A $77 million redevelopment of the Sky Safari at Taronga Zoo has received approval from the NSW Government. This decision clears the way for construction of a new cable car system that will link the zoo’s upper and lower entrances.
The Taronga Conservation Society Australia (TCSA) is delivering the project. It replaces the former Sky Safari, which served the zoo for over 35 years before closing in 2023. The new system will boost accessibility, expand capacity, and integrate more effectively with ferry and bus services at Athol Wharf.
Project Overview
The redevelopment includes a 916-metre aerial cableway between Bradleys Head Road and Athol Wharf Road. Six new pylons, ranging from 7.2 to 36.5 metres, will support the system. These are carefully positioned to reduce impacts on views, vegetation, and heritage elements.
Two new stations will be built. The upper station will connect with the zoo’s entry plaza, while the lower station will sit near the ferry terminal. Each will include ticket booths, waiting areas, accessible queuing zones, public toilets, vertical transport, and shelter from weather.
The route will run above zoo airspace, offering views of Sydney Harbour. Cabins will hold up to 10 passengers, with level boarding for wheelchairs and prams. The upgrade also includes new pathways, landscaped seating, and public art installations.
The project maintains the route of the original Sky Safari. This approach helps minimise disruption while delivering significant safety, design, and operational improvements. Construction will involve demolition, excavation, tree removal, and installation of pylons and cables.
Planning Process and Community Response
TCSA submitted the State Significant Development Application (SSD-46807958) in September 2024. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) publicly exhibited it from 24 September to 21 October 2024. After initial feedback, DPHI re-exhibited the amended plans from 14 May to 10 June 2025.
The two rounds of exhibition drew 60 submissions. These included 48 objections, eight expressions of support, and four neutral comments. Most objections raised concerns about visual impacts, tree loss, construction disruption, and the consultation process.
Mosman Council submitted two responses. While not objecting, the Council flagged issues with design, transport, and construction impacts. Eleven state agencies reviewed the plans, including Heritage NSW, which supported the proposal with conditions.
TCSA revised the proposal to address concerns. They provided new assessments and refined designs, which were incorporated into the updated plans. DPHI confirmed that consultation met its engagement guidelines and that the changes were adequate.
Site plan by Studio.SC
Key Amendments Post-Exhibition
TCSA and its consultants made several design changes in response to community and agency input. At the upper station, they improved queuing areas and added pedestrian links to the car park. At the lower station, they expanded the entrance plaza by excavating sandstone and adding landscaping and ramps.
They slightly increased the height of Pylons P1 and P2 to meet clearance rules. They also added structural reinforcements and revised the stormwater system.
To reduce visual impact, the team used non-reflective materials and natural colours. The pylons will not be lit at night, and signage was removed from the approval.
Environmental and Visual Considerations
The project requires removal of 62 trees. TCSA will plant 124 replacements, including 13 advanced trees for faster canopy growth. They must also retire ecosystem credits under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Visual impact assessments found the project reasonable. The new infrastructure follows the existing route and avoids major heritage views, such as those of the Sydney Opera House or Harbour Bridge.
Heritage NSW confirmed that the plan will not harm nearby State-listed items. The design also integrates new buildings with the zoo’s historic sandstone walls.
Construction and Operational Management
To maintain bus services during construction, TCSA will temporarily modify Athol Wharf Road to allow three-point turns. These works are approved under a separate local development application.
Operational impacts like lighting and noise are considered manageable. Conditions of consent require limits on light spill, noise from plant equipment, and updates to the zoo’s emergency management plan to include the Sky Safari.
Assessment and Approval
DPHI assessed the proposal under Section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The team considered the Environmental Impact Statement, public feedback, agency advice, and the applicant’s responses.
They found the proposal met key goals in the State Environmental Planning Policy and the Greater Sydney Region Plan. It also complied with biodiversity and planning laws.
DPHI noted that the project replaces old infrastructure, improves accessibility, and uses sustainable design. It also limits environmental and visual impacts by following the old alignment and carefully placing pylons.
On 19 September 2025, the Executive Director of DPHI approved the development under delegated authority from the Minister. Approval includes strict conditions on environmental protection, heritage, and safety.
Project Team
Developer: Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Planner: Urbis
Architect: Studio SC
Landscape Architect: Newscape
Transport Consultant: JMT Consulting
ESD Consultant: Cundall
Heritage and Archaeology: Urbis
Environmental & Biodiversity: Narla Environmental
Civil Engineer: Meinhardt
Noise Consultant: Acoustic Studio
Geotechnical & Hazmat: Douglas Partners
Construction Manager: Taronga Zoo
Quantity Surveyor: MBM
Lighting Consultant: NDY
Bushfire Consultant: ABAC
For more information, search the application number (SSD-46807958) on the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s website.
