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View our Iron Giants exhibition
The Mort’s Dock Steam Crane and No. 2 Travelling Steam Crane have existed on Cockatoo Island for more than a century and were recently restored by our Volunteer Restoration Team as part of our ongoing efforts to preserve the island’s history.
Located alongside Fitzroy Dock, the No. 2 Travelling Steam Crane is a rare example of an early steam-powered crane...
Like its identical twin at nearby Sutherland Dock, this iron giant was built by Priestman’s of Hull, England and installed during the 1890s. Powered by a vertical boiler and steam engine, the crane was in constant use until the late 1980s. Operated by a driver and two riggers, it played a vital role in the operation of Fitzroy Dock, moving along rails to place props and scaffolding when ships docked for repairs. Due to its low speed, high torque and traction system, it was also used to tow ships into dock. In 2017, the crane was returned to working order by the Harbour Trust’s volunteer restoration team. These skilled workers also restored the enclosed cabin, which had been a feature of the crane since World War II.
This steam crane was built by Morts Dock & Engineering Company at Balmain and installed at Fitzroy Dock, Cockatoo Island in 1891...
Possessing a 9.5m jib and a Reciprocating Twin Cylinder Steam Engine, it was used to move supplies and equipment in the dockyard. Although small, it could lift 10 tons — more than any other Crane on the island at that time. Despite being a steam-powered crane, there was a twenty-year period (1965 to 1985) when it was powered by compressed air. In addition to being one of the few surviving steam-operated cranes in Australia, it is one of the oldest steam cranes on Cockatoo Island.
For information about getting here, including by public transport, see: Visit Cockatoo Island.
As our steam cranes require coal fire to produce steam in the boiler to operate, we regret that in the event that a Total Fire Ban is declared in Sydney, demonstrations of the cranes will not proceed for safety reasons.
Looking to visit, stay at or tour Cockatoo Island? Here are some useful links...
Harbour Trust
Visit overview
Cockatoo Island
Headland Park
Macquarie Lightstation
Marine Biological Station
North Head Sanctuary
Sub Base Platypus
Woolwich Dock and Parklands
