This is without a doubt one of the best rides you can do in Sydney.
The world famous architectural icons and the glorious harbour views meet some really great places to play and explore. The cherry on top is of course the endless choice of Ice cream shops available en route.
However its not a ride you can do any old time unless you like pushing your bike through crowds.
Im talking about riding the Harbour from Pyrmont through to the Opera house.
Starting from Pymont its about 6-7 kilometres to the Opera house. The route is almost completely flat, involves a great mix of wharfs, paths, some footpath but nothing actually on road.
You dont have to stop at the Opera house, but you will have to walk your bike through the Domain to get to Lady Macquaries chair.
Most areas are open enough to be rideable at any time, but Darling Harbour up to the Aquarium and Circular quay from the MCA to the opera house can get very crowded at times.
I highly recommend picking your time carefully to ride this, Sunday mornings or say during a global pandemic are probably best.
Dont be put off if you are there Saturday afternoon, just be prepared to walk your bike through the crowded areas.
Things to see and do...
This could be the longest list ever, but here goes.
There is plenty of public art along the way and the MCA at the end.
The Maritime museum is on the route and the Powerhouse is close by.
The Sydney aquarium, Wildlife Zoo and Madame Tussards are en route.
The Chinese garden is just near Tumbalong park in Darling harbour.
These are all worthy of a visit at some point, but the biggest attraction in my opinion is the Harbour and surrounds. The flow of ships boats and ferries, the constant ebb and flow of the wider world in the center of one of the worlds great harbours is an experience everyone should immerse their kids into.
Playgrounds
If you are riding Sydney Harbour to the Opera house, there are two really good parks and playgrounds to stop and explore.
The first is Tumbalong park right in the centre of Darling harbour. This has a great range of fun activities for kids and is unsuprisingly, always buzzing with excited happy voices. In a strange coincidence it is overlooked by a range of food options including a chocolate shop and an icecream shop.
The other place to explore is the Barangaroo reserve. A little bit more "choose your own adventure style" its great for rock hopping and hiding among the trees and stones.
Facilities
There are public toilets available underneath Pyrmont bridge, at the North end of the Barangaroo park, Circular quay and in Pirrama park in Pyrmont.
Ensure you bring a bike lock or some way to secure you bike, as the most populous areas like Darling harbour and Circular quay may be home to some opportunists.
Transport or Parking
Parking in the centre of Sydney is almost impossible. Parking at Pymont near Pirrama park offers 2 hr parking- thats really the minimum amount of time you would want. There are parking spots closer to the fish markets that offer longer periods.
Starting In Rozelle or Annandale offers cycleway across the Anzac bridge to the Fish markets.
Parking in Lady Macquaries chair is an option, but you have to walk your bike through the domain. Not that big a problem as its only a few hundred metres to the Opera house gates.
Public transport options are huge.
Catch a ferry in from the Parramatta river or North shore to Barangaroo or Circular quay. Get off at Homebush and do this ride as well
Train to Central- Cross to Broadway and railway square and follow The Goods line down to Darling Harbour.
Train to Milsons point and ride across the bridge to Observatory hill and down to the Harbour.