Fort Lytton National Park is a preserved coastal fortification originally built in 1880-1881 near the mouth of the Brisbane River. Its purpose was to protect Brisbane and the Port from attack by enemy ships and secure the shipping lanes.
The Fort itself was concealed behind grassy embankments and further protected by a water-filled moat. Not only was it home to some heavy artillery, much of which has been carefully restored, it also supported the controlled mines in place in the Brisbane River until the 1930s.
It was used twice during World War I to warn off approaching ships. But by the time of World War II it had been superseded by the batteries at Moreton and Bribie islands, although was still classed as a means of secondary defence.
Guided tours of the fort ruins are run by the Fort Lytton Historical Association from 10:30am till 2:00pm every Sunday. The small onsite museum provides an excellent display of Queensland’s military history up to the 1950s.
Want to see the
big guns fire? Upcoming special events at Fort Lytton include:
- Firing of the 64 pounder cannons on 4th October and 6th December at 11:30am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm.
- Artillery day with cannon firing and various displays on 8th November
