The Blue Mountains Harley birthday ride was a fabulous surprise. Our Harley rider picked Karen up at a place in Springwood.

Springwood

Springwood is the second largest town in the Blue Mountains. It was named by Governor Macquarie in 1815 when the Governor and his wife stopped by a spring for water down a deep glen. It is 71kms west of Sydney CBD and has a 371m elevation.

Great Western Highway

They rode along the Great Western Highway is a 202-kilometre-long (126 mile) state highway. From east to west, the highway links Sydney with Bathurst, on the state’s Central Tablelands. It’s a great road to get on the Harley and ride! So, our rider rode up the highway toward Katoomba through the winding bends at Linden & Bulls camp, giving Karen a good feel of what riding is all about.

Leura Village

Next, they went into the garden village of Leura, showing the autumn trees with the leaves turning reds & yellows. What a great time of year to see this. Leura is arguably the prettiest village in the Blue Mountains. It’s has character-filled heritage homes, glorious cool climate gardens and a National Trust-classified town centre lined with cherry trees that sends Instagrammers into a frenzy during blossom season.

3 Sisters at Eagle Hawk Lookout and Narrow Neck Lookout

After that, it was to a spectacular view of the 3 sisters as seen from Eagle Hawk Lookout. After that, they rode past Narrow Neck Lookout for a quick look down into the Megalong Valley. So far, the Blue Mountains Harley birthday ride has shown the passenger some beautiful sights.

Megalong Valley

Interestingly, the name Megalong Valley is said to be derived from an Aboriginal word thought to mean ‘Valley Under The Rock’, Megalong Valley is Gundungurra country. The first record of a European coming to the valley was of Thomas Jones, a natural history specimen collector, who followed the course of Coxs River from in 1818. The first land was taken up by settlers in 1838.

Wentworth Falls Lake and Lincolns rock.

Back on to the highway, they headed south. Past Wentworth Falls Lake, where there is yet another beautiful view of part of the Blue Mountains. A few kms down the highway they turned off to Lincolns rock. It’s a popular cliff-edge overlook offering sweeping vistas of the Blue Mountains & forested valleys below.

However, the 2 hours was almost up so the Harley rider dropped Karen back at the place in Springwood. In conclusion, the Blue Mountains Harley birthday ride fun and memorable. Feel the Freedom! Check out our Tours and Prices page for ideas.

The Harley Davidson Blue Mountains tour was a present to herself. From New Zealand, she is in Sydney for a holiday. Straight after the ride she rang to tell us how wonderful the ride was! Our Harley rider met her at Katoomba Railway Station in the Blue Mountains.

Katoomba

Firstly, they rode through Katoomba, it is the most visited town in the Blue Mountains. It wasn’t until 1879 that the town of Katoomba became known when J.B. North opened the Katoomba Coal Mine. Coal was obtained from the side of the mountain near Orphan Rock using a cable car to bring the coal to the top. The now famous Scenic Railway operates in the original cutting in the mountain side.

This area is famous for the 3 Sisters which are essentially an unusual rock formation, representing three sisters who according to Aboriginal legend were turned to stone.

3 Sisters at Eagle Hawk Lookout and Narrow Neck Lookout

After that, it was to a spectacular view of the 3 sisters as seen from Eagle Hawk Lookout. Next, they rode past Narrow Neck Lookout for a quick look down into the Megalong Valley. So far, the Harley Davidson Blue Mountains has shown Rebecca some beautiful sights.

Govetts Leap

Visit Govetts Leap you’ll know why it’s one of the most famous lookouts in Australia. The magnificent waterfall drops a whopping 180m to the base of the cliff, and if you’re not mesmerised by the dancing waves of water spray you’ll be transfixed by the sweeping views down the valley to the Grose Wilderness.

Little Hartley

Then it was along the long the Great Western Highway to Little Hartley. It is a small village 150 kilometres west of Sydney. It’s like entering the 1830s. In the 1860s mining commenced in the area and the ore was carried by horse and cart to the nearby railway and then on to Sydney for refining. Operating today in Hartley Vale is the historic Comet Inn built in 1879. Comet was the brand of Kerosene produced in the valley. The Comet Inn is one of the History Highway Inns.

Wentworth Falls Lake and Lincolns rock

Back on to the highway & past Wentworth Falls Lake, where there is yet another beautiful view of part of the Blue Mountains. A few kms down the highway they turned off to Lincolns rock. It’s a popular cliff-edge overlook offering sweeping vistas of the Blue Mountains & forested valleys below.

However, the 2 hours was almost up so Ron dropped Rebecca back at the Katoomba Railway Station. In conclusion, the Harley Davidson Blue Mountains tour was so fun and memorable. Feel the Freedom! Check out our Tours and Prices page for ideas.

