Helen had a two days left in Sydney so wanted to do something different. The last minute Harley Davidson tour was perfect. She booked a 4.5 hour ride so she saw so much of Sydney and the outer areas – north, south and inner west. Our Harley rider picked Helen up from her hotel in the CBD. Helen loved the tours, “Pat is not only a true ambassador for the biker fraternity but also for your company, Sydney & Australia!” she wrote in an email after the ride. Firstly, they did the 3 Bridges tour.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

This meant, they rode over the Sydney Harbour Bridge first. We always tell our passengers to look up and enjoy the unique view. he 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

Next, 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. Some photos were taken here. Already, after 15 mins, the last minute Harley Davidson ride was impressive!

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.

Fig Tree Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge, Gladesville Bridge

Continuing on, the first bridge is an old but smallish bridge – the Fig Tree Bridge. It 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 – from the western suburbs to the city (or vice versa).

Bay Run

Then, they did a detour off the main arterial road through the inner west suburbs of Rozelle, Lilyfield, Haberfield, Five Dock and Drummoyne. They followed part of the Bay Run. It is a 7km long (4.3 mi) shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians that encircles much of Iron Cove. It never deviates more than 20m from the water so the views are pretty nice.

ANZAC Bridge

Riding over our favourite bridge, the ANZAC Bridge, is an experience. 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. Already, the last minute Harley Davidson tour has shown Helen

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a lovely experience, to ride through and to stop for a short break.

120 fields and venues, and 35+ different sports played in the Centennial Parklands. It is the largest community sports precinct in Australia! The history is also interesting: “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.”

Bronte Beach

Then to the southern end of Bronte Beach which sits on Nelson Bay, surrounded by Bronte Park. Bronte offers scenic cliff-top walking paths south to Coogee via the Waverley Cemetery and north to Tamarama and Bondi Beach.

Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve

Next, it was to the Bronte-Coogee Aquatic Reserve. This extends from the southern end of Bronte Beach to the rock baths at Coogee Beach and out to 100 m offshore. It covers an area of approximately 40 hectares and includes 4,000m of coastline.

The objectives of the aquatic reserve is:

1. conserve the biodiversity of fish and marine vegetation
2. protect fish habitat
3. facilitate educational activities
4. facilitate scientific research.

Clovelly Beach

Then it was to Clovelly Beach. Clovelly Beach is a small and tranquil beach, located the mouth of a narrow bay between two rocky ridges. It is where the photo was taken.

Coogee

Further on, they rode to both the south and north end of Coogee Beach. At the southern end is Wylies baths (open 365 days a year), as well as McIver’s Baths, which is the only remaining female-only ocean pool in Australia (dating back to 1886).

😆 The name Coogee is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘koojah’ which means ‘bad smell’ or a ‘stinking place’.

Maroubra

Riding south, Maroubra is one of Australia’s top surfing beaches, Maroubra is best enjoyed outdoors. An official National Surfing Reserve, the spectacular 1km-long beach is wrapped by a rocky headland and natural bushland.

The next beachside suburb they rode through was Maroubra. It is a local Aboriginal word meaning place of thunder. In 2006, Maroubra Beach became the second Australian beach to be named a National Surfing Reserve. Maroubra Beach stretches for approximately 1 km on Maroubra Bay.

Little Bay

The little known Little Bay area was first used as a sanitation camp during Sydney’s smallpox outbreak in 1881–82, to isolate the healthy contacts of sufferers of the disease. Also, bubonic plague in Sydney of 1900 and then again when soldiers returning from Europe brought the influenza virus back in 1919. Little Bay was an ideal location because it was isolated from settlements but still close enough to Sydney.

La Perouse

This beautiful peninsula in Sydney’s southeast is where Captain Arthur Phillip’s First Fleet initially landed in 1788, before deciding to settle at Sydney Cove. La Perouse is named after a French explorer who arrived in Botany Bay a week after the First Fleet. Nearby is the 1880s-built Bare Island Fort, which you might recognise from the Tom Cruise film Mission Impossible 2.

Then the rider and passenger decided to head north. So, it was through the southern suburbs, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge again. Then it was east to Manly. Wow, how good is the last minute Harley Davidson ride?

