Taronga Zoo Files Plans to Bring Cable Car Back

Sydneysiders may be able to again get an eagle-eye view of Taronga Zoo as a revitalised attraction goes back to the future

The Taronga Conservation Society of Australia has filed plans to bring back its cable car, dubbed Sky Safari, that would travel 1.5km across its 28ha site at Bradleys Head Road, Mosman.

The zoo was established in 1916 on Crown Land and was drawing 1.7 million guests annually before the pandemic.

About 20 million guests rode on the cable car ride that operated from 1987 until January of last year. It was estimated it would cost $77 million to replace.

Several cable car plans were investigated and a route from ferry terminal to the main entrance was deemed the most feasible. 

▲ The Sky Safari will follow a similar route to its predecessor—from the ferry terminal to the main gate.

The accessible (the previous cable car could not accommodate wheelchairs or prams) Sky Safari plans include two new stations, amenities, mechanical points and landscaping designed by Studio SC architects. 

Urbis has prepared a planning report for the Taronga Zoo attraction that also details future projects for the site.

In 2023, the society gained approval from the state’s Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for the construction of a new wildlife hospital. Work on it is expected to begin this quarter ahead of completiong in the new year.

A nutrition centre was also approved in 2022, however, design changes are being made to those plans. 

Several animal precincts were also approved during the pandemic and they have opened to visitors.

Taronga’s Strategic Plan 2021-2025 is reaching its end after a challenging period, including lockdowns during Covid.

“[The Sky Safari would] support the overall economic growth of the zoo to assist in facilitating the expansion of the zoo’s current conservation work and remit which extends beyond the care of animals within its zoos,” the Urbis report said.

“The proposal positively contributes to the zoo’s vision to help secure a shared future for wildlife and people with activities that span the fields of animal care, recovery, education, community engagement, guest experience and science.”

The society in April filed plans for a function centre, accommodation, cafe and pool at its Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo.

Across the road from that site, an entirely 3D-printed holiday park is in the works by Contour3D founder Nick Holden.

Meanwhile in South Australia, a nearly completed five-star resort and glamping development at Monarto Safari Resort was put the market in July.

Owner Jayco founder Gerry Ryan bought the site from Zoos South Australia in 2019 and moved ahead on plans to build 78-rooms and 20-tent accommodation, which would liley be completed and operated by a new owner.