Military fortress, quarantine and a historic prison—discover the heritage parks of Moreton Bay!
Issued: 3 Jun 2021

Did you know you can experience echoes of our colonial past within a stone’s throw of our capital city? At the little-known heritage-rich national parks of Moreton Bay—Fort Lytton and St Helena Island, living history is on our very doorstep!

At Fort Lytton you can explore a nineteenth century fortress surrounded by a water-filled moat (sadly, no drawbridge!), and discover ‘disappearing’ guns, tunnels and passageways.

You can also walk amongst the buildings from Lytton Quarantine Station and check out the Visitor Centre in the old laundry. Explore on your own or take a guided tour—the choice is yours. Either way, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover a novel way to spend a free Sunday.

Hidden fortress waiting to be discovered

_{Fort Lytton National Park ruins | © Ellie Jamieson, Queensland Government}

Discover a slice of history concealed behind grassy embankments at the mouth of the Brisbane River. The scenic Fort Lytton is hidden behind a moat, surrounded by grass. The Lytton Quarantine Station buildings tell their own story of early quarantining in Queensland. A visit makes for a fun-filled day trip with a difference, for all the family—oldies and young ‘uns alike.

Fort Lytton was built to defend Brisbane and was also a major training ground up until the end of WWII. Spectacular military manoeuvres and ceremonial displays attracted much interest from the locals.

Among the fort structures you’ll find search light and gun emplacements. Built in 1881 during the days of the British Empire to protect Brisbane from invasion, the fort’s armaments are impressive.

Discover the cannons (64 pounder guns, technically) and the ‘disappearing gun’ (or 6-inch 5-ton breach-loading Armstrong) that could be raised to fire above the fort’s ramparts then lowered again. Then, venture through the tunnel to the Engine Room which housed the generators, crucial to the operation of the Fort.

The fort is open every Sunday (and most public holidays) between 10am and 4pm, and entry is free. Bring a picnic to enjoy after an eventful morning’s exploration. Fort Lytton makes a great day visit for your extended family—grandparents and grandkids alike will enjoy this experience.

History comes alive

_{Entrance to Fort Lytton | © Niels Juel}

Forget the (boring) history books—at Fort Lytton history truly does come alive in many fun and exciting ways on a Go Back in Time event!

• Join the fort’s free guided tours on Sundays and public holidays to hear the stories that make this place special.
• Immerse the kids in the drama and fun of the unique ‘Carry On Fort Lytton’ holiday programs run by professional actors. What better way to learn about history in a real-life setting?
• Step back in time to WWI with ‘Fort Lytton at Night’, a live theatrical tour and performance that tells a lost story from the Great War, an unforgettable historical journey.

Queensland’s only prison island

_{St Helena Island, prison buildings | © Queensland Government}

When you visit St Helena Island these days, you know you can go home again. But, in the late 1800s, the island was Queensland’s high security prison, and the ‘guests’ of Her Majesty Queen Victoria were going nowhere! St Helena was a ‘model’ prison—security was tight and escapes were few.

Things are more relaxed today. If you arrive in your own boat, you can explore part of the island on your own, following short walking tracks to the old quarry, lime kiln and cemeteries, then enjoy a picnic on the island’s scenic shores. As you gaze over the idyllic surrounds, muse over the fate of those long-ago prisoners—they had to clear the native vegetation, plant crops and construct buildings, quarrying caystone and making lime. They also made uniforms, saddles and other items which were sold to make the prison profitable.

Access to the stockade area is restricted. You can explore it by booking with one of the tour operators. If you have your own boat, Ranger guided tours can be booked in advance by calling (07) 3393 4647. You’ll tour the museum, prison stockade and sugar mill and hear fascinating stories from the island’s past. Ranger guided tours depend on ranger availability and weather conditions. Bookings are essential.

Now you just have to visit!

_{St Helena National Park | © Niels Juel}

_{St Helena National Park | © Niels Juel}

_{St Helena National Park | © Niels Juel}

Learn more about each heritage park:

• Fort Lytton National Park
• St Helena Island National Park

Find out more about guided tours, special events and holiday programs in our Go Back in Time program. And always check Park Alerts before you go.