Southern Spectacular birthday trike – Carol + Gordon 30.03.24

The Southern Spectacular birthday trike tour was a complete success 😊. “…We had an amazing time….”

Carol wrote, “I just want it to be a memorable occasion, it is my husband’s birthday that day, these are 2 things he has been wanting to do – a Harley tour and fish & chips”. He’s not well enough to go on a Harley and I want to go with him, so a trike is perfect”. Our rider picked them from in the south western suburbs.

Liverpool

Firstly, they rode through some of the south western suburbs of Sydney and into Liverpool. “The heart of southwest Sydney”. Liverpool is the epitome of multiculturalism in Sydney. It is a melting pot where different cultures live next to each other. It is quite a big city with many businesses around this area.

the Royal National Park

After that, they rode along some other roads and through the historic Royal National Park. Established in 1879 it is Australia’s first national park and the world’s second oldest national park – after Yellowstone in the USA. It features unique heritage attractions, along with fascinating plants, birds and animals.

Originally known as just National Park, it was renamed Royal National Park in 1955, in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Australia in 1954. It was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2006.

Stanwell Tops

Then they stopped for a coffee and stretch at Stanwell Tops. It rests on the Illawarra escarpment, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the neighbouring village of Stanwell Park. It is bounded on all sides by state-forest reserves and other forested crown lands.

Bald Hill Lookout

Above all, a part of Stanwell Tops, Bald Hill Lookout not only has excellent views but the area is also internationally known as a major hang-gliding point. It was on the beach below Bald Hill that Lawrence Hargrave, an Australian pioneer of flight, made a successful flight with his box kite, on 12 November 1894. A memorial cairn dedicated to him has been erected at the peak of the hill near the car park.

Bald Hill overlooks the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge which is where we are heading after here.

Stanwell Park

After that, they drove down to Stanwell Park and saw the beautiful beach. So far, the Southern Spectacular birthday trike tour experience was impressive. Our passengers had seen some beautiful views and ridden through the lovely National Park. Something not many people experience.

Coalcliff

Coalcliff is beginning of the famous Sea Cliff Bridge coming from the North. It is a suburb of northern Wollongong at the base of the Illawarra escarpment. Founded in 1797 when survivors of a wreck set out to find Sydney and found coal here, which they used to make a fire for warmth.

Explorer George Bass was then sent by Governor Hunter to investigate, and found several seams that extended for some distance.

Sea Cliff Bridge

Continuing on, we rode onto the Sea Cliff Bridge and along the coastline. The 665 metre long Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive – an award-winning drive which takes is a 140 kilometres worth of coastal scenery from the Royal National Park, Loftus down to Nowra.

Bulli Pass

Next, they rode north up the Bulli Pass. The original Throsby track, which lay less than a kilometre to the south of today’s Bulli Pass road, was used from 1815 to 1844. In 1867 today’s Bulli Pass was built, the maximum grade on Bulli Pass is 14.6 per cent. Wheeled vehicles began using the road in 1863.

Sublime Point Lookout

At the top is Sublime Point Lookout which offers 180 degree views over the sea, the rainforest and the 17 beaches that span the coastline to Wollongong. It’s where this photo was taken.

Princes Highway

Instead of riding back on the motorway, Fred took them along the Princes Highway. It runs parallel to the motorway but is quieter and has a nicer atmosphere. However, the 3 hours was almost up so Fred kept riding and dropped them back at home. In conclusion, the Southern Spectacular birthday trike tour was a success. A memorable experience and a lot of fun. Not to mention the beautiful scenery they saw along the way. Check out the tour here!