Father’s Day trike tour – Carolyn + Gil 11.09.20

Kylie contacted us to book a Father’s Day trike tour for her dad (and mum). She didn’t want it on actual Father’s Day as they had other celebrations planned. We organised it for today and it was a beautiful day.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Our trike rider Craig, met them at the pick up point in Circular Quay. We email a map and instructions of where to meet.

Firstly, they rode through the city to Mrs Macquarie’s Point, home of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. There is a gorgeous view looking towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Interestingly, Mrs Macquarie’s Point is a peninsula which was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife. Moreover, it was easy for Elizabeth as she had convicts to do the dirty work. For instance, she ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens.

the infamous Kings Cross

Next, they rode past Finger Wharf and the iconic Harry’s Café De Wheels which is always interesting. Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. It is in the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomooloo. This leads up into the infamous Kings Cross – home of the famous and huge Coca Cola sign. Kings Cross is also home to nightclubs and ladies of the night though it is not nearly as raunchy as it was in the 1970s (apparently). Already, our passengers were enjoying the Father’s Day trike tour.

Watsons Bay and The Gap

Continuing on, they rode through the posh eastern suburbs of Rushcutters Bay,  Double Bay, Rose Bay and Watsons Bay. Here, they stopped at “The Gap” for photos. The view towards North Head and out to the South Pacific Ocean. Watsons Bay sits on the end of the South Head peninsula.

However, the 1 hour was almost up so Craig headed back into Sydney and dropped them back at Circular Quay. In conclusion, the Father’s Day trike tour was a huge success. We love happy passengers!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-city-viewer/

20th anniversary trike transfer – Cass, Jon + Co 05.09.20

Cass emailed us to organise the 20th anniversary trike transfer. This is the third time she has been on a trike ride with us. Max and Cass are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary and how much better it is to celebrate in style. ? Cass’s parents came along as well, we always say “the more the merrier”.

Our trike riders Craig and Syl, picked them up from their home in Sydenham, an inner western suburb of Sydney. Firstly, they rode through the hip inner west suburb of Newtown. They rode along Kings Street as requested by our passengers. Kings Street is a very interesting street, full of interesting people and shops.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Continuing on, they rode through the Sydney CBD and Macquarie Street (home to a majority of medical specialists). Next, they rode 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. So far, the 20th anniversary trike transfer was a lot of fun, and was the whole time. However, after a brief stop to check out the views, and to take photos, we headed back over the bridge to Surry Hills. The drop off was at Sydney Brewery in Albion Street. 20 years together is definitely worth celebrating!

In conclusion, the 20th anniversary trike transfer was a huge success. Everyone, including the riders, had a great time. “Feel the freedom!”
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/
https://www.theaustralianafund.org.au/houses/kirribilli-house.html

Harley birthday present surprise – Andrei 23.08.20

This Harley birthday present surprise was actually very funny. Andrei’s friends bought the Harley ride for him back in March. Because of COVID they had to postpone. Finally the restrictions lifted and they managed to organise a time they could all meet up and the time was good by us. The funny thing was, the friends told Andrei he was going to swim with sharks. He believed them! ?

We know he was extremely happy when Jungle turned up. He then realised his friends were ‘having a go’. Jungle met Andrei and his friends at the Tramshed tramshed in Forest Lodge. It’s just 4 kms from the centre of Sydney.

The Harley tour was for an hour so the decision was made to do the 3 Bridges Tour. It’s one of our most popular tours. His friends followed in their car and sent us videos and photos later.

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. So far, the 3 Bridge trike tour was a success.

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

The Fig Tree Bridge 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

Our favourite bridge is the ANZAC Bridge. We think 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 03 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 Andrei back at the Tramshed. He thought the 3 Bridge trike tour was fantastic, a great way to see parts of the city only the locals know about. His friends were so happy because he loved it – a great Harley birthday present surprise. ?

Testimonial

We would like to thank Jungle for being a really good Tour Guide. Happy with his communication, well-mannered, funny and would highly recommend him to others.
Regards,
Kuan

https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

Hens party Harley transfer – Ashleigh 22.08.20

No Hen’s Party is complete without a Harley ride! So, Ashleigh’s sister Alexandra and the bridal party organised the Hens party Harley transfer. It was part of the whole exciting weekend of celebrations. Under strict instructions, we and the Harley rider were not to tell Ashleigh where the drop off point was. No worries, we can keep a secret and she’d find out soon enough.

It didn’t take long and the Harley ride was organised. Scheming behind Ashleighs back was fun. ? Our rider Phil was outside their accommodation at Bondi Beach, before time. Ready for the surprise! ?

Ashleigh came outside her accommodation and received the surprise of her life – a great one by the way. After photos with the Harley and her friends, she used the sanitiser we provide as part of the Point to Point regulations. A new NSW Government industry regulator.

Firstly, they rode past the famous Bondi Beach. Probably the most famous beach in Australia, if not the world. 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.

