family Sydney trike ride – Ayla, Kylie + Michael 22.01.25

The family Sydney trike ride was organised by Mum for something fun for her and the kids to do. It is hard finding something to keep them occupied during the school holidays. They went to the beach earlier in the day so our trike rider picked them up from Manly and took them on a fun 2 hour ride.

Manly

Of course, they had to ride past the famous main beach of Manly. Manly has several claims to fame; it was the birthplace of surfing in Australia, the first place to legalise all-day bathing in 1903 and one of the world’s first Surf Life Saving clubs. Manly Beach was the location for the first World Surfing Championships held in 1964.

Seaforth

Firstly, they headed to Seaforth, there is a lookout which faces towards the Spit. Seaforth was named after Loch Seaforth and Seaforth Island in Scotland. The land in this area was once owned by Henry Halloran, who subdivided it in 1906. The Seaforth library was built in 1887 and protected by heritage listing by Manly Council in 1995.

The Spit

Then, it was through Spit, which is a suburb in its own right. It protrudes off Beauty Point and is home to the Spit Bridge, a bascule bridge opened in 1958 over Middle Harbour. The bridge opens at set times to allow yachts with high masts to pass. Crossing the Spit Bridge is fun, it has great views of Middle Harbour.

Balmoral Beach

Riding on, they rode past the lovely posh Balmoral Beach. Everyone who comes here loves it! Balmoral Beach is not so well known by visitors and tourists, but the stunning natural beauty of the beach and surrounds make it well worth a visit. The North Shore Skimmer transfer on the trike was showing our passenger some beautiful and unique places and views!

Balmoral Burn

Amazingly, the Balmoral Burn is the next experience. Phil Kearns AM, came up with the idea of running up Mosman’s Awaba St as a way to raise funds. It was to say thank you to the Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) after one of his sons received emergency care, for suspected meningococcal. It started 22 years ago and is now called The Balmoral Burn.

At its steepest the gradient is nearly 30%, and over its length it rises about 70 metres (230 ft). So far, $33.7 million has been raised! Wow!

Taronga Zoo

Further east then south, they rode past Taronga Zoo. Interestingly, Taronga is an Aboriginal word meaning “beautiful view”. It was officially opened on 7 October 1916. Divided into various zoogeographic regions, the 28-hectare (69-acre) Taronga Zoo Sydney is home to more than 5,000 animals of approximately 350 different species. Well worth a visit!

While riding past Taronga Zoo to Bradleys Head, make sure you look for the koalas eating and sleeping in the gum trees. They did see a few brush turkeys running around.

Bradleys Head

Down the hilll is Bradleys Head. It has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the CBD. It’s in the suburb of Mosman and 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.

Kirribilli

Back up the hill and east, they rode past 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. 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, family Sydney trike ride was showing some beautiful sights and icons of Sydney.

Woolloomooloo, Harry’s and Garden Island

Through the harbour tunnel, they rode into the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomoolloo. It has the famous Harry Cafe De Wheels. Harry’s Café de Wheels has been serving customers for over 80 years. They make delicious pies, hotdogs and more. Lots of interesting photos are on the walls, mostly of famous celebrities who have visited over the years.

Everyone was hungry so they stopped at Harry’s for hotdogs and pie and peas. So far, the family Sydney trike ride has been interesting and flexible.

Also there is Garden Island. Garden Island is the location of a major Royal Australian Navy (RAN) base.

Kings Cross

Further on, they rode through the infamous Kings Cross, though it has calmed down a lot since it’s heyday – 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).

Coca-Cola billboard

Next, look up to see the famous “Coke Sign”. It is an advertising billboard erected in 1974 by the Coca-Cola Company. More often regarded as an iconic landmark than as an advertisement. The new Coca-Cola sign was officially turned on, on 15 September 2016, and uses a lot less power. It is the single largest controllable LED sign in the Southern Hemisphere and can change colour.

Bondi Beach

Heading east, they drove past the world famous Bondi Beach, both the north and south side. This is the beach where Bondi Lifeguards of the Bondi Rescue TV series is filmed. When in Sydney it is one of the places you should visit. The beach is seriously nice (but not our favourite) but it’s good to say you have seen it – even in the rain 😊. Bondi Beach is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia. 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.

They stopped near the Lifeguard Tower to have a look and take photos. It’s where this photo was taken.

Bondi Beach was the drop off point for this ride. However, a strong southerly came up so there was a change of plans. The rider was heading back into the city anyway, so he took them to Barangaroo and dropped them off.

Barangaroo Reserve / Marrinawi Cove

In January 2023, the NSW Government opened a swimming enclosure at Marrinawi Cove, located at the northern end of Barangaroo Reserve. A lovely sheltered spot, the natural sea pool has safety netting to enclose the swimming area. A great alternative to Bondi Beach! The whole Barangaroo area has had a spectacular transformation. From a disused container terminal on the edge of Sydney’s CBD into a spectacular 22-hectare waterfront precinct.

In conclusion, the passengers were extremely happy with the family Sydney trike ride. They experienced so much, lots to tell their friends when they go back to school.

Design you own tour!