A free bike tour of historic Sydney landmarks will uncover Sydney’s rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander past as part of NAIDOC in the City.
An indigenous tour guide will lead the 90 minute Ride About tour and reveal the hidden history of Walsh Bay, Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Hyde Park.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience culturally and historically important sites for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Sydney,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
The tour will visit traditional ceremonial and initiation sites in the city, uncover bush tucker in the Royal Botanical Gardens and showcase stunning Aboriginal artworks, includingYININMADYEMI Thou didst let fall, the dramatic new sculpture in Hyde Park honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diggers.
Indigenous tour guide John Blair says the ride will reflect this year’s NAIDOC theme: We all Stand on Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect and Celebrate.
“We hope to give people a feel for what it was like in Sydney before there were buildings and what life was like before white settlement. It’s an introduction to Indigenous culture and history through sharing stories that many people don’t know,” said Mr Blair.
“Doing the tour by bike is a fun, quick and easy way to get around to all these great sites and landmarks in the heart of our city.”
Three guided Ride About tours will be run by the City of Sydney and Bonza Bike Tours on Monday 6 July, beginning in The Rocks and finishing at the City of Sydney’s NAIDOC in the City event in Hyde Park North.
Bikes and helmets are provided free of charge, or you can bring your own bike. Maximum number of people per ride is 15.
NAIDOC In The City Ride About Tour
Date: 6 July
Duration: 1.5 hours
Times: 9:30am, 10am and 11:30am
Start Location: Bonza Bike Tours, 30 Harrington St, The Rocks
The ride is free, but bookings are essential.
Visit sydneycycleways.net/events to reserve your place.
NAIDOC in the City, on Monday 6 July, runs from 11am–3pm in Hyde Park North.