Eastern Suburbs

Next, Phil and Ashleigh rode down Old South Head Road and along the posh eastern suburbs of the inner harbour. Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay are lovely to ride through. nice view through because it follows the Sydney Harbour coastline.

the infamous Kings Cross

This led into the infamous red light district of Kings Cross. In its heyday it was the home of the drug lords and the Australian version of the mafia. Not so much any more. Down the hill into Woolloomooloo and past Finger Wharf.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

They turned off to visit Mrs Macquarie’s Point, home of Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. From here there is a gorgeous view looking towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Mrs Macquarie’s Point is a peninsula which was named in 1810 after Elizabeth, Governor Macquarie’s wife. She ordered a seat to be chiselled into the rock from which she could view the harbour. Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, as it’s known, is still there today. It’s in the Domain but is effectively an extension of the Botanic Gardens. It also leads past the Art Gallery of NSW, https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/ a most magnificent building.

So this part of her fun weekend was just about over. Phil and Troll Tours were under strict instructions to make sure Ashleigh was dropped off at Cockle Bay by a certain time. As time was almost up, Phil rode her to Cockle Bay where the Hens Party met them. The next event was a harbour cruise so they had to be on time for it.

In conclusion, the Hens party Harley transfer was a great success. One of the ‘funnest’ experiences she’s ever done.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Surprise 11th birthday ride – Louis Family 21.08.20

This surprise 11th birthday ride was a huge success! Oscar is turning 11 and because of coronavirus he can’t have a party. So, his parents decided to surprise him and two of his friends, with a trike ride. When our two trikes turned up he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face, neither could his friends and family.

The three friends went on the black trike, the parents and Oscar’s sister travelled on the yellow trike.

The trikes picked the family and friends up from their home in West Pennant Hills. It didn’t matter where we took them, it was for the experience more than the places we rode through. Our riders didn’t want to sit in traffic with the passengers, it’s not much fun. So they headed north, away from the city.

Firstly, they rode past the Koala Park, through Cherrybrook, Dural and Middle Dural. Continuing on, they rode to Glenorie via the Old Northern road. However, the hour was over half way done. The riders turned around and rode back down via to Galston. This was along along Arcadia Rd and Galston Road returning to West Pennant Hills and home. https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

In conclusion, the Surprise 11th birthday ride was a huge success. Oscar’s mum wrote on Tripadvisor:

Testimonial

You can’t go wrong with this tour!
●●●●●

“Absolutely the best bike tour in Sydney! Highly recommended for service, engagement, fun and overall experience five stars! ⭐️

Glenorie history

Located on the Old Northern Road, a historic road built by convicts between 1825 and 1836 to link early Sydney, in the Colony of New South Wales, with the fertile Hunter Valley to the north. Glenorie was originally part of Dural and later known as North Dural. The name caused confusion for the post office and in April 1894, local resident William Black offered the Colony’s Postmaster General two names: Hazeldore and Glenorie. The name Glenorie was accepted because it had the support of the local progress association. Glenorie was named after a known and popular town in Scotland.

North Dural Post Office opened on 1 August 1894 and was renamed Glenorie on 1 October 1894.

Christmas gift voucher present – Claire + Ryan 15.08.20

The Christmas gift voucher present was bought for them by Ryan’s parents. Claire + Ryan live outside of Sydney so we organised a date with them for when they would be here. It was postponed a few times for various reasons, including coronavirus. But, one day it all came together.

Manly ferry from the CBD to Manly was the first part of the fun weekend. Craig, our trike rider, picked them up from a pre-arranged place near the wharf. We send a map so our passengers know where to meet.

Firstly, they stopped a view worth checking out – at Tania Park, on Dobroyd Head. The views are amazing looking across Sydney Harbour and through North and South Heads. Next, they rode around the peninsula into Clontarf. Joining the A8, an arterial road, they headed south and crossed the Spit Bridge. This is always fun, with lovely views of Middle Harbour and hundreds of yachts.

Balmoral Beach

After that, they did a detour to have a look at Balmoral Beach. It is one of the ‘posh’ Sydney suburbs and you can see why when you visit. The Balmoral Beach Conservation Area is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. The area includes Edwards Beach as well as Balmoral Beach, plus the promenade, esplanade, rotunda and Bather’s Pavilion, which date back to the 1930s. All parts we ride past on our tour.

Continuing west, they 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

Similarly, Bradleys Head has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the CBD. After that, it was back up the hill and past Taronga Zoo. Then it was into the suburb of Neutral Bay.

Kirribilli

This leads to Kirribilli, where they rode past Admiralty House. It 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.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Lastly, 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.

However, time was just about up so Craig dropped them off at a hotel in the city. In conclusion, the Christmas gift voucher present was a big success and a present neither Claire or Ryan will ever forget.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/the-north-shore-skimmer-trike-tour/

birthday present Harley tour – Elise + Peter 06.08.2020

Elise bought the birthday present Harley tour for her husband. What a way to celebrate! They are a Malaysian couple living in Sydney and Elise thought the Harley tour would be a great way to see Sydney but also a fun present for Peter.

Jungle and Phil picked them up from outside the Queen Victoria Building. They ate a celebratory lunch there before the Harley ride.

Firstly, 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.

