Our customer rang to see if we could organise a surprise trike tour overseas visitors. We sure could. All our tours are great for overseas visitors (and locals), so it was a hard decision. We all decided the North Shore Skimmer would be a good one. This way our customers could meet the visitors at the end of the ride and go out for lunch.

Lord Nelson Hotel

Craig picked the overseas passengers up from outside The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel, in the Rocks.

Firstly, they rode over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. We never tire of the famous bridge and the view it gives us. Make sure you look up at the arches as you ride under them. You can’t do that in a car and they really are impressive.

The Kirribilli Loop

After that, they rode to the Kirribilli Loop. That’s what we call it. It means we stop near Jeffrey Street Wharf Kirribilli. This gives everyone a lovely view over Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney CBD. In addition, they stopped for photos with the beautiful view behind them.

Continuing on the Kirribilli Loop, they rode under the north end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Similarly, this gives a very different perspective to the bridge from any other. They rode past the Luna Park entrance road and past North Sydney Olympic Pool before heading to Neutral Bay.

Taronga Zoo and Bradleys Head

After that, they rode through Mosman and down past Taronga Zoo. Quite often you will see koalas sleeping in their trees or eating their lunch. At the bottom of this road is Bradleys Head. More beautiful views! It’s almost all so pretty you’ll get a headache – joking!

Middle Harbour

Continuing on, they rode past the lovely Balmoral Beach and then across the Spit Bridge. In addition, it has lovely views of Middle Harbour. Riding on, the rode to the lower northern beaches of Seaforth Headland, Clontarf, and Tania Park.

Arabanoo Lookout

Tania Park and Arabanoo Lookout is part of Dobroyd Head. The views across Sydney Harbour to both the Heads – North and South – are amazing. You can see through to the Tasman Sea, part of the South Pacific Ocean.

Manly

However, time was up so Craig dropped the passengers off in Manly. Their friends, our customers, met them there at they all went out for lunch. In conclusion, the surprise trike tour overseas visitors was a huge success.

Adrian wrote to us: “Craig made the tour so interesting. This was a magical tour where we saw some of the best of Sydney. I would seriously recommend taking this tour”.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-north-shore-skimmer-trike-tour/
https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/arabanoo-lookout-at-dobroyd-head

Dave organised the trike tour transfer surprise for his wife. She received a surprise that’s for sure! A great one as Dave wrote to us later.

Bondi to Coogee walk

They are from the Central Coast, north of Sydney. They caught the train to Sydney and did the Bondi to Coogee walk. Dave figured they’d be too tired to walk back.

Coogee and Clovelly

So Craig picked them both up at Coogee Pavilion, Coogee. Firstly they rode to north to Clovelly, both are part of eastern suburbs of Sydney.

Centennial Park and Mrs Macquarie’s Point

From there, Craig rode through the lovely Centennial Park. This led them to Oxford Street, famous as the route of the annual Mardi Gras Parade. After that, they rode to Mrs Macquarie’s Point. In addition, it is where Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is located. If there is time, you can have a quick walk down to it. There was no time today.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Continuing on, they rode over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge to Jeffrey Street Wharf in Kirribilli. In addition, it has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour towards the Sydney Opera House and the CBD. A view we never tire of. In addition, it also has an up-close view of the side and underneath of the bridge.

Milsons Point

However, time was up so Craig dropped them both off at Milsons Point. Then they could catch a train back home. In conclusion, the trike tour transfer surprise was a huge success. Above all, they both had fun experience which they will always remember.

Testimonial

Dave wrote to us:
“Thank you Craig for giving us a great arvo out on the trike. We loved it and will recommend you to anyone seeking a fun experience in the city.. Fantastic.”
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

There is so much history in Sydney, for instance, Centennial Park was 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. Read more about Centennial Park here:
https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/visit/history-and-heritage

In Sydney for a holiday, our passengers decided to do the Harley tour Sydney sights. What a great idea it was because they saw a lot of the major Sydney icons. It was a really fun way to see the sights, being on the back of a Harley certainly does give a different perspective.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Our Harley riders, Pez and Simon, picked the passengers up from their hotel in the Sydney CBD. Firstly they rode over the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Imagine riding over the bridge on a Harley! The view is spectacular without a roof or sides impeding the view.

First stop was Blues Point Reserve. The views looking east are beautiful across Sydney Harbour. Look towards the Harbour Bridge and the iconic Sydney Opera House and you can even see Luna Park.

The Kirribilli Loop

The next interesting part of the ride was the Kirribilli Loop. It travels past Jeffrey Street Wharf and behind it is a wonderful view across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House. After that, they rode under the northern section of the Sydney Harbour Bridge so they could look up and see the underneath.

They finished the loop by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool. Heading back across the bridge, they rode through the city to Mrs Macquarie’s Point. The view from here is amazing, it looks westward over Sydney.

The infamous Kings Cross

From here they rode through Woolloomooloo and past Finger Wharf. Next we rode past the iconic Harry’s Cafe De Wheels and into the infamous Kings Cross. It is the red light district of Sydney though it is not as ‘full on’ as it was in its heyday.

However, time was up so after such a fun Harley ride we had to take them to the drop off place. In conclusion, the Harley tour Sydney sights was a huge success. Above all, our passengers loved it.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-city-viewer/

This is the third trike ride southern beaches Hugh has done with us. Every couple of months his carer has organised the ride with us. The trikes are great for people with a disability. They are stable and the passengers feel very safe.

Also, feeling the breeze, hearing the motor and just feeling the whole experiencing is wonderful for them. Barry picked them up from their home in the southern suburbs of Sydney.

Tom Uglys Bridge

Firstly they rode over Tom Uglys Bridge. This spans the Georges River and gives a great view of the waterway. Tom Uglys Bridge is composed of two bridges, completed in 1929 and 1987. It is a truss bridge, 500m in length.

Cronulla Beach

In addition, they rode to Cronulla Beach. It’s a lovely ride along the coastline. Cronulla has numerous surf beaches and swimming spots, the suburb attracts both tourists and Greater Sydney residents. Cronulla is located 26 kilometres south of the CBD.

They stopped at a cafe for a stretch and a bite to eat. However, time was up way too quickly so Barry rode them back through the southern suburbs, over Tom Uglys Bridge and back to their home.

Hugh loved the trike ride southern beaches just as much as he loved his first and sceond rides. The other rides took them on a different loop of the south eastern suburbs. Half the time it is just as much the fun of the experience than what the sights actually are. Above all, it is safe and our riders are all professional and experienced.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Tom Uglys Bridge history of the name

I thought it very interesting wondering how a bridge could end up with such a strange name. Apparently, Tom Uglys Bridge took its name from the geographical feature at the northern end of the bridge, known as Tom Uglys Point. The point was known as Tom Uglys Point over 80 years prior to the construction of the bridge. At various times the bridge is incorrectly transcribed as Tom Ugly’s Bridge – no apostrophe needed.

However, there are several theories about the origin of the name of the point.

  • One is that it was named after a local resident Tom Huxley and the name was a mispronunciation by local Aboriginal people. Descendants of Thomas Huxley have concluded that he lived and owned land in the area but official records do not exist to verify this.
  • Another theory is that it was derived from the name of a local Aboriginal man, Tow-weiry, who lived in the area and died about 1846.
  • A third theory is that there was a local fisherman resident in the area by the name of Tom Illigley.
  • Yet another is that there was a one-legged man, possibly an army deserter or a boat operator, called either “Tom Woggleg” or “Wogul Leg Tom”, either because of a mispronunciation of wooden leg, or from the local Aboriginal dialect word for “one”.

In conclusion, the name was officially adopted to distinguish between the various subsequent bridges across Georges River, after the opening of the Captain Cook Bridge in 1965 and the Alfords Point Bridge in 1973.

Joy bought Jane a birthday present Harley ride. What a great birthday present it was!

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Jungle and Phil, our Harley riders, picked our passengers up from their hotel at Circular Quay. Firstly, they rode through the north of the city to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Of course, they rode over the iconic Harbour Bridge.

Kirribilli Loop

After that, they did the Kirribilli Loop. This meant they stopped at Jeffrey St Wharf for photos. Mainly, they stopped to look at the wonderful view. The view looks across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House and towards the west, to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Next they all rode along the interesting Kirribilli Loop. This takes you under the north side of the Harbour Bridge. Look up and see the underneath. A totally opposite perspective than riding across it.

Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool

They finished the loop by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool. Next, they rode back over the bridge. This led them to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Similarly, from Mrs Macquarie’s Point, near Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, there are wonderful views. Look west across Sydney Harbour towards the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Woolloomooloo and Kings Cross

The next place to see was Woolloomooloo and the infamous Kings Cross. The area is tamer than it was in its heyday, but is still the major nightlife area of Sydney.

However, the hour was up so our Harley riders took the passengers back to their hotel. In conclusion, the birthday present Harley ride was a huge success. https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-city-viewer/

Bohemian district

The history of Sydney is very interesting, For instance, the Kings Cross district was Sydney’s bohemian heartland from the early decades of the 20th century. The illegal trading of alcohol, known as sly grog, was notorious in the area up until mid-century, led by rival brothel owners



Our passengers wanted to do something a bit different so picked the trike tour around 3 Bridges. They are from the Central Coast, a few hours drive north of Sydney. Catching the train to Central Station, Sydney made for a pleasant journey and they were relaxed and ready to ride!

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Craig picked them up from the Country Link area of Central Station. Firstly, they rode through town to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is one of the most iconic structures in Sydney, if not Australia. Make sure you look up to take it all in, it looks so different than if you were in a car.

Kirribilli Loop

After that, they stopped at Jeffrey Street Wharf for a look at the beautiful view. Look across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House – for instance, it is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. You’ll also see the Harbour Bridge from a different perspective. 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 interesting.

The Kirribilli Loop was by riding past Luna Park and the North Sydney Olympic Pool. Riding further, they continued on into the lower north shore suburbs of North Sydney and Wollstonecraft. They rode along the lovely River Road into Lane Cove. Next was the first bridge but not one of the main three.

Fig Tree Bridge – an extra!

The Fig Tree Bridge opened in 1963 and spans the Lane Cove River. They continued on and crossed the second of the bridges Tarban Creek Bridge. This spans Tarban Creek. After that, they rode onto the second of the main 3 Bridges, the Gladesville Bridge. It has wonderful views along Parramatta River towards the Harbour Bridge and the city.

Gladesville Bridge

This bridge is on the main arterial thoroughfare of Victoria Road. Travelling along for a short time before they turned off into the inner west suburb of Drummoyne. Followed the shoreline of Iron Cove which is part of the Parramatta River, is very peaceful. They stopped for photos at Rodd Point so they could have a proper look at part of the 7 km long Bay Run.

ANZAC Bridge

Continuing on the ride, the incredible ANZAC Bridge was next. It is also great to see without a roof over your head inhibiting the view. However, time was up so they rode into the city before being dropped back at Circular Quay.

Our passengers thought the trike tour around 3 Bridges was fantastic, a great way to see parts of the city only the locals know about. Some locals that is, not all! In conclusion – the trike tour around 3 Bridges was a total success!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

Tess organised a ‘hens surprise party transfer’ for her great friend. She wanted it to be a surprise and it sure was. The group of 15 friends were transferred from one party spot to the next.

Tess talked to us “I need a surprise for my friend. I’d like to organise a transfer from one place to another”. Yes, we sure can do this. Therefore, we had a chat, exchanged emails and the plan was sorted.

Barrenjoey House, Palm Beach

Syl picked a few of the ‘girls’ up from Barrenjoey House, Palm Beach. He rode them to ‘someone’s’ house in Palm Beach. He rode back to Barrenjoey House to pick up the next group of ‘girls’. Syl rode them to the house and came back for the next lot. After that, he continued on until they were all at the house to continue their partying.

The surprise party was such a success. The ‘hen’ – bride to be – was so happy. All Tess and the ‘hen’ friends were happy as well. We have to say, we are always happy to surprise someone. To surprise a group is fun multiplied. Similarly, we are always happy when our passengers (and the organiser) are very happy with the trike ride experience.

So, in conclusion, the ‘hens surprise party transfer’ was a huge success and more than anything, everyone had such a fun time. We love to see the smiles on every passenger’s face.

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

We can and will help you organise a fun surprise. Above all, if a surprise is too hard (unlikely), we are happy to help organise a fun and unforgettable experience.

Palm Beach – facts

Palm Beach is bounded by Broken Bay to the north, the Tasman Sea (within the South Pacific Ocean) to the east, Whale Beach and Avalon to the south, and Pittwater to the west. Barrenjoey Headland, which is in the north of the suburb, is part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The headland at the northernmost point rises quite sharply from the beach to over 100 metres (330 ft) above sea level, and features an operational lighthouse.

Hens surprise party transfer
Hens Party 21.09.19 – Hens surprise party transfer

Brenda organised a surprise birthday trike ride for her husband. It was also a surprise for their two children.

The eastern suburbs

They are on holidays from interstate so Craig picked the husband and two children up from their at hotel in the CBD. Firstly they rode down the major eastern thoroughfare of William Street. This leads to the eastern suburbs of Rushcutters Bay, Double Bay, Rose Bay and Vaucluse. They are all expensive areas which means they are usually are lovely and these are.

Bondi Beach

Continuing on, they rode to Bondi Beach where they stopped. It is always a great place to stop here for photos. We usually stop near the Bondi Lifeguard Tower, made famous by the Bondi Rescue TV show.

Tamara and Bronte

After that they rode south past the eastern beaches of Tamara and Bronte. In addition, they had time to ride through the lovely Centennial Park. Then on to Oxford Street, made famous by the Mardi Gras.

However, time was up so Craig took them back to their hotel. The surprise birthday trike ride was so much fun. In conclusion, Brenda was so happy she had organised the ride. It was a surprise for all and a memorable one.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Tamarama is an eastern beachside suburb of Sydney, in NSW. The locals (including us) call it Tamarama. It is affectionately nicknamed Glamarama (or Glamourama), as it is a beach where wannabe trend setters come to sunbathe and swim or simply try to be seen. ?

Bondi Beach is recorded by the Australian Museum that Bondi means place where a fight using boondi sticks (nullas nullas or fighting sticks) took place.

The Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is an annual LGBT pride parade in Sydney. We, and so may other people, attended the parade and festival. Hundreds of thousands of people from around Australia and overseas. It is one of the largest such festivals in the world. We have had trikes in the parade for years.

Our passengers are a family from Cairns Queensland. They are in Sydney for a holiday and decided the Northern Skimmer trike tour would be a great way to start their exploration of Sydney. We have to agree!

Views of Sydney, Middle and North Harbours

Craig and Brian picked them up from Manly, near the ferry wharf. Firstly they rode to Tania Park which is adjacent to Dobroyd Head. This area offers commanding views of Sydney, Middle and North Harbours.

After that, they rode via Clontarf Reserve to the Spit Bridge. We love riding over the Spit Bridge, it has wonderful views of Middle Harbour.

Balmoral Beach

Continuing on, they rode past the lovely Balmoral Beach. It is not known by most tourists to Sydney, nor indeed, by many Sydneysiders. Travelling along Military Road, they rode past Taronga Zoo. More often than not, you will see koalas eating or sleeping as you ride past.

Bradleys Head

Riding past Taronga Zoo they ended up at Bradleys Head. It is a headland protruding from the north shore of Sydney Harbour. The views are lovely across Sydney Harbour to the CBD.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

In addition, they rode back through the lower north shore suburbs of Mosman and Neutral Bay. This led to Jeffrey Street Wharf, Kirribilli. Similarly, this has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour. This time to the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

Barangaroo

However, time was up so they rode over the Harbour Bridge and were dropped off at Barangaroo. From here they could continue exploring one of the newest developments in Sydney in the oldest area of Sydney.

In conclusion, the Northern Skimmer trike tour was a huge success. Our passengers saw so much, especially parts of Sydney most visitors don’t get to see. In addition, they had so much fun along the way.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-north-shore-skimmer-trike-tour/
https://www.barangaroo.com/see-and-do/things-to-do/

Siobhan is visiting her friend in Sydney. She is from Ireland and they both decided the North Shore Skimmer tour would show them some different sights. It sure did, they saw sights that many tourists to Sydney do not.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge to Jeffrey Street Wharf

Our trike rider Craig picked them up at Circular Quay. Firstly they rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Jeffrey Street Wharf. The Harbour Bridge is definitely worth riding across without a piece of metal blocking your view. At Jeffrey Street Wharf, enjoy the wonderful view across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House and a north-west view of the Bridge.

Taronga Zoo + koalas

After that, they rode through the lower north shore suburbs of Cremorne and Neutral Bay. A fun part of the ride is riding past Taronga Zoo. Often you can see koalas eating their gum leaves or sleeping in the fork of a tree. Similarly, the view from Bradleys Head is also beautiful across Sydney Harbour.

Balmoral Beach and the Spit Bridge

Continuing on, they rode past the lovely and posh Balmoral Beach, part of Middle Harbour. Next was the ride over The Spit Bridge. It has very nice views of the northern beaches suburbs of Seaforth and Balgowlah.

Manly

However, time was up so Craig dropped Colleen + Siobhan at the 16 ft Skiff Club in Manly. In conclusion, the North Shore Skimmer tour was a great ride. Our passengers loved it and saw so much of the northern side of our wonderful city.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-north-shore-skimmer-trike-tour/

The Spit Bridge, completed in 1958, is of state significance. It is a substantial landscape feature that has played a crucial role in allowing the development of the northern beaches suburbs to occur over the last 44 years. The Bridge is also extremely rare as it is the only lift bridge still operational on a major arterial road.