Sky Safari

New revitalised Sky Safari coming late 2027

After 35 years of soaring above the Zoo, our beloved Sky Safari took its final ride on Tuesday 31 January 2023.

It’s farewell for now, but things are certainly on the move. Planning and construction for the new, upgraded Sky Safari experience are well underway, bringing us one step closer to a more accessible, scenic and exciting way to travel across the Zoo.

New revitalised Sky Safari coming late 2027

After 35 years of soaring above the Zoo, our beloved Sky Safari took its final ride on Tuesday 31 January 2023.

About

First installed in its iconic position in 1987 and upgraded in 2000, the Sky Safari has long been one of Taronga’s most loved experiences, carrying more than 20 million passengers over its lifetime.

But time flies when you’re having fun, and after 35 years of the high life, the Sky Safari reached the end of its workable life and officially retired on 31 January 2023.

Its retirement has paved the way for a major upgrade that will transform Sky Safari into an unforgettable, fully accessible family experience. With planning approval granted in September 2025 and Gartner Rose appointed as head contractor in mid March, the project is now well and truly underway.

What’s new in the Sky Safari

The upgraded Sky Safari will deliver more comfort, greater capacity, and improved access, all while preserving the magic of the original experience:

Same iconic route, new perspective 
Glide above Giraffes, Zebras, Rhinos, Chimpanzees and other incredible species on a journey that follows the original path. 
Larger, more inclusive gondolas 
Designed to accommodate prams, larger wheelchairs, and groups of up to 10 people—ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride together. 
Increased capacity 
Will accommodate up to 1,200 guests per hour (up from 750) which will reduce wait times and enhance access for those arriving via public transport. 
Improved accessibility 
A new lower station will feature DDA (Disability, Discrimination Act) compliant ramping, shaded areas, amenities, and an elevator—making the journey smoother from ferry to wharf to entrance. 
Eco-sensitive design 
Fewer pylons (reduced from nine to six) and gondolas will be painted in natural green finish will help the system blend seamlessly into the tree canopy.

Planning your visit

While the original Sky Safari is retired, Taronga remains committed to helping guests move safely and efficiently around the Zoo.

Visitors can enter Taronga Zoo Sydney through the Main Entrance at the top of the Zoo or the Lower Zoo Entrance, just a three-minute walk from Taronga Zoo ferry wharf.

Guests arriving by ferry can:

Enter via the Lower Entrance on Bradleys Head Road, or;
Catch the number 238 public bus from the Ferry Terminal to the Top Main Entrance.

Taronga will provide additional bus services during holidays and peak periods to assist guests travelling to the Top Entrance from the Ferry Wharf.

Accessibility

We’re committed to ensuring guests of all ages and abilities can enjoy a day out at the Taronga Zoo. Guests needing assistance to return to the top of the Zoo can make use of the public and shuttle buses connecting the lower exit of the Zoo to the top entrance.

Our accessibility map also helps guests plan their route through the Zoo to avoid steeper slopes. 