Hammons Holdings will assume operations of Sydney Zoo from Monday, November 3, after the family-owned tourism and attractions group completed its purchase of the zoo.
Home to more than 4,000 animals and spread over a 16.5 hectare site in Eastern Creek in Western Sydney, the zoo opened and in 2019 and has since hosted more than 4.5 million visitors and won multiple tourism industry awards.
The full acquisition adds to a growing portfolio of attractions across Greater Sydney, including BridgeClimb Sydney, which it has operated since 2018. The Hammon family’s first destination, Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, was established in 1945, and is one of Australia’s most visited privately-owned attractions, hosting over a million annual visitors. Hammons Holdings is also an investor in URBNSURF Melbourne.
The group has also announced the Pylon Lookout & Museum at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, is set for a major $10 million upgrade.
Subject to approval from the Heritage Council of NSW, the upgrade will transform the Pylon into an immersive and contemporary experience that blends the Bridge’s rich heritage with modern storytelling, offering visitors a new way to connect with one of Australia’s most iconic structures.
Hammons Holdings was a foundation investor and has been represented on the Board of Sydney Zoo since its inception in 2015. Group CEO David Hammon and Head of Strategic Growth Amanda Byrne will jointly oversee the zoo’s integration into the wider Hammons Holdings portfolio while a long-term CEO is appointed.
David Hammon said the group was excited by the opportunity to drive the next phase of the zoo’s growth and consolidate its place as a premier visitor destination in western Sydney.
“This is a world class wildlife experience in the heart of one of the fastest-growing regions in the country,” he said.
“Sydney Zoo is a natural fit for us in so many ways. It’s ideally suited to our expertise and passion for creating world-class visitor experiences, and the alignment with our other attractions are compelling, especially with the growth in visitor numbers expected after Western Sydney International Airport opens next year,” he said.
“As a foundation investor, we were closely involved in the zoo’s establishment and early operations. We know the attraction well and as the new operator, can hit the ground running.
“Working with Sydney Zoo’s experienced management and team, we look forward to enhancing the zoo experience and advancing its contribution to conservation of threatened species,” he said.
Reimagining the Pylon
Revitalised exhibits will connect guests with authentic stories, innovative storytelling and immersive education, celebrating local heritage and First Nations culture.
BridgeClimb Sydney has been working closely with Transport for NSW on the project, which has their full support, ensuring the upgrade aligns with planning, safety, and heritage requirements.
With a long history as a tourism attraction, the current Pylon Museum was opened by the previous operators of BridgeClimb in 2003. More than two decades later, the planned upgrade will reimagine the experience, aligning with the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 by enhancing world-class visitor infrastructure, celebrating culture, and contributing to tourism growth and economic benefits for New South Wales.
“The Pylon Lookout & Museum has always been one of Sydney’s hidden gems,” BridgeClimb Sydney CEO Deb Zimmer said. “This upgrade represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the space into a truly world-class cultural destination. We’re proud to honour the Bridge’s incredible history while creating an experience that will inspire curiosity, pride, and connection for visitors from around the world.”
