Fort Lytton National Park is an historical site dating back to the 1880’s. It is managed by the Heritage Parks Unit of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. The park is known for high quality interpretation of the past, be it through tours, educational programs, night shows or Fort Lytton school holiday programs.
Fort Lytton School Holiday Program Information
Upcoming Spring school holiday program 2025:
Time: 10.00am till 12.30pm
Dates: Tuesday 15th, Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th April.
Cost: The cost is $20 per child, with no charge for supervising adults. Payment is on the day.
How to book: Bookings are essential by phoning Fort Lytton on (07) 3393 4647.
Find out more about Fort Lytton on the National Parks website
History Of Fort Lytton
Fort Lytton was a major defensive site for Brisbane from 1881 to 1945. During those years it was also an important training ground for soldiers. Although the fort was never attacked, the training it provided was put to the test in both World Wars.
Fort Lytton In World War II
There were many units stationed at the fort for periods of training. For the first-time, women were also stationed there. They were in various services, including the AWAS – Australian Women’s Army Service. Without these women, the fort could not have fulfilled its role as a defensive and training base.
Fort Lytton School Holiday Programs
It all started 14 years ago with Raiders of the Lost Fort, a dramatic story exploring the forts history through artefacts. The program used the historic site, actors in-role and participatory drama to facilitate a fun learning experience. Numbers were kept low to enable fuller participation with all the children. This program set the mould for all future interpretive work with young people on site.
Carry On Fort Lytton
The current Fort Lytton school holiday program is the most theatrical so far. The actors are characters, and there is participation, but this program engages all involved: children, parents, grandparents and carers. There are set pieces but also lots of improvisation.
Scenario:
It’s 1944 at Lytton Battery. Corporal Jones, AWAS is ready to train the new recruits, but she isn’t expecting there to be men amongst them. Sergeant Wilson, Army arrives to begin training too, but he can’t believe there are women in the new batch. It’s an administrative error of course, but how will they get through the day and be ready for inspection by the officers? Corporal Jones has a plan, but will it work? And so begins a roller-coaster of activities and preparation.
Activities:
Carry On Fort Lytton is a hands-on experience: making caps and semaphore flags, and learning to spell a word using the flags. There’s parade ground drill, and gun drill (it’s on a replica twin six pounder that actually moves!). There’s lots of marching and singing too. All this comes together when the officer turns up for the inspection and everyone has to do their best to pass (which of course they do, with flying colours!).
Testimonials
“Our grandson, together with my husband and I, attended the Carry on Fort Lytton morning on Wednesday, 5 July – and what a wonderful morning it was! The organisation, the presenters, the script, the knowledge, the fun, the craft – everything – was of a high standard and thoroughly enjoyable. The format of the morning allowed for rest periods but it also enabled to keep everyone’s interest at all times. It wasn’t only for the children – it was for the adults as well. The three of us were caught up in the presentation – and the facts – so much of which we weren’t aware of – but were presented in such an interesting way. We have already told a number of people about our morning and have urged others to attend if a presentation is held again. Thank you so much for bringing Fort Lytton to life for us.” – Gwenneth and Graeme Klee
“On Thursday 6th July, we attended the school holiday workshop, Carry on Fort Lytton and we loved it!! The experience was authentic, entertaining, educational, engaging, interactive and most importantly inclusive for all age groups (including adults!) The ability to keep the attention of children for over 2 hours is a real war won!!!! I recognise the planning, attention to detail and organising your team have invested to create immersive experiences for the people of Brisbane. You are the perfect corporal for this precious site. What a great, memorable way to teach children history. An excursion to Forty Lytton should be included in the curriculum!! Carry on Ranger Daley and team Well Done!!” – Caterina and Elvis Senese
“My grandson said, “It was an incredible experience”; and my granddaughter said, “It was cool how we got to see all the guns and it was also funny”. Sarg, Corporal Jones, and the other young man, were all excellent at keeping the children engaged. The Colonel was also great at the end, and I loved her humour. A different way for the grandchildren to spend 2 hours and feel the history. Thank you to everyone involved. I will sing your praises to others.” – Nanny Lorraine