The trike ride Southern Spectacular was organised by Lucy for her parents. They are in Sydney visiting her so she thought this would be a fun way to see some beautiful sights of the south coast. It was postponed for a few days, due to the terrible weather. However, today was the perfect day and the passengers loved the the experience. The trike rider picked them up from home.

Liverpool

Firstly, they rode through some of the south western suburbs of Sydney and into Liverpool. “The heart of southwest Sydney”. Liverpool is the epitome of multiculturalism in Sydney. It is a melting pot where different cultures live next to each other. It is quite a big city with many businesses around this area.

the Royal National Park

After that, they rode along some other roads and through the historic 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

Then 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

Above all, a part of Stanwell Tops, Bald Hill Lookout not only has excellent views but 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 is where we are heading after here.

Stanwell Park

After that, they drove down to Stanwell Park and saw the beautiful beach. So far, the trike ride Southern Spectacular experience was impressive. Our passengers had seen some beautiful views and ridden 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

Continuing on, we rode onto the Sea Cliff Bridge and along the coastline. The 665 metre long Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight along the Grand Pacific Drive – an award-winning drive which takes is a 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, Kym took them along the Princes Highway. It runs parallel to the motorway but is quieter and has a nicer atmosphere. However, the 3 hours was almost up so Kym kept riding and dropped them back at home. In conclusion, the trike ride Southern Spectacular was a success. A memorable experience and a lot of fun. Not to mention the beautiful scenery they saw along the way. Check out the tour here!

The two trikes tour in Sydney, was organised by our American passengers who wanted to do something fun. They also wanted to see the main parts of Sydney in a short space of time. Our trike riders picked them up from their hotel.

Mrs Macquarie’s Point

Firstly, they rode through the city and into the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomoolloo. They rode along Art Gallery Road, past the Royal Botanical Gardens to Mrs Macquarie’s Point. It has beautiful views looking west towards the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. That’s where this photo was taken. They ride past Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is an exposed sandstone rock cut into the shape of a bench, on a peninsula in Sydney Harbour. It was hand carved by convicts in 1810, for Elizabeth Macquarie, the wife of Major-General Lachlan Macquarie, Governor of NSW. The Art Gallery of NSW is also along this road, it’s beautiful historic sandstone buildings were built between 1896 and 1909.

Woolloomooloo, Harry’s and Garden Island

Secondly, they rode to Finger Wharf, an old cargo dock that attracts a trendy clientele with fine dining, hip bars and water views on all sides. It also has the famous Harry Cafe De Wheels which 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. Next, they rode past Garden Island which is the location of a major Royal Australian Navy base. Then it was up the hill and into 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).

Eastern suburbs

Heading east, through the posh suburbs of the eastern suburbs of Sydney, including the Bays: Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay. So far, the two trikes tour experience in Sydney, was fun and memorable.

Ben Buckler Point

Stopping at Ben Buckler Point is always a good thing to do. The view over Bondi Beach and out to the South Pacific Ocean, is spectacular. The story goes that the headland was named for a convict Ben Buckley, who lived locally with the Aboriginal people from 1810. His friend and fellow convict James Ives claimed he was killed near the point now bearing his name when the rock shelf on which he was standing collapsed.

Bondi Beach

Slightly south, and it was past the world famous Bondi Beach. Here, there is a lovely view overlooking the whole of Bondi Beach. When in Sydney it is one of the places you should visit. The beach was made more famous by the TV series “Bondi Rescue”. 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. The two trikes tour is certainly showing our passengers so many interesting and beautiful places.

Tamarama Beach

Then, they rode further north to the tiny but picturesque Tamarama Beach. It’s lovely to look out to the South Pacific Ocean from any of the beaches. Initially known as Dixon Bay by early European settlers, the name was changed to Tamarama in the 1800s. Tamarama is probably a derivation of the Aboriginal name ‘Gamma Gamma’ (possibly meaning ‘storm’), which appeared on maps of the coastline in the 1860s by the Military or Naval Authority.

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. Then they turned and headed west.

Centennial Park

Lastly, they rode through Centennial Park. It is a lovely experience, to ride through and to stop for a short break, or photos.

With 120 fields and venues, 35+ different sports are 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.”

However, the 1.5 hours was up so our rider dropped them off back at their hotel. In conclusion, the two trikes tour experience was a success – so much fun and it showed so many beautiful sights of eastern Sydney. Check out the tour here.

