point via the very ‘out there’ Oxford Street, home of great fashion and jewellery designers. The western section is widely-recognised as Sydney’s main gay district. This itinerary can be changed to suit your personal requirements if required.

Julie + Rory 22.02.20 – NorthShore Skimmer trike tour

Julie wrote, “I received a fantastic gift voucher for Christmas from my husband for a Sydney North Shore Skimmer Motorbike Tour for 2”. So we organised the NorthShore Skimmer trike tour with her.

Craig picked them up from their hotel in Surry Hills.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, 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.

Kirribilli

Next, they rode past Admiralty House which 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.

lower North Shore suburbs

Continuing north east, the 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 and Balmoral Beach

Similarly, Bradleys Head has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the CBD. Continuing on, they rode past the lovely posh Balmoral Beach.

Crossing the Spit Bridge is always fun, with lovely views of Middle Harbour and hundreds of yachts. Riding further up the hill they rode into 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.

However, time was just about up so Craig dropped the passengers off at Manly. They could continue the birthday celebrations at one of the many restaurants in Manly before catching a ferry back into town. In conclusion, the NorthShore Skimmer trike tour was a big success and a birthday present Julie will never forget.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-north-shore-skimmer-trike-tour/

Nalini + Sanjay 16.02.20 – Harley tour Eastern suburb

Nalini receive the Harley tour Eastern suburb as a Gift Voucher for her birthday. They are a Fijian couple living in Liverpool and are wanting to see more of Sydney. A Harley tour is a great way to see the sights in a fun way.

Our Harley riders Jungle and Phil, picked them up from near the train station at Circular Quay. Firstly they rode through the city and the inner eastern suburbs to the lovely 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.

Next, they rode further east to Bronte Beach. There is a nice walk from Bronte Beach to Bondi Beach. https://bonditobrontewalk.com.au/ After that, it was north past the little and secluded Tamarama 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.

posh eastern suburbs

Riding back around the posh eastern suburbs of the inner harbour is always nice. Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay follow the Sydney Harbour coastline.

However, time was almost up so they rode through the city and back to Circular Quay. In conclusion, the Harley tour Eastern suburb tour was a great success. One of the best birthday presents ever!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-city-viewer/

Testimonial

Very professional, funny and experienced drivers. Made my husband and I both feel very comfortable. I got the voucher as my birthday gift and took my husband along as well. We had an awesome experience on the rides. The route was also very scenic and beautiful. It was a really great experience.

Dave + Pip 14.02.20 – North Shore Skimmer tours

Pip bought Dave a North Shore Skimmer tours Gift Voucher for his birthday. They chose Valentine’s Day to do the tour, how romantic!

Our trike rider Craig, picked them up from Circular Quay. Riding through part of the city they ended up on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode 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.

Kirribilli

Next, they rode past Admiralty House which 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.

lower North Shore suburbs

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

Bradleys Head and Balmoral Beach

Similarly, Bradleys Head has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the CBD. Continuing on, they rode past the lovely posh Balmoral Beach.

Crossing the Spit Bridge is always fun, with lovely views of Middle Harbour and hundreds of yachts. Riding further up the hill they rode into Seaforth and Clontarf.

However, time was just about up so Craig dropped the passengers off at Manly. They could continue the birthday celebrations at one of the many restaurants in Manly before catching a ferry back into town. In conclusion, the North Shore Skimmer tours was a big success and a birthday present Dave will never forget.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-north-shore-skimmer-trike-tour/

Narong + Rhonda 13.02.20 – birthday surprise trike transfer

At very late notice (same day), Luke rang us to organise a birthday surprise trike transfer. We can’t always organise a Harly or trike ride at that short notice, but often we can. So just ring us to find out.

We organised Steve, on the blue trike. He turned up on time at the pick up in Macquarie Street, Sydney. Firstly, they rode through the city and past the Art Gallery of NSW to

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

The view from here looking westward, is beautiful. Most noteworthy, you’ll see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from a different and interesting perspective.

Harry’s Cafe De Wheels, Finger Wharf and Kings Cross

Next Steve rode through Woolloomooloo. This leads past the interesting Finger Wharf and Harry’s Cafe De Wheels. Then they rode up the hill and through the infamous Kings Cross, through to Rushcutters Bay and Double Bay.