More information about the area:

World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park – information

The world heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park is a protected national park. It is located in the Blue Mountains region of NSW. The 267,954-hectare (662,130-acre) national park is situated approximately 80 kilometres (50 mi) west of Sydney. Interestingly, the park boundary is quite irregular as it is broken up by roads, urban areas and inholdings. Despite the name ‘mountains’, the area is an uplifted plateau, dissected by a number of larger rivers. Mount Werong is the highest point in the park at 1,215 metres (3,986 ft) above sea level; while the low point is on the Nepean River at 20 metres (66 ft) above sea level as it leaves the park.

UNESCO World Heritage–listed Greater Blue Mountains Area

In 2000, the national park was inscribed to form part of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Greater Blue Mountains Area. On 21 May 2007, the Greater Blue Mountains was one of 15 World Heritage places included in the National Heritage List. The Blue Mountains National Park is the most central of the eight protected areas within the World Heritage Site and it forms part of the Great Dividing Range. The park is also listed on the Australian Heritage Register. Also, the overall complex of Blue Mountains regional walking tracks is listed on the State Heritage Register.

The quick Sydney holiday tour on Chopper 4 trikes was organised by Emily for her son, her mum, her sister and herself. In Sydney for just 4 days, these South Australians decided a trike tour would be a fun way to see a lot of the sights. It was! It’s a great way especially if you have limited time.

It rained the day of tour so we managed to move it to the following day and it was perfect! Our trike riders picked them up from their hotel.

Opera House + Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode to the Sydney Opera House. We can’t get very close but we know some good angles which give some great scenic views. Then it was 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 construction of the new Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver 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. 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.

Blues Point Reserve

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. So far, the quick Sydney holiday tour on the trikes was fun and memorable.

Barangaroo

Then, it was back over the bridge and into 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 past the into the Rocks which is the birthplace of modern Sydney.

The Rocks

Further on, Fred and Syl 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

Along Hickson Road, under the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, what a wonderful view! They continued further along and they came close to the Sydney Opera House from a different angle. Even as “forever Sydneyites” we never get tired of looking at the Opera House. However, the hour was nearly up so our riders rode through the city and dropped them back at their hotel.

In conclusion, the quick Sydney holiday tour on the trikes was a complete success. Check out some tour ideas here.

Review

Hi 😊,

Thanks so much. We all loved it. Will be recommending it to everyone!
Emily

The Harley Davidson birthday present tour was so much fun. Maddy loved it. Our Harley rider met her at Circular Quay. We email instructions and a map of exactly where to meet.

Opera House + Sydney Harbour Bridge

Firstly, they rode to the Sydney Opera House. We can’t get very close but we know some good angles which give some great scenic views. Then it was 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 construction of the new Port Mann Bridge in Vancouver 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. 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.

lower North Shore suburbs – Taronga Zoo

Heading east, they rode through Cremorne, Mosman and down past the Taronga Zoo to Bradleys Head. Make sure you look for the koalas eating and sleeping in the gum trees. So far, the Harley Davidson birthday present tour is a huge success, very interesting and fun.

Bradleys Head and Balmoral Beach

Similarly, Bradleys Head has wonderful views across Sydney Harbour to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the CBD. 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. Crossing the Spit Bridge is fun, it has great views of Middle Harbour.

After Balmoral Beach they continued on past, Seaforth and Clontarf before stopping at Tania Park. Tania Park is on Dobroyd Head with stunning views looking across Sydney Harbour and through North and South Heads. Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head is named in honour of Arabanoo, the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers. It’s a great spot for whale watching, offering views over North and South Head and the Pacific Ocean.

Manly + Queenscliff

Then it was down the hill into Manly. Our Harley Davidson riders dropped the passengers off at Manly. There are plenty of good restaurants in Manly so they had a pick of places for lunch. Then they could explore the area before catching a ferry back to the Sydney CBD.

In conclusion, the Harley Davidson birthday present tour was a big success. Maddy is from the southern suburbs of Sydney, so this tour showed her new areas of Sydney. A great way to celebrate life and a birthday! Check out the North Shore Skimmer tour.

The surprise Southern Spectacular trike tour was booked by Jane. John used to ride so she thought it would be a great experience for them both. She wrote later, “Had a great time and will totally recommend the tour.”

They did the 4 hour Southern Spectacular. Also, being from Brisbane QLD, they saw different views to the average to tourist. They saw places not even many Sydneysiders have seen.

Our trike rider picked them up from their hotel in the CBD. Firstly, he rode along the Eastern Distributir and under the runway at Mascot (part of the Kingsford Smith Airport).