The Sydney short holiday break was taken by our passengers from Adelaide SA. They decided a trike tour was the way to have fun, do something different and memorable. Our trike rider picked them up from their hotel the Rocks.

Opera House

Firstly, they rode past 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.

Woolloomooloo, Harry’s and Garden Island

Then they headed east through the city, to the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomoolloo. Woolloomooloo is known for Finger Wharf, an old cargo dock that attracts a trendy clientele with fine dining, hip bars and water views on all sides. It also has the famous Harry Cafe De Wheels which 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 which is the location of a major Royal Australian Navy base. Then it was up the hill and into 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).

Eastern suburbs

They headed east through the posh suburbs of the eastern suburbs of Sydney, including the Bays: Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay. Already, the Sydney short holiday break trike tour experience has shown our passengers so much of the interesting areas of eastern Sydney.

Watsons Bay and The Gap

Heading North through some upper class suburbs, such as Vaucluse, they rode to “The Gap” and stopped 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. The Gap is an ocean cliff which faces the Tasman Sea, is located in the suburb of Watsons Bay. Although the cliff is a popular tourist destination, it is infamous for suicides. It’s where this photo was taken.

Bondi Beach

Next, they rode south and past the world famous Bondi Beach to the south side. Here, there is a lovely view overlooking the whole of Bondi Beach. When in Sydney it is one of the places you should visit. The beach was made extra famous by the TV series “Bondi Rescue”. 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. This is where the photo was taken.

Tamarama + Bronte

Riding further south, along more beautiful, though possibly less well known, beaches. The suburb of Tamarama has a small ocean beach about 1 kilometre south of Bondi Beach and a couple of hundred metres north of Bronte Beach. It is an extremely narrow beach and deceptive for its size. Tamarama Beach is often referred to as Glamarama (or Glamourama), owing to the alleged abundance of glamorous people who sunbathe (often topless), on what must be one of the smallest strips of sand in the state (Wikipedia).

Bronte Beach 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.

Queens Park

However, time was almost up so Fred turned west and past Queens Park. It is a 26-hectare urban park, set in a natural amphitheatre at the foot of dramatic sandstone cliffs, with panoramic views of the Sydney region. It’s right next to the famous Centennial Park so they rode through it.

Centennial Park

Next, they rode past Centennial Park. It is a lovely experience, to ride through and to stop for a short break, or photos but we’d run out of time.

With 120 fields and venues, 35+ different sports are 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.”

Oxford Street

There was enough time to ride down the famous Oxford Street. The western section of Oxford Street, which runs through the suburbs of Paddington and Darlinghurst, is widely recognised as Sydney’s main gay district and Oxford Street is closed to traffic once a year in early March for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

Barangaroo

Then, they rode off the bridge and past 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.

The Rocks

Famously, the most historic place in Australia is the Rocks. So they rode around part of it. It 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

Finally, it was along Hickson Road and under the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. What a wonderful view! However, the 1.5 hours was up, so the trike rider took them back to their hotel.

Sydney short holiday break trike tour experience was fun, memorable and showed them so much of Sydney in a short time. Check out the Tours & Prices page for ideas.

The Sydney tourists trike experience was so much fun. Our trike rider picked up the passengers at a prearranged place in Circular Quay. Three passengers could fit on the one trike.

Opera House

Firstly, they rode past 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.

Woolloomooloo, Harry’s and Garden Island

Then they headed east through the city, to the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomoolloo. Woolloomooloo is known for Finger Wharf, an old cargo dock that attracts a trendy clientele with fine dining, hip bars and water views on all sides. It also has the famous Harry Cafe De Wheels which 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 which is the location of a major Royal Australian Navy base. Then it was up the hill and into 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).

Eastern suburbs

They headed east through the posh suburbs of the eastern suburbs of Sydney, including the Bays: Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay. Already, the Sydney tourists trike experience has shown our passengers so much of the interesting areas of eastern Sydney.

Watsons Bay and The Gap

Heading North through some upper class suburbs, such as Vaucluse, they rode to “The Gap” and stopped 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. The Gap is an ocean cliff which faces the Tasman Sea, is located in the suburb of Watsons Bay. Although the cliff is a popular tourist destination, it is infamous for suicides.

Bondi Beach

Next, they rode south and past the world famous Bondi Beach to the south side. Here, there is a lovely view overlooking the whole of Bondi Beach. When in Sydney it is one of the places you should visit. The beach was made extra famous by the TV series “Bondi Rescue”. 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. This is where the photo was taken.

