On arrival at the park, you are welcomed by the sight of large fortifications and re-enactments of a wide array of military activity. This important historical site was built in 1881, and provided a base for defending Brisbane. The park served this purpose until the Second World War came to an end. Today, the pentagonal fortress is well preserved, and attracts tourists from across Australia and the globe.
A visit to the fort allows you to take a walk back in time to what it felt like for the Australian soldiers protecting the city. One part of the fort consists only of buildings from the colonial era. These buildings have a rustic feel that makes them such a fascinating place to be.
Adventure seekers enjoy the connecting tunnels at Fort Lytton National Park, making this a perfect destination for the whole family. In addition to the tunnels, there are extra structures that provided the soldiers with ways to protect themselves while defending the city. Take a walk through the fort and sample the earth mound wall which played a critical role in defence at the base.
It is interesting to learn that this wall is enclosed by a wet moat that spans more than 30 feet. A moat is a deep ditch that is dug around a military base for the purposes of providing a first line of defence. In the case of this park, the moat is filled with water to make access for enemy militants more difficult. There are many more fortifications and artifacts just outside the fort.
The Lynton Defence Reserve for instance, has exquisite river frontage in the west. To the north of the reserve is the beautiful coastal bay that offers you panoramic views of the city. Additional fortifications at the park served as vantage points for looking out for enemy troops.
Some of the facilities available at the park include shaded areas perfect for picnics, a canteen where you can get snacks and a shop where you can purchase merchandise. For the latter, you could also make orders online, and provide a mailing address for delivery purposes. There are accessible washrooms, but the grassy paths at the park are not ideal for wheelchair use.
Guided tours are available for visitors, and are subject to the availability of tour guides and the weather on that particular day. The gun-firing reenactment events are held from time to time, so you may want to check out the events calendar for more details and sync your trip accordingly. Use the details below to make your Fort Lytton National Park memorable.
Address: South Street and Lytton Road, Lytton Queensland 4178, Australia
Opening Hours: 1000 hours, with guided tours starting at 1030 hours and the last at 1345 hours
Phone Number: (07) 3393 4647
Ticket Prices: Free Admission on Sundays and most public holidays. Paid entry for weekday visits.
Distance from Brisbane CBD: 22 kilometers