Spit Bridge lookout

They rode through a few posh suburbs to the Spit Bridge. is fun and then it was a fun ride up a windy hill to the lookout. From there, you can see great views of Middle Harbour. The Spit Bridge is a steel and concrete girder bridge with a bascule lift span. The Spit Bridge was listed on the Roads & Traffic Authority heritage and conservation register on 24 November 2003.

They continued riding along Military Road. Helen is so happy with her last minute Harley Davidson ride!

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.

North Head

Next, they stopped at North Head near Manly, for unending ocean views and a spectacular panorama of the harbour and Sydney skyline. We never tire of looking at this wonderful view. Even on a dull day, it is spectacular.

However, the 4.5 hours was almost up, so Pat turned around and headed back into Sydney city. He dropped Helen off back at her hotel.

In conclusion, the last minute Harley Davidson tour was “the best experience ever” as Helen wrote to us in an email later.

Design your own ride!

The Hens Party trike transfer, which also included one Harley Davidson, was organised by the Hen’s Aunt. Sue wrote, “We are a group of her aunties and cousins and trying to make is super special as there was a tragedy during Covid ☹”

So we organised 4 trikes and 1 Harley to transfer 9 people from their hotel to lunch at Coogee. They had a great time, it really was a fun way to kick off the celebrations. Our trike and Harley riders picked them up from their hotel in the CBD.

Hyde Park

Firstly, they rode along side 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.

St Mary’s Cathedral

Secondly, they rode through the city and past St Mary’s Cathedral which is very impressive, even when riding past. It’s a Gothic Revival architectural building which opened in 1928. It took from 1866 to 1928 to build and has a height of 75m.

Domain

Next, they rode through the city and past the Domain. The Domain is a heritage-listed 34-hectare (84-acre) area of open space located on the eastern fringe of the Sydney CBD.

Woolloomooloo, Harry’s and Garden Island

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. They rode past Garden Island and up the hill through Potts Point.

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). Already, the Hens Party trike transfer was fun and informative.

Eastern suburbs

Further on, they headed east through the posh suburbs of the eastern suburbs of Sydney, including the Bays: Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay. Then they turned south.

Centennial Park

We had organised 2 bottles of Moet before the ride. Our riders stopped here so the Hen’s Party could stop to toast the bride-to-be.

Centennial Park is a lovely experience, to ride through and to stop for a short break. Make sure Fred tells you the story about the eels that live here.

120 fields and venues, and 35+ different sports played in the Centennial Parklands. It is the largest community sports precinct in Australia! The history is also interesting: “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.”

Coogee

Finally, they rode to both the south and north end of Coogee Beach. At the southern end is Wylies baths (open 365 days a year), as well as McIver’s Baths, which is the only remaining female-only ocean pool in Australia (dating back to 1886).

😆 The name Coogee is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘koojah’ which means ‘bad smell’ or a ‘stinking place’.

However, the hour was up so they were dropped off at a restaurant. Here, they could continue the special celebration. It’s not often one is a Hen! In conclusion, the Hens Party trike transfer with a Harley Davidson, was a complete success. It was fun, different to the norm and memorable. Feel the Freedom!

Check the design your own ride here!

The bespoke Harley Davidson ride was organised by Anna for herself. She really wanted to experience being on a Harley and really needed to get out of normal routine. So, Anna organised a 4.5 hour ride with us. One of our Harley Davidson riders picked her up from her home in Cobbity, rode to Bondi Beach and back again.

What a ride! Anna wrote on email “It was a fantastic ride, thank you!”

Below is a simplified route of places they rode through.

Cobbitty

The village of Cobbitty, nestled on the Nepean River, attracts much interest because of the lush country views and beautifully kept historic buildings. It was first settled in 1812 and has a lot of history as well as a local winery. It’s 70 – 80 kms west of Sydney, depending which way you go.

Campbelltown

Firstly, they rode through a few suburbs to Campbelltown. It is acknowledged on the register of the Geographical Names Board of NSW as one of only four cities within the Sydney metropolitan area.