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. A perfect place to stop for photos.

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. So far, the birthday present Harley tour.

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

The Fig Tree Bridge 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

Our favourite bridge is the ANZAC Bridge. We think 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 03 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 and Phil dropped our passengers back at the QVB. Elise and Peter thought the birthday present Harley tour was fantastic, a great way to see parts of the city only the locals know about.

Elise wrote: “We just finished our tour it was good to meet George and Phil. They are so nice and friendly guys. May I ask could we get the photo from Phil and Instagram? I would like to put a tagging you all”. Sure thing! We always send a follow up email with the photos, all part of our service!
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/three-bridges-trike-tour/

Scenic Harley tour Sydney – Dan 03.08.20

Dan bought the Scenic Harley tour Sydney for herself. Something different to do while in Sydney, a Harley tour had been on her bucket list for a long while. What better place than Sydney to do it from!

Eastern Sydney Beaches

Phil picked Dan up from a hotel in the city. Firstly, they rode through the large but lovely Centennial Park. Next, they continued on to the eastern beaches of Sydney. Starting from the south and heading north, they rode past Bronte, past the little and secluded Tamarama Beach and the most famous, Bondi 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.

Eastern Suburbs

However, the 1 hour was almost up. So Phil and Dan 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.

This led into the infamous red light district of Kings Cross. In its heyday it was the home of the drug lords and the Australian version of the mafia. Not so much any more. Down the hill into Woolloomooloo and past Finger Wharf. So the adventure of a lifetime was just about over. Phil rode Dan back to her hotel and dropped her off.

In conclusion, the scenic Harley tour Sydney was a great success. One of the best experience she’s done.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

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. 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. 189-hectares of wide open spaces for recreation, learning and leisure.
https://www.centennialparklands.com.au/visit/history-and-heritage

Harley tour 60th birthday present – Bella 02.08.20

Bella’s great friend Gerry gave her the Harley tour 60th birthday present. Gerry knew Bella had been wanting so badly, to do a Harley ride.

Our Harley rider Phil, picked her up from her home in the inner west of Sydney.

Firstly, 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.

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. A perfect place to stop for photos.

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.

Eastern Sydney Beaches

Then, it was back over the bridge to the Eastern Suburbs. They rode through the large but lovely Centennial Park. Next, they continued on to the eastern beaches of Sydney. Starting from the south and heading north, they rode past Bronte, past the little and secluded Tamarama Beach and the most famous, Bondi 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.

Eastern Suburbs

However, the 1.5 hours was almost up. So Phil and Bella 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.

This led into the infamous red light district of Kings Cross. In its heyday it was the home of the drug lords and the Australian version of the mafia. Not so much any more. Down the hill into Woolloomooloo and past Finger Wharf. So the adventure of a lifetime was just about over. Phil rode Bella back to her home and dropped her off.

In conclusion, the Harley tour 60th birthday present was a great success. One of the best birthday presents ever Bella said. She rang us straight after the ride to say “Wow!”.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/
https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-east/bondi/beach-lifestyle

Short disability trike rides – Two Shoes Network 18.07.20

A few times a year, we do short disability trike rides for the Two Shoes Network. Two Shoes is a social network that specialises in providing challenging recreation activities. These are for groups of young adults with disabilities.

The young adults become so excited when they know another ride day has been organised.

Davidson Park, Roseville

Our trike rider Craig, arrived at Davidson Park, Roseville (a northern suburb of Sydney), at the prearranged time. Usually, he takes three passengers at a time, a carer and two young adults. The idea is to give them all roughly a 20 minute ride around the area.

Firstly, he rode with the passengers from Davidson Park which is under the Roseville Bridge. Secondly, the route was through the back streets of Forestville and Killarney Heights. Though by then, time was nearly up for that group. This meant they turned south and rode back to Davidson Park. Craig would then pick up the next group and take them on the route. And so on. However, the 3 hours was up so soon but all the passengers had a ride (or two). In conclusion, the short disability trike rides were (and always are) a huge success. Everyone had a wonderful time as you can see by the smiles in the photo. After that, they enjoyed a bbq to finish the fabulous day.
https://www.trolltours.com.au/product/design-your-own-ride/

Information about the area

The Roseville Bridge is a pre-stressed concrete box girder road bridge. Located adjacent to the suburb of Roseville, in Sydney. Davidson Park is underneath the Roseville Bridge and within Garigal National Park. The Garigal National Park is a protected national park. It is located within the North Shore and Forest District regions of Sydney. At 2,202-hectare (5,440-acre) in size, the national park is quite small but important. Moreover, it is situated just 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of the Sydney CBD.

Original peoples

The word Garigal is a derivation of the word Carigal or Caregal. Importantly, this is used to describe the indigenous people who lived in Guringai country. Interestingly, it is translated in modern English as Ku-ring-gai.

Guringai people are the traditional custodians of the land now reserved as the Garigal National Park. In addition, there is considerable evidence of past Aboriginal activity in the area. Over 100 Aboriginal sites recorded to date, including shelters, cave art, rock engravings, middens, grinding grooves and a possible stone arrangement.