Sydney trike ride – Karen + Wayne 02.01.24

The Sydney trike ride was organised by Wayne while they were here on holiday. Wayne was very interested in where the centre of Sydney CBD is. Karen was extremely nervous and everyone (as in friends) told here she’d be too nervous to do it. However, as usual, after a few minutes on our impressive trike with professional and caring rider, she loved it and the butterflies disappeared. Our trike rider picked them up from their hotel in the Rocks.

Harbour Bridge Southern Side

Firstly, they rode along Hickson Road was next, and under the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. What a wonderful view!

Barangaroo

Through the comparatively new development of Barangaroo. A spectacular transformation from a disused container terminal on the edge of Sydney’s CBD into a spectacular 22-hectare waterfront precinct. This leads into the Rocks which is the birthplace of modern Sydney.

The Rocks

Interestingly, the most historic place in Australia, the Rocks. It is a neighbourhood of historic laneways in the shadow of Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Rocks became established shortly after the colony’s formation in 1788 so it is the oldest residential, developed area in Australia – the birthplace of modern Sydney. With the arrival of European settlers in 1788, it was here that the convicts first set up house and shop.

Hyde Park

Next, they rode along a few street to the top of Hyde Park. It is 16.2 hectares and contains well-kept gardens and approximately 580 trees: a mixture of figs, conifers, palms, and other varieties. It is famed for its magnificent fig tree lined avenues.

Macquarie Street + Opera House

Then, they rode along Macquarie Street which is famous for being home to the medical specialists. Past the gorgeous Government House which is the heritage-listed vice-regal residence of the governor of NSW. This led to the Sydney Opera House. We can’t get very close but we know some good angles which give some great scenic views. Even as “forever Sydneyites” we never get tired of looking at the Opera House.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

This led to the next icon so 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. 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

Famous for its views, Kirribilli is also famous because of Kirribilli House. Kirribilli House is the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. Further on is Admiralty House. It is the Sydney residence of the Governor-General and one of the most historic and important residences on Sydney Harbour. The house – originally called ‘Wotonga’ – was built in the mid 1800’s.

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

The loop is a fab thing to do, so 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 Sydney trike ride was showing our passengers some interesting and beautiful sights.

Blues Point Reserve / McMahons Point

Continuing on, they rode on through Milsons Point, did a left hand turn and rode up a few streets. This lead to Blues Point Reserve. The views over Blues Bay towards the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the CBD are just stunning. All the more stunning because of the lovely weather. Another perfect place for photos. It’s where this photo was taken.

Then it was back over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and through the city. One (of may) good things about this time of year, is the traffic – or lack of. So today, the rider could take them to see more things than usual.

Chinatown

Usually, we don’t get as far as Chinatown, but today we could. Sydney isn’t the only global city with a Chinatown, but this one is bigger, better and boasts more than most thanks to the Chinese immigrants who started arriving in the 1800s. Dixon Street is the main street for Chinatown, with many shops and Chinese restaurants in a pedestrian-only street. In the 1980s business owners raised funds for the ceremonial Chinese archways found at the entrance.

However, the hour was almost up so it was back through the Rocks and our passengers were dropped off back at their hotel. In conclusion, the Sydney trike ride was an even better success than expected! From one really nervous passenger to two “loving every second of it” passengers! Feel the Freedom! View our City Viewer tour here, it is easily adapted to suit where you’d like to go.