Liverpool

Then, after a few more suburbs / settlements, they came to Liverpool. It is one of the oldest urban settlements in Australia, founded on 7 November 1810. Liverpool is currently the major city centre in South Western Sydney with a population of over 27,000. Already, the bespoke Harley Davidson ride was an interesting yet fun experience.

Bankstown Airport

Next, they rode past Bankstown Airport which operates 24 hours a day. There is no curfew, unlike Sydney’s major airport and has quick and ease of access for departure and arrivals for all Business, Corporate, Private Air Charter and Jet Services.

Roselands

Further east, they rode through Roselands. The suburb takes its name from the plant nursery that originally occupied the land. The first inhabitants of surrounding areas were Australian Aboriginals. At the time of British settlement in 1788 the inhabitants were Aborigines and they called themselves Kuri or Koori. Land grants by the new colonial government began in about 1810.

Sydney International Airport

Even further east, they rode past Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport. Australia’s busiest airport, the oldest continually operating commercial airport in the world, and the main gateway to Australia. It is located on the northern shores of Botany Bay.

SCG, Moore Park

Not far, just 9km north, Moore Park has it all. This entertainment, dining and leisure hub spans 115 hectares and includes the serene Centennial Parklands, all only a stone’s throw from Sydney’s centre. The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) is a sports stadium in Moore Park. It is used for Test, One Day International and Twenty20 cricket, as well as, Australian rules football.

Bondi Beach

Finally, they arrived at Bondi Beach which is Australia’s most famous beach. The jewel of Sydney’s laid-back beach lifestyle is home to one of the oldest surf lifesaving clubs in the world and one of Australia’s oldest swimming clubs, the Bondi Icebergs. However, 2 hours was already up so they had a look around and started heading back.

Casula Crossroads

After a bum break here, they rode back to Cobbitty. Casula is the first suburb immediately south of Liverpool (mentioned above) on the Hume Highway.

How interesting is this!! During World War I, a large Australian Imperial Forces recruitment and training reserve was located in Casula – a fact reflected by the name of one of its major residential streets, “Reserve Road”. This camp became briefly notorious in 1916 when a large mob of soldiers rebelled against the strict training regimen, marched on nearby Liverpool, ransacked and looted several pubs, hijacked several trains to Central station in Sydney and continued their drunken rioting, resulting in the Military Police shooting dead one rioter. (Wikipedia) 😳

In conclusion, the bespoke Harley Davidson ride was a huge success. Feel the Freedom!

The Northern beaches Harley Davidson tour was organised by Bec for herself. In Sydney for a short holiday, Bec decided to do something she had always wanted to experience – a Harley Davidson ride. Our rider picked her up from Narrabeen on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. The 3 hour tour was only just long enough 😆.

Review

“….I was nervous about being on a bike for the first time, but there was absolutely no need, as Pat was such a safe rider and I wasn’t nervous or afraid at all during the whole trip…..”

Read the rest of the review here.

Narrabeen

Firstly, they rode past Narrabeen Beach. It is one of Australia’s iconic surfing and swimming beaches. Over 3 km of sand stretches from Long Reef in the south to the Narrabeen Lagoon entrance in the north, with 4 surf lifesaving clubs along the beach.

Pittwater

After that, they rode through a small section of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and headed along Mona Vale Road, Terry Hills. Pittwater is the name of the big bay between Barrenjoey Peninsula, where Palm Beach is situated and Kur-ing-ai Chase National Park.

Church Point

This led through Church Point. Aborigines had been here for 14,000 years or more and was discovered by the English in March 1788 by Sydney’s first Governor, Arthur Phillip. He was exploring its lower reaches in search or arable land. Church Point, located 32 kilometres north of the Sydney CBD, is a waterside suburb at the southern end of Pittwater in Sydney’s north. It’s a pretty area, away from the busyness of the beach suburbs but still can get very busy at times.

“Home and Away” – Palm Beach

Then the tour went via Bilgola Plateau, Clareville, Careel Bay and Avalon before reaching Whale Beach. Between Whale Beach and Palm Beach is the Palm Beach Bible Garden. It has spectacular views over Palm Beach. After a stop for coffee, a stretch and a look at the view, they headed to Palm Beach. It is the home of the long running TV series “Home and Away”. It is also the northernmost coastal suburb of metropolitan Sydney.

