About the Sky Safari
The Sky Safari is the cable car located at the heart of Taronga Zoo. It serves as an essential mode of transport, connecting the Zoo’s lower and upper entrances and enabling guests arriving by ferry to begin their visit at the top entrance.
Situated on a naturally hilly site, the Sky Safari has long enabled guests to explore the Zoo with ease, while also enjoying panoramic views of Sydney Harbour.
An integral part of the Taronga Zoo experience for more than 30 years, the Sky Safari has been deeply missed by visitors since its closure in January 2023. Guest feedback since that time has consistently called for its return.
About the upgrade
The Sky Safari is being reimagined as a memorable, inclusive experience for families and visitors of all abilities. The upgraded experience will offer better accessibility, reduced queuing and incredible views of our animals and Sydney Harbour.
Thoughtfully designed and more sustainable, the new Sky Safari honours the original experience which has been in place since 1987, while creating something special for future generations.
The upgraded Sky Safari will provide a fully accessible, modern transport experience, offering elevated harbour and Zoo views, reduced walking distances, and a more inclusive experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. This project signals an exciting new chapter for Taronga Zoo, and we look forward to bringing this much-loved attraction back to life.
Project timeline
January 2023: Sky Safari Retires
May 2024: Round one - Community Engagement
June 2025: Round two - Community Engagement
September 2025: Planning Approval received
April 2026: Construction underway
Late 2027: Sky Safari complete
Project updates
May 2026 update
Construction is now underway on the Sky Safari upgrade ahead of a late 2027 opening. Gartner Rose has been appointed as the head contractor following a competitive tender process and construction zones are now being established at the top and bottom of the zoo which will allow for demolition of the existing stations.
Impacts and operations
Taronga Zoo is open 365 days a year, and construction of the Sky Safari has been carefully planned to minimise disruption to zoo guests as well as neighbours and the local community. However, we recognise there will be some impacts to the Zoo and surrounding areas and we’re committed to providing regular updates and keeping our community informed to minimise disruptions.
Current impacts include:
The Foreshore Track: There will be a partial closure of the Foreshore Track which runs through Taronga Zoo land. The track will remain open to Curlew Artist Camp and Whiting Beach, however there will be no thoroughfare between Whiting Beach and the Taronga Zoo Wharf from early May due to safety considerations with the demolition of the existing Sky Safari station and ongoing construction.
Members of the public accessing the walk from Sirius Cove and wishing to continue along Bradleys Head can detour by turning left at the stairs near Whiting Beach. This detour will lead to Whiting Beach Road, which connects with Bradleys Head Road, allowing pedestrians to continue their walk. Signage will been installed at both entrances to the track and route changes will be updated by the Bondi to Manly Walk on their website and app.
- Lower station works: During construction, there will be some changes to how buses use the turning circle on Athol Wharf Road. However, these changes will not impact the 238 bus service or ferry operations.
- Upper station works: There will be a dedicated construction zone at the top of the zoo, with construction vehicles entering via Bradleys Head Road. There will be no interruptions to bus services and the Return and Earn point will remain accessible to local residents. Traffic controllers will be in place to ensure the safety of guests and public as well as manage any impacts to traffic locally.
- Surrounding roads: We recognise there will be a moderate increase to construction traffic. Appropriate signage will be provided on Bradleys Head Road and Athol Wharf Road to warn of changed road conditions ahead, and to encourage pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to watch for construction vehicles.
FAQ’s
About the Sky Safari Upgrade
Why is the Sky Safari upgrade important?
The revitalised Sky Safari project aims to replace the ageing cable car system with a modern, safe and fully accessible experience. The project will improve visitor movement across the Zoo, enhance accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, and deliver a more reliable, sustainable transport option while offering iconic harbour and Zoo views.
What are the benefits to the Zoo community?
The new Sky Safari will:
- Improve accessibility and inclusivity for visitors, including those with mobility needs or utilising prams.
- Reduce walking distances across the Zoo which is a naturally hilly site.
- Improve visitor flow and overall experience, particularly those utilising public transport.
- Support Taronga’s longterm sustainability and operational efficiency
Why did Taronga Zoo need a new Sky Safari?
The previous Sky Safari had reached the end of its operational life and could no longer meet modern safety, accessibility and reliability standards. Replacing it ensures Taronga can continue to offer a safe, inclusive and highquality transport experience for future generations.
How is the project being funded?
Taronga Zoo Sydney is grateful for the investment by the NSW Government which was provided to us in the FY22 state budget. Additional funds have been contributed to the project from Taronga’s operating reserves. No donations to the Taronga Foundation have been, or will be, used to fund the project.
Planning and approvals
When was the project approved?
The upgrade was approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in September 2025. Taronga Zoo Sydney is classified as a state significant site, meaning major developments are assessed at the state level.
How was the community consulted on this project?
Taronga undertook significant community and stakeholder engagement over a two-year period including two rounds of public consultation. Feedback helped shape the final design, including the route and accessibility features. Ongoing engagement will continue throughout construction phase, with updates provided to keep the community informed about progress and impacts.
Construction and Impacts
What is the timeline for the project?
Construction is scheduled to commence in late April 2026 with the Sky Safari expected to open in late 2027.
How will the works be phased?
The works will begin with the demolition of the existing top and lower Sky Safari stations. Once these enabling works are complete, construction will commence on the new top and lower stations. This will be followed by the removal of the existing Sky Safari pylons and the installation of the new pylons. After these works are completed, the new gondolas will be installed, and testing will commence.
During the public exhibition period, the Department notified residents and published all application materials online on the Major Projects portal. Feedback was sought from relevant government agencies, including Mosman Council, EPA and Transport NSW.
What are the operating hours of construction?
The operating hours will be 7am-6pm Monday-Friday and 8am-1pm on Saturdays.
What are the impacts of the project to the community and neighbours
Taronga is working hard to minimise impacts wherever possible, however there will be some temporary disruptions, including construction activity, changes to access points and shortterm closures of certain paths or areas. Impacts will be monitored closely, and updates will be shared regularly with our staff, neighbours, visitors and the wider community.
Will the construction impact traffic flow or parking?
Some temporary changes to traffic movements or access may occur at certain stages of construction, particularly at the top and lower stations. These will be carefully managed to minimise disruption, and any changes will be clearly communicated in advance through signage and website updates.
How will the construction of the Sky Safari impact the animals in Taronga’s care?
Taronga has been working closely with its Wildlife Science and Behavioural Husbandry teams to ensure impacts on the animals in our care are kept to a minimum. As a result, some animals may be off display temporarily to allow construction works to take place. Any animals that are temporarily off display due to construction will be listed on Taronga’s Current Closures and Works page.
How will truck movements be managed through the residential streets?
A Construction Traffic Management Plan will be developed with the Gartner Rose and submitted to Mosman Council Engineering Department for approval. Gartner Rose will be required to abide by this management plan throughout the works.
Deliveries will be encouraged prior to the Zoo opening at 9.30am and after the Zoo closes 5pm. This will assist with mitigating any congestion on neighbouring roads with commuters and guests.