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One of Cockatoo Island's heritage cranes with Sydney's new year's eve fireworks in the background.

Iron Giants: historic crane exhibition

Get to know the historic cranes of Cockatoo Island with ‘Iron Giants’, an online exhibition created for the Google Arts & Culture platform by the Harbour Trust.

Formerly a ship-building complex, Cockatoo Island played a major role in Australia's maritime affairs from 1857 to 1991. Today, 17 steam-powered and electrical cranes survive from this era, contributing immeasurably to the island’s industrial terrain and Sydney's iconic skyline. Paired with the island's remnant dock facilities, they provide a window into a period spanning 134 years.

The ‘Iron Giants’ exhibition is an opportunity to learn about our metal behemoths and how steam powered cranes operates.

About Google Arts & Culture

The Harbour Trust has partnered with Google Arts & Culture since 2020 to broaden the ways in which Australians can experience their beloved destinations on Sydney Harbour, including Cockatoo Island / Wareamah. The Harbour Trust is part of the growing community of cultural institutions with a presence on Google Arts & Culture – an online platform making the cultures of the world accessible to anyone, anywhere.  

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Enjoy this online exhibition?
Head to the Harbour Trust’s website to discover further immersive exhibitions featuring Cockatoo Island
Visit harbourtrust.gov.au

Helpful links

Looking to visit, stay at or tour Cockatoo Island? Here are some useful links.