Tamarama + Bronte

Riding further south, along more beautiful, though possibly less well known, beaches. The suburb of Tamarama has a small ocean beach about 1 kilometre south of Bondi Beach and a couple of hundred metres north of Bronte Beach. It is an extremely narrow beach and deceptive for its size. Tamarama Beach is often referred to as Glamarama (or Glamourama), owing to the alleged abundance of glamorous people who sunbathe (often topless), on what must be one of the smallest strips of sand in the state (Wikipedia).

Bronte Beach 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

Beautiful Clovelly Beach was next. It is a small and tranquil beach, located the mouth of a narrow bay between two rocky ridges. Then they turned and headed west.

Centennial Park

Lastly, they rode through Centennial Park. It is a lovely experience, to ride through and to stop for a short break, or photos.

With 120 fields and venues, 35+ different sports are 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.”

However, the 1.5 hours was up so our rider dropped them off here in Centennial Park. It was their choice to be dropped here because they wanted to explore it further. In conclusion, the Sydney tourists trike experience was fun, memorable and showed them so much of Sydney in a short time. Check out the Tours & Prices page for ideas.

The trike tour for Sydney locals was just for fun, for something to do. They didn’t mind where they went so our trike rider took them to explore the east of Sydney. He picked them up from Circular Quay.

Opera House

Firstly, they rode past 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.

Moore Park and Centennial Parklands

Famously, Moore Park is home to Sydney (Alliance) Stadium. It’s where Rugby is played. This entertainment, dining and leisure hub spans 115 hectares and includes the serene Centennial Park, all only a stone’s throw from the city centre. From watching a major sporting match and browsing farmers’ markets to going horse riding, playing golf and enjoying a range of fun indoors activities, including wine tasting.

They rode around most of Centennial Park, enjoying the beautiful scenery. Make sure Fred tells you the story about the incredible eels here.

Coogee

Thirdly, they rode east to Coogee Beach. It’s a beautiful beach and slightly more famous than most other beaches, due to a well know hotel in Coogee. The name Coogee is said to be taken from a local Aboriginal word koojah which means “smelly place”. Another version is koo-chai or koo-jah, both of which mean “the smell of the seaweed drying” in the Bidigal language, or “stinking seaweed”, a reference to the smell of decaying kelp washed up on the beach. Coogee was gazetted as a village in 1838. The first school was built in 1863, and the building was converted into the Coogee Bay Hotel in 1873 (Wikipedia).

Bronte Beach and Baths

Next, they rode north to Bronte Beach.

Contrary to the popular misconception that Bronte Beach was named after the Brontë sisters, or Bronte House, Bronte Beach was in fact named after the British military figure Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, Duke of Bronté. Horatio Nelson was awarded the title of the Duke of Bronte from the King of Naples in 1799 and from that time signed his name as “Nelson and Bronte”. (Wikipedia).

The Bronte Baths story begins in 1883 when Waverley Council set aside 150 pounds to build sea baths at Bronte. Before the Baths there was an existing swimming spot in this location, known as ‘the bogey hole at South Nelson Bay’. Construction of the Baths commenced in 1887.

Tamarama Beach

Then, they rode further north to the tiny but picturesque Tamarama Beach. It’s lovely to look out to the South Pacific Ocean from any of the beaches. Initially known as Dixon Bay by early European settlers, the name was changed to Tamarama in the 1800s. Tamarama is probably a derivation of the Aboriginal name ‘Gamma Gamma’ (possibly meaning ‘storm’), which appeared on maps of the coastline in the 1860s by the Military or Naval Authority. So far, the trike tour for Sydney locals was a lot of fun.

Bondi Beach

Even further north they came to the famous Bondi Beach. Here they stopped for photos (where this photo was taken) and why not with this view! On the left of this photo (not in view) is the the world famous tower of the Bondi Lifeguards of the Bondi Rescue TV series. 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. 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.

Eastern suburbs and Kings Cross

Heading west and through the posh suburbs of the eastern suburbs of Sydney, is interesting. These include the Bays: Rose Bay, Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay. 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).

Woolloomooloo

Finally, they rode down the hill and past 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. However, the 1.5 hours was almost up so they rode through the inner eastern suburb of Woolloomooloo, through the city and back to Circular Quay.

In conclusion, the trike tour for Sydney locals was fun, scenic, relaxing and memorable. Feel the Freedom!

Check out the Eastern Sydney Panorama page for a description. Each tour is unique so we may not do exactly what is written here but we will still take you to see the major sights.