By ANNA USHER

Mosman residents are about to lose a much-loved section of the Foreshore Track for up to two years, as construction begins on Taronga Zoo’s controversial $77 million Sky Safari upgrade.

The popular stretch between Whiting Beach and Taronga Zoo Wharf will be shut to thoroughfare from early May, with Taronga warning residents in a letter this week that the closure “may be in place for the duration of the works” through to late 2027.

The closed section forms part of the 80-kilometre Bondi to Manly Walk, which opened in December 2019 and is one of Sydney’s most popular coastal routes.

Enabling works began at the lower Sky Safari station on Tuesday. The project formally commences on April 28.

Taronga Zoo Executive Director Nick Boyle informed residents of the construction in a letter delivered to neighbours this week.

“While construction has been carefully planned to minimise disruption, we recognise that there will be some impacts to the Zoo and the surrounding area throughout the works,” Mr Boyle wrote.

Taronga’s letter to residents instructs walkers going from Sirius Cove to Bradleys Head to detour: turn left at the stairs near Whiting Beach, proceed up Whiting Beach Road, and continue along Bradleys Head Road until returning to the coastal walk. This route bypasses the closed Foreshore Track section.

The letter says route changes will be updated on the Bondi to Manly Walk and Marathon, NSW National Parks and Wildlife, and Mosman Council websites and apps. It does not commit Taronga itself to publishing the diversion.

A Mosman Council spokesperson confirmed Council had been advised of the works and was aware residents had been notified.

“Based on representations from concerned community members, we are seeking a meeting with Taronga Zoo to better understand the track closure affecting part of the Bondi to Manly Walk,” the spokesperson told Mosman Collective.

“We will continue to liaise with the zoo and other stakeholders to help ensure that the local community is aware and updated throughout the process.”

“As this is not a Council project, specific questions about the work and potential impacts are best directed to Taronga Zoo.”

The Taronga Zoo ferry wharf, located at the lower end of the construction zone, recorded 1,502,244 passenger trips on the F2 ferry line in 2023-24, according to Transport for NSW Opal data.

Pre-pandemic, Taronga Zoo drew approximately 1.7 million visitors annually across all transport modes, with the ferry the preferred arrival point for tourists.

Taronga has confirmed there will be no impact on the regular 238 bus route or ferry services.

The Return and Earn drop-off point at Taronga’s main entrance will also remain accessible, with parking available at Bradleys Head Road.

The Sky Safari upgrade was approved by the NSW Government in September 2025, despite sustained opposition from local environment groups, Mosman Parks and Bushland Association, and the Headland Preservation Group.

Mosman Parks and Bushland Association president Kate Eccles told Mosman Collective the association had repeatedly raised the construction dangers during the planning process and had been given a very different impression by Taronga.

“Mosman Parks and Bushland was aware of the problems that the Sky Safari construction period was likely to cause and noted it in our submissions to the Sky Safari proposal,” Ms Eccles said.

“We were led to believe in our talks with Taronga that the interruption to the coastal walk would be minor, indeed, that the coastal walk would continue uninterrupted. We said that alternative routes would need advice, community consultation and signage.”

The closure will impact local residents and walkers on the Bondi to Manly track, which has become extremely popular. Parts are expected to be closed for two years, which may be optimistic.

“Bondi to Manly walk needs clear notification and alternative route info online. I found none.”

Headland Preservation Group president Jill L’Estrange said the closure was the inevitable result of a project the community had warned against from the outset.

“Sadly, this foreshore track closure is the consequence of a development, a new and enlarged Sky Safari, that should never have proceeded,” Ms L’Estrange told Mosman Collective.

Concern is also building among regular users of the track, who worry about the flow-on effects for the suburb’s tourism and hospitality operators.

“Should the path be closed for up to 18 months, it would have a negative impact on local tourism and hospitality businesses, based on what I see daily of all the walkers using the track and other foreshore walks,” one Mosman resident told Mosman Collective.

“I would request that the Council get involved here. I can’t see why they can’t build temporary access.”

Another resident said the closure would also cut off a key walking route to the Taronga Zoo ferry.

“It’s great that they are starting work on the Sky Safari, but disappointing that parts of the foreshore track will be closed for an indefinite amount of time,” the resident said. “It blocks access to the zoo ferry for many people.”

The $77 million project, revised from earlier estimates of $105 million, will replace the original Sky Safari, which retired in January 2023 after 35 years and more than 20 million passenger trips.

The new system will feature six pylons, down from nine, the tallest at 36.5 metres, equivalent to a 10-storey building. It will follow the 916-metre route from Taronga Zoo Wharf to Bradleys Head Road.

The new gondolas will hold up to 10 passengers each, accommodate prams and larger wheelchairs, and increase the system’s hourly capacity to 1,200 guests, up from 750.

What happens next?

Taronga’s letter promises that signage will be installed at both entrances of the closed section.

Residents with concerns or feedback can contact the project team at [email protected] or on 1800 849 002.

The Sky Safari is scheduled to reopen in late 2027.