Brighton Le Sands

This brought them out at Brighton Le Sands. It is located 13 kilometres south of the Sydney CBD, on the western shore of Botany Bay. It has a lovely beach and some nice parks.

Captain Cook Bridge

This bridge has good views of the river. The Captain Cook Bridge is a road bridge that carries Taren Point and Rocky Point Roads across the Georges River. It’s often called the Taren Point Bridge. It consists of seven spans totalling 475 m in length, with a 506 m long deck that is 27.5 m wide with six traffic lanes and two shared bicycle and pedestrian paths. Its foundations extend as deep as 67 metres (220 ft) below water level to its sandstone base. The bridge was opened on 29 May 1965.

Sutherland

Sutherland Shire is located at the southern border of the Sydney metropolitan area, 26km from the Sydney CBD. It is home to one of Sydney’s longest surf beaches. Kurnell within the Sutherland Shire was the original landing place of Captain James Cook on 29th April 1770, making the Shire the birthplace of our modern nation.

the Royal National Park

Established in 1879 it is Australia’s first national park and the world’s second oldest national park – after Yellowstone in the USA. It features unique heritage attractions, along with fascinating plants, birds and animals.

Originally known as just National Park, it was renamed Royal National Park in 1955, in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Australia in 1954. It was added to the Australian National Heritage List in 2006.

Stanwell Tops

They stopped for a coffee and stretch at Stanwell Tops. It rests on the Illawarra escarpment, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the neighbouring village of Stanwell Park. It is bounded on all sides by state-forest reserves and other forested crown lands.

Bald Hill Lookout

Part of Stanwell Tops, Bald Hill Lookout not only has excellent views, the area is also internationally known as a major hang-gliding point. It was on the beach below Bald Hill that Lawrence Hargrave, an Australian pioneer of flight, made a successful flight with his box kite, on 12 November 1894. A memorial cairn dedicated to him has been erected at the peak of the hill near the car park.

Bald Hill overlooks the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge which extends along the Grand Pacific Drive a 140 kilometre award-winning coastal drive beginning 45 minutes south of Sydney International Airport in the Royal National Park.

Stanwell Park

Then they drove down to Stanwell Park and pat the beautiful beach. So far, the surprise Southern Spectacular trike tour was impressive. Our passengers had seen some beautiful views and riden through the lovely National Park. Something not many people experience.

Coalcliff

Coalcliff is beginning of the famous Sea Cliff Bridge coming from the North. It is a suburb of northern Wollongong at the base of the Illawarra escarpment. Founded in 1797 when survivors of a wreck set out to find Sydney and found coal here, which they used to make a fire for warmth.

Explorer George Bass was then sent by Governor Hunter to investigate, and found several seams that extended for some distance.

Sea Cliff Bridge

We then continued onto the Sea Cliff Bridge and along the coastline. The 665 metre long Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive – a drive which takes in 140 kilometres worth of coastal scenery from the Royal National Park, Loftus down to Nowra.

Bulli Pass

Next, they rode north up the Bulli Pass. The original Throsby track, which lay less than a kilometre to the south of today’s Bulli Pass road, was used from 1815 to 1844. In 1867 today’s Bulli Pass was built, the maximum grade on Bulli Pass is 14.6 per cent. Wheeled vehicles began using the road in 1863.

Sublime Point Lookout

At the top is Sublime Point Lookout which offers 180 degree views over the sea, the rainforest and the 17 beaches that span the coastline to Wollongong. It’s where this photo was taken.

Princes Highway

Instead of riding back on the motorway, Fred took them along the Princes Highway. It runs parallel to the motorway but is quieter and has more of a nice atmosphere.

Newtown

This leads back through the southern suburbs of Sydney and into Newtown. Famous for its quirky, bohemian spirit, Newtown is where you’ll find eclectic vintage shopping, iconic arts and theatre spaces, and a renowned dining and drinking scene. Adorned with beautifully-restored 19th-century terrace houses and street art, this vibrant inner Sydney neighbourhood attracts artists and foodies alike.

Sydney Fish Markets

However, the 4 hours was up and the passengers were feeling hungry. Fred dropped them off at the famous Sydney Fish Markets. Here they could wander around an find something delicious to eat.

Sydney Fish Market moved to its current location at Blackwattle Bay, Pyrmont in 1966. Fish were sold using the traditional ‘voice’ auction system. This system saw buyers assemble outside the sales bay fence, where inside an assistant would hold up samples of fish from each box for buyers to bid until the highest price was reached.

The history of the fish selling industry in Sydney is very interesting. Like everything else in the world, how they sell the fish has changed dramatically since it began pre-1945. Currently, there are 150 to 200 buyers each day.

In conclusion, the surprise Southern Spectacular trike tour was a fun and memorable experience. Feel the Freedom!