Hammons Holdings confirms acquisition of Sydney Zoo, announces major upgrade of Pylon Lookout & Museum
-Cements position as a leading Australian attractions operator
Family-owned tourism and attractions group Hammons Holdings today announced they will assume operations of Sydney Zoo on Monday November 3. The move marks a final step in Hammons Holdings completing its purchase of the Zoo, adding the landmark Western Sydney destination to its expanding portfolio of attractions across Greater Sydney.
Once the acquisition is finalised, Hammons Holdings becomes the sole shareholder and operator of Sydney Zoo, home to more than 4,000 animals over a 16.5 hectare site in Eastern Creek. Since opening in late 2019 the zoo has hosted more than 4.5 million visitors and won multiple tourism industry awards.
Hammons Holdings also announced plans by BridgeClimb Sydney, which it has operated since 2018, for a major $10 million upgrade of the Pylon Lookout & Museum at the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The upgrade, which is subject to approval from the Heritage Council of NSW, 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.
The Sydney Zoo purchase and plans to transform the Pylon site strengthen Hammons Holdings position as a leading attractions operator in Australia.
Sydney Zoo a natural fit
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.
Mr 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 Lookout & Museum
The revitalised Pylon will honour the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge by transforming it into a must visit cultural destination for visitors across the globe. The 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,” said BridgeClimb Sydney CEO Deb Zimmer. “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.”
Details of the closure and reopening will be announced in the coming months, with BridgeClimb Sydney committed to keeping visitors and partners updated throughout the journey.
With more than 80 years of experience delivering high-quality tourism experiences, Hammons Holdings has a strong track record of growing and evolving iconic attractions. Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, established as the Hammon family’s first destination in 1945, is one of Australia’s most visited privately-owned attractions, hosting over a million annual visitors. BridgeClimb has welcomed more than five million visitors and holds TripAdvisor’s title of Australia’s #1 Experience. Hammons Holdings is also an investor in URBNSURF Melbourne.
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About Hammons Holdings
Hammons Holdings is a third-generation family business and highly regarded leader in the Australian tourism industry. Hammons’ 80-year history carries an impressive track record of operating and investing in iconic Australian attractions and delivering exceptional experiences to millions of visitors from around the world. With a reputation for fun and rewarding places to work, Hammons Holdings also prides itself on meaningful connections with the communities they operate in, and commitment to persevering culture, heritage, and environment. Hammons Holdings has remained the owner operator of Scenic World in the Blue Mountains since 1945, has been the operator of BridgeClimb in Sydney since 2018, and is a founding investor in Sydney Zoo.
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