Dee Why, Curl Curl, Freshwater,

Can’t go any further north on the peninsula than Palm Beach. So, they turned around and headed south. Then they rode past Long Reef, Dee Why, Curl Curl and Freshwater. All such beautiful beaches. This leads past Queenscliff, which is really northern Manly. They rode past the famous and iconic Manly Beach. We prefer it over Bondi Beach.

North Head

Next, they stopped at North Head near Manly, for unending ocean views and a spectacular panorama of the harbour and Sydney skyline. We never tire of looking at this wonderful view. Even on a dull day, it is spectacular.

Forest Way

However, the 3 hours was almost up. So they could go home a different way, Pat rode through Forest Way. Nothing special about this place, a normal suburb with a big shopping centre. Still, it was good to show our passenger more of the northern suburbs of Sydney. In conclusion, the Northern beaches Harley Davidson tour was a huge success – fun and memorable. Feel the Freedom!

Check out the tour here. This is an example as every tour is unique on the day.

In the Emerald city for a holiday, the passengers decided Sydneys 4Bridges trike tour was the experience they wanted to do. Of course, it was a great ride to do, it shows places in Sydney that most visitors to Sydney don’t get to see. All the bridges have great views and there are actually more than 3 bridges. The trike rider picked them up from their hotel.

Argyle Cut

Firstly, they rode through the Argyle Cut. It is a heritage-listed roadway and road cutting located at Argyle Street in the inner-city Sydney suburb of The Rocks. We love riding through it!

The Rocks

Next, Fred drove them around the most historic place in Australia. The Rocks 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.

Harbour Bridge Southern Side

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

Barangaroo

The road leads 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.

Crown Casino

They rode past Crown Sydney (also referred to as One Barangaroo), is a skyscraper in Barangaroo, Australia. It stands at a height of 271.3 m (890 ft) with 75 floors, making it the tallest building in Sydney and 4th tallest building in Australia. Construction first began in October 2016 and was completed in December 2020.

ANZAC Bridge

Riding over our favourite bridge, the ANZAC Bridge, is an experience. We think it is incredible, a work of art and design. 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.

Then it was through a new tunnel at Rozelle and they popped out at the:

Iron Cove Bridge

Again, the Iron Cove Bridge is an interesting bridge. One of a couple of heritage-listed road bridges in Sydney. This one carries Victoria Road (A40) across Iron Cove, linking the suburbs of Drummoyne to Rozelle and the rest of the Sydney city. ‘A decision to replace the original bridge was made in 1939 just prior to the outbreak of World War II. Design work began in 1942 and construction commenced in 1947. The bridge was officially opened by the Hon. J.J. Cahill, MLA, Premier and Colonial Treasurer of NSW on 30 July 1955.’ Wikipedia. One of the “freeways” (not free 😉 ) over the Sydney Harbour Bridge is named after him.

So far, Sydneys 4Bridges trike tour was fun, informative and showed some beautiful scenes of Sydney Harbour.

Gladesville Bridge

Then they got to bridge #3 of the main 4 Bridges on this ride, the Gladesville Bridge. It has wonderful views along Parramatta River towards the Harbour Bridge and the city. Gladesville Bridge is a heritage-listed concrete arch road bridge which is on the main arterial thoroughfare of Victoria Road – from the west to the city (or vice versa).

Tarban Creek Bridge + Fig Tree Bridge

The next bridge is a small bridge, not one of the famous four – They continued on and crossed the second of the small bridges Tarban Creek Bridge. This spans Tarban Creek, likewise, it has nice views east to the Harbour Bridge. After that bridge, it was the Fig Tree Bridge. It opened in 1963 and spans the Lane Cove River.

Then it was along River Road and into North Sydney and to McMahons Point.

Kirribilli

Next, 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. It’s where this photo was taken.

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.

Opera House

Then it was back over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and through the city, past Circular Quay. 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.

However, the hour was up so the rider rode through a few lane ways and dropped them back at their hotel. In conclusion, Sydneys 4Bridges trike tour was a fabulous experience. The passengers saw so much in a short time frame and had doing so.

Check out the 3 Bridges which can become the 4 Bridges tour here.