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.
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
