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BY CHRISTINE FISHER KEEBLE - THE CREATIVE CRUISER
THE SUBURBAN VARIETY. BEACHES AND BAYS
IT WAS A CHILLY Saturday winters morning when I decided to explore my own backyard. My modus operandi is to get as far away from city riding and lights as soon as I can. The goal is to take the direct route out from newtown (inner west of Sydney) , heading north, west, or south—wherever adventure awaits. usually, it’s all about escaping the city as quickly and easily as possible. However, this time, I broke my routine, and let me tell you, it took some time to find the inspiration. But I did, and I discovered some great stops along the way.
With suburban rides, it’s more about the destinations than the actual roads. Sure, there are some decent stretches, but they’re often punctuated with lights, people, and, well, more roads. Finding 6th gear is a rarity! So, here we go.
FIRST STOP: La Perouse
I headed southeast to La Perouse. The history of La Perouse is closely linked with Sydney’s earliest European history. The ill-fated French navigator, after whom the place was named, arrived just days after Captain Phillip’s first landing at Kurnell, on the opposite shore.
La Perouse has it all: the iconic Bare Island Fort, excellent sunset views, and lovely little bushwalks scattered around the area. It’s also a pretty, under-the-radar location for whale watching. I met some divers ready to brave the waters!
In the vicinity, there are a few lovely spots like Little Bay
The Little Bay area was first used as a sanitation camp during Sydney’s smallpox outbreak in 1881–82. As I headed north, I crossed through Malabar, named after a passenger cargo steamer called the MV Malabar that shipwrecked at Long Bay on 2 April 1931.
Next up was Maroubra, home of the notorious ‘Bra Boys.’ For those unfamiliar with this infamous gang, they ruled the area at one stage. The name “Bra” is a reference to the gang’s suburb. The gang’s story stretches from Maroubra to international surf stardom and includes the fateful events of 5 August 2003, when Jai Abberton shot dead Maroubra underworld figure and childhood friend Tony Hines, only to be acquitted on the grounds of self-defence.
The Eastern Suburbs boast both old money and new, and ironically here we are at Waverley Cemetery, a place that reminds us you can’t take it with you. Notable figures buried here include Australia’s first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton, poet Henry Lawson, and Archibald Prize benefactor AJ Archibald, among others.
From cemeteries to surf
Next, I head to Bronte Beach. Contrary to the popular misconception that Bronte Beach was named after the Brontë sisters, it was actually named after the British military figure Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, Duke of Brontë.
Then, it was on to Tamarama Beach. The name Tamarama is a derivation of the Aboriginal name ‘Gamma Gamma,’ which means ‘storms.’ How ironic, as a few storms were circling me all day, but I managed to outsmart and outride them!
No trip to Sydney’s beaches is complete without a visit to Bondi Beach. Is there any more famous beach in Australia? Or the world? Bondi is always bustling, so after a quick snap and a chat with a few locals and international travellers, I headed to Watsons Bay.
Watsons Bay is a mostly residential area with some recreational spots and beaches, including Camp Cove and the legal nude beach at Lady Bay. No nude shots today—you’re spared! Watsons Bay is also home to Doyles famous Seafood restaurant, which I believe has the most overrated fish and chips in the world. So, I skipped the $100,000 splurge and kept going.
Passing by Parsley Bay, I noted its narrow expanse with parkland and a suspension bridge, but no place to stop with this big Indian Roadmaster. The bay is thought to have been named for the native plant resembling parsley that grows there in abundance.
Next, I ventured through Rose Bay and Double Bay, affectionately known as “Double Pay.” Before heading back, I made a stop in Paddington to check out the famous Paddington Markets.
The markets are about a quarter of the size they used to be and it’s sad to see these once vibrant dynamic community standard events slowing closing up. Soon, it was time to return to the sanctuary of the Inner West and my hometown of Newtown. I feel much more relaxed here and at home. The Eastern Suburbs of Sydney can be exciting and beautiful, especially with their stunning beaches. Some might wonder why I wouldn’t explore these areas in summer. I almost don’t need to answer that question—even on a motorbike, parking is a challenge.
That City Parking!
While I have you, let’s chat about parking in the city. Parking in Sydney with a motorbike can be a bit challenging due to the prevalence of metered parking and restrictions on footpath parking -unlike Melbourne where footpath parking is quite OK and a fabulous idea!
The benefits of having a motorbike or scooter are immense for city parking in many ways. I also have a scooter, and it’s my go-to ride in the city. However, this ride was on the big boy, which requires a bit more creativity.
Sydney streets are almost all metred. Here are my tips for parking in Sydney:
1. Look for Small Cars in Spaces: Find small cars that don’t take up the whole space and back your bike into that spot either in front of behind.
2. Parking Stations: It’s quite easy to scoot around the barriers at parking
Bottom stations. I do this all the time at the Opera House parking saving $25 a pop! Sometimes the barriers are too close to scoot around, so I tailgate my way out. Probably illegal but catch me if you can.
Above: Watson’s Bay Hotel.
Above right: The enterance to HMAS Waston.
Below: Rose Bay.
Below right: Off to the famous Paddington Markets.
3. Sydney Airport: Did you know you can park for free at Sydney Airport when on a motorbike?
4. Utilize Free Motorcycle Parking: Look for designated free motorcycle parking areas around the city. However, they fill up quick. For some helpful tips from Sydney City Council please see: www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/transportparking/park-motorbike-or-scooterin-city Note that: “Motorcycle and scooter riders don’t need to pay at any of the parking meters in our local area, including central Sydney”
5. Avoid Peak Times: Try to avoid peak traffic hours. Even weekends are busy these days. My advice - Just avoid!
6. Check Local Regulations: Different areas may have specific parking rules for motorbikes. A quick google of the council area can help. But again, I just wing it!
7. Use Parking Apps: Apps like ‘Parkopedia’ can be helpful but, if you are like me, who has time for that! My advice is to avoid trying to find parking right in the middle of the CBD – it’s just too hard and the parking cops work 24/7. Park on the outskirts, it’s not so bad. Find a parking station or park a little further out and take a tram, bus, or walk to your destination. Or better yet, don’t stop – just get out of the city and hit the open road where you truly belong!
Another tip: Bus lanes. Motorbikes are allowed to travel in bus lanes but be cautious of the signs. If you see the word “ONLY,” such as “BUS ONLY,” it means exactly that – it’s exclusively for buses. Do not use those lanes. There are eyes everywhere!
There are many things to explore around Sydney. I hope to do a few more soon. I’ve been told of some fabulous night rides that capture 8 bridges! Maybe even a Graffiti tour.
This trip was documented and can be seen on my YouTube Channel @ thecreativecruiser – Under the playlist – 2024 season – Sydney Bays and Beaches a Suburban ride and discovery.
QR video link below.
Thanks for joining me and until next time. Ride safe and see you at Lady Bay.
