Taronga Zoo Sky Safari
Upgrade
Taronga Zoo Sydney’s iconic Sky Safari upgrade has lift off with construction now underway ahead of a late 2027 opening. This milestone is a major step toward bringing back an iconic and much-loved experience at Taronga Zoo.
Upgrade
Taronga Zoo Sydney’s iconic Sky Safari upgrade has lift off with construction now underway ahead of a late 2027 opening. This milestone is a major step toward bringing back an iconic and much-loved experience at Taronga Zoo.
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
Project updates
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:
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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
Get in touch
Have questions or want to learn more about a project? Get in touch at capitalprojects@zoo.nsw.gov.au or call us on 1800 849 002
Project Documents
More information on this project can be found on the NSW Planning Portal.