Bondi Beach

After that, they stopped at the famous Bondi Beach. 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.

posh eastern suburbs

Riding back around the posh eastern suburbs of the inner harbour is always nice. Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay follow Sydney Harbour coastline.

However, time was almost up so they rode through the city and back to the drop off point. The drop off was Observatory Hill, ready to celebrate a milestone birthday.

In conclusion, the birthday surprise trike transfer was a huge surprise and a great success. A birthday they will never forget!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Bondi Beach has a few different hazard ratings therefore, be careful if swimming there. While the northern end has been rated a gentle 4 (with 10 as the most hazardous), the southern side is rated as a 7 due to a famous rip current known as the “Backpackers’ Rip” because of its proximity to the bus stop, the fact that many backpackers and tourists do not realise that the flat, smooth water is a rip, and quite dangerous, and the unwillingness of tourists to walk the length of the beach to safer swimming. The south end of the beach is generally reserved for surfboard riding. Yellow and red flags define safe swimming areas, and visitors are advised to swim between them.

Brad + Nikki 02.02.20 – Bondi Beach Harley tour

The Bondi Beach Harley tour was a surprise from Nikki, for his 40th birthday. They were staying in Sydney to celebrate his birthday and what better way, than on a Harley!

So, our riders Craig and Perry picked them up from their hotel. Firstly they rode through the city to the now posh Woolloomooloo, home to Harry’s Cafe De Wheels and Finger Wharf. This leads through the infamous Kings Cross. It is not nearly as raunchy as it used to be but still worth a look.

Paddington

Next, it was into the lovely suburb of Paddington. There are lots of quaint, old buildings and we agree, it is a lovely, older area of Sydney. This is one of the gateways to the eastern beaches.

Bronte and Tamarama Beaches

Next, they continued south past the lovely but not as famous as Bondi, Tamarama Beach and Bronte Beach.

Bondi Beach

They stopped at the famous Bondi Beach, 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.

posh eastern suburbs

Riding back around the posh eastern suburbs of the inner harbour is always nice. Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay follow Sydney Harbour coastline.

However, time was almost up so they rode through the city and back to their hotel. In conclusion, the Bondi Beach Harley tour was a huge surprise and a great success. A birthday Brad will never forget!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-city-viewer/

Bondi Beach has a few different hazard ratings therefore, be careful if swimming there. While the northern end has been rated a gentle 4 (with 10 as the most hazardous), the southern side is rated as a 7 due to a famous rip current known as the “Backpackers’ Rip” because of its proximity to the bus stop, the fact that many backpackers and tourists do not realise that the flat, smooth water is a rip, and quite dangerous, and the unwillingness of tourists to walk the length of the beach to safer swimming. The south end of the beach is generally reserved for surfboard riding. Yellow and red flags define safe swimming areas, and visitors are advised to swim between them.

Priscilla 02.02.20 – Harley tour 3 Bridges

This was a bit of fun! Priscilla’s husband Albert organised the Harley tour 3 Bridges as a surprise. She has always wanted to go on a Harley and because it was her birthday, Albert secretly organised it along with their elder son. They didn’t tell the youngest son because he would have blabbed. They are locals from Sydney, so Albert told Priscilla that he had organised lunch in town.

Jungle, our Harley rider was waiting at the pick up spot in Darling Harbour. (We always send a map showing where to meet). They wandered up and Albert said to Priscilla “isn’t this a great Harley”. Jungle said “Priscilla” and as Jungle said later, her face said all. The look when it finally dawned on her that the Harley was there for her, was priceless.

So, Jungle took Priscilla on a Harley tour 3 Bridges while Albert minded their boys.

Iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode through the city and over the iconic 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.

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.

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

It is the Fig Tree Bridge which 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

Priscilla’s favourite bridge is the ANZAC Bridge. We agree 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 3 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 dropped her back at Kings Street Wharf, Darling Harbour. Priscilla thought the popular Harley tour 3 Bridges was fantastic, a great way to see parts of the city only the locals know about.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/