Crosslands Reserve
A beautiful natural setting in Berowra Valley National Park that is ideal for picnics, camping and other outdoor activities.
Access: sealed road, gate at entry
Gate opens: 8am
Gate closes: 7:30pm during day light savings, 5pm the rest of the year
The reserve can also be accessed by foot along the Benowