friends trike tour experience – Catriona + friends 11.08.24

Catriona and her partner organised the friends trike tour experience for themselves and their overseas friends. It was the City to Surf but we because we know Sydney so well, we took them to the northside to explore. The main thing they wanted to see was the Sydney Opera House, yes, we could show them the best view from across the water.

We picked them up from the north end of the Rocks Market (where the photo was taken) and took them for a 1 hour tour, dropping them off at Taronga Zoo.

Part of an email from Catriona after the ride,”…. our Japanese friends were blown away by the surprise…”

Circular Quay

Firstly, they rode past Circular Quay. Often referred to as the “gateway to Sydney”, the precinct has views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House and is a common location for viewing Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks. It hosts a number of ferry wharves, bus stops, and a railway station.

Opera House

This brought them to the iconic Sydney Opera House. We can’t ride close but you can see it from a different angle to the usual. The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre. Designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, but completed by an Australian architectural team headed by Peter Hall, the building was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Secondly, 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

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 which is where the one below was taken. What a great view of the Sydney Opera House!

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. Already, the friends trike tour experience was fun and has shown them many famous icons.

Lower North Shore

Next, they rode through the lower North Shore. This refers to the northern suburbs of Sydney adjoining Sydney Harbour. The three bodies of water that surround the Lower North Shore are Lane Cove River on its western border, Sydney Harbour on its south side, and Middle Harbour on its east. Water views of Sydney Harbour from this area, are lovely.

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.

Similarly, Bradleys Head has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the CBD. Bradleys Head in Mosman 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.

However, the 1 hour tour was up so the passengers were dropped at Taronga Zoo. Here they would see the famous animals of Australia – and around the world. In conclusion, the friends trike tour experience was a huge success, “…Couldn’t have asked for better tour guides!…” is part of an email from Catriona.