Sky Safari Archives - Mosman Today

Work has begun on the $105 million Sky Safari upgrade at Taronga Zoo in Mosman, starting construction on a new cable car system that is expected to return one of the zoo’s long-running visitor experiences by late 2027.

Mosman Sky Safari Works Start At Taronga Zoo

Construction is underway on Taronga Zoo’s upgraded Sky Safari, beginning the next stage of a $105 million project to replace the former cable car system that closed in January 2023.

The Sky Safari had operated at the zoo since 1987 and carried about 20 million passengers before it was retired after reaching the end of its working life. The cable car has been used as both a visitor attraction and a transport link across the zoo’s naturally hilly site, connecting the lower entrance near Taronga Zoo Wharf with the upper entrance.

The new system will follow a 900-metre route and travel up to 36 metres above parts of the zoo, giving passengers elevated views across Sydney Harbour and several animal areas.

Taronga Zoo cable cars — *Photo Credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney*

Larger Gondolas Planned For Taronga Zoo

The upgraded Sky Safari will have 25 larger gondolas, each able to carry up to 10 people. The cabins are being designed to better accommodate larger prams and wheelchairs, with the wider project aimed at improving movement across the zoo for families, visitors with mobility needs and guests of different ages and abilities.

The route will pass above several animal enclosures, including areas for giraffes, zebras, rhinos and chimpanzees. Two new stations will also be built at the lower and upper ends of the system, with larger queuing areas intended to help manage visitor numbers during busy periods.

The lower station near the ferry wharf is intended to make it easier for guests arriving by public transport to move through the zoo.

Gartner Rose has been appointed as head contractor after a competitive tender process. Construction zones are being established at the top and bottom of the zoo so the existing stations can be demolished before the new station works begin.

Foreshore Track Changes During Construction

Taronga Zoo will remain open while the Sky Safari works are carried out. Construction hours are listed as 7am to 6pm from Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

The project will bring temporary changes to parts of the surrounding area. A section of the Foreshore Track that runs through Taronga Zoo land will be partly closed, with no through access between Whiting Beach and Taronga Zoo Wharf from early May because of safety requirements linked to demolition and construction.

The track will remain open to Curlew Artist Camp and Whiting Beach. Pedestrians coming from Sirius Cove and continuing towards Bradleys Head will be directed to a detour near Whiting Beach, linking to Whiting Beach Road and Bradleys Head Road.

There will also be changes to how buses use the turning circle on Athol Wharf Road during lower station works, although the 238 bus service and ferry operations are not expected to be affected. At the upper station, construction vehicles will enter through Bradleys Head Road, with traffic controllers used to help manage local movements.

A moderate increase in construction traffic is expected around the zoo. Signage will be placed on Bradleys Head Road and Athol Wharf Road to alert pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to changed conditions and construction vehicle movements.

Some local concerns have also been raised about the height of the new cable car system, harbour views, visitor numbers, traffic and noise impacts near homes.

Late 2027 Return Expected

The first stage of works will involve demolition of the existing upper and lower stations. New stations will then be built, followed by the removal of old pylons, installation of new pylons, gondola installation and testing.

The new Sky Safari is expected to be complete in late 2027, restoring a cable car experience that had been part of Taronga Zoo for more than three decades.

Published 28-Apr-2026

Plans to revitalise the Sky Safari cable car at Taronga Zoo in Mosman have been revised and placed on public exhibition until 10 June following a period of community consultation.

Background and Context

Taronga Zoo’s Sky Safari cable car, which operated from 1987 until its closure in 2023, is set for a proposed $77 million upgrade. The project, submitted as a State Significant Development application (SSD-46807958), seeks to modernise the aerial transport system between Taronga Zoo Wharf and the main entrance on Bradleys Head Road. It forms part of the zoo’s 2021–2025 Strategic Plan and was revised after feedback gathered during 2024.

Updated Design and Accessibility Features

The planned 1.5-kilometre route will retain the alignment of the former cable car while reducing the number of pylons from nine to six. It will introduce around 25 larger gondolas with a ten-passenger capacity, offering improved accessibility for prams and wheelchairs. Upgraded stations at both ends will feature covered queuing areas up to 100 metres long, alongside new landscaping, seating, and paths.

Taronga Zoo has stated the Sky Safari will incorporate interpretive elements themed around “Saltwater to Sky” to support its conservation and education efforts. The zoo also expects the improved ferry and public transport connectivity will reduce private vehicle use and assist in achieving its Net Zero by 2030 target.

Concerns Over Visual Impact and Construction Disruption

Several Mosman residents and local stakeholders raised objections over the revised plan. Key concerns focused on the increased height of some pylons—specifically towers 3, 4 and 5—which are estimated to reach up to 35 metres, exceeding Mosman’s height limits for foreshore areas under the Local Environmental Plan 2012. Critics argue the structures would interrupt bushland views and impact the headland’s scenic profile.

Community members also highlighted the removal of vegetation, referencing a history of tree loss within Taronga Zoo grounds. Prior developments reportedly involved the removal of at least 65 Category A trees and potentially over 100 additional uncategorised trees. Temporary closure of the Bondi to Manly coastal path and changes to the 238 bus route due to construction activity at Athol Wharf Road were also raised.

Concerns were also expressed about operational impacts, including the possibility of special event programming at sunrise and sunset, which some felt would extend noise and visual disruption beyond regular hours. These aspects prompted comparisons to entertainment precincts such as Luna Park, with questions raised about the effect on residents and animal welfare.

Cultural representation was also criticised by some submissions, questioning the use of Indigenous references such as the “Saltwater to Sky” narrative, which some described as loosely interpreted.

cable car — *Photo Credit: SSD-46807958*

Competition Concerns from Sydney Zoo

Sydney Zoo, located in Western Sydney, has formally objected to the project, citing concerns over the use of public funding. Its management argued the project may breach competitive neutrality guidelines by giving Taronga Zoo a market advantage. Sydney Zoo warned of potential impacts on visitor numbers, employment, and regional outreach programs.

The objection also pointed to confusion among the public over the zoo’s identity—an issue dating back to 2019 when Sydney Zoo first opened. At that time, Taronga Zoo raised concerns that the name “Sydney Zoo” could lead to public misunderstanding. The competitive tension resurfaced during high-profile visits from international celebrities, sparking renewed public debate.

Sydney Zoo questioned the conservation value of the redevelopment, contrasting it with its own privately funded attractions. It expressed concern that Taronga Zoo’s upgrade prioritises commercial tourism outcomes under the guise of conservation messaging.

Support for the Project

Some stakeholders, including Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Steve Cox, supported the redevelopment. His submission cited improvements to accessibility, enhanced visitor experience, and stronger engagement with conservation messaging as key benefits. The integration of the upgraded Sky Safari with the existing ferry wharf was viewed as a strategic move to reduce local traffic and encourage sustainable transport.

Next Steps

The revised proposal for Taronga Zoo’s Sky Safari is on public exhibition until 10 June 2025. The NSW Department of Planning will assess all feedback before issuing a determination. Taronga Zoo anticipates construction could proceed if approval is granted.

Published 9-June-2025

Tag: Sky Safari

Taronga Zoo Starts $105m Cable Car Works In Mosman