memory lane trike tour – Kate + Kelly 08.06.23

Kate contacted us to organise a memory lane trike tour. “We both used to live in Sydney about 25 years ago hence we would like to drive by the places we used to live!” Sure, we can put together an itinerary and take you to the places you’d like to see. So they emailed a list and we incorporated it into a design your own ride.

North Sydney

Our trike rider picked them up from North Sydney. The North Sydney municipality was incorporated in 1890 and after naming disputes, North Sydney was settled upon. It’s approx 5 kms north of Sydney CBD.

Kirribilli

Firstly, 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

Then 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.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Next, they rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We always tell our passenger 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 construction of the new Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver was completed in 2012.

Cahill Expressway

Then they rode onto the Cahill Expressway. It was the first freeway constructed in Australia, opening to traffic in 1958. There is a lovely view of both the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We can’t get very close but we know some good angles which give some great scenic views.

Woolloomooloo, Harry’s and Garden Island

A place they wanted to see was Woolloomooloo Bay (Hotel), Harrys Cafe de Wheels and Garden Island. They had spent a lot time in this area and had such wonderful times. It sure brought back memories for them.

The inner eastern suburb of Woolloomoolloo 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. So far, the memory lane trike tour was fun, reminiscing over their past life in Sydney.

Kings Cross

Continuing 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).

Redfern

Kelly used to live in Redfern so our trike rider rode through the city to the inner west. The suburb is named after surgeon William Redfern, who was granted 100 acres of land in this area in 1817 by Lachlan Macquarie. Then it was to Castlereagh Street in the city where Kate used to live. A little further on was Crown Hotel where they created fond memories.

Circular Quay

However, the 1.5 hours was almost up so Fred rode them to drop off at Circular Quay. This famous area was built by convicts between 1837 and 1844 on the site of the first colonial settlement at Sydney Cove. Sandstone blocks were used to construct an artificial shoreline on what were originally mudflats. It was originally known as Semi Circular Quay as the original wharves lining the cove were semi-circular. Over the years the name was shortened by popular use to Circular Quay and the cove was given corners to make maximum use of its wharves.

In conclusion, the memory lane trike tour was so much fun, it brought back so many fabulous memories and they created new ones on the trike. Feel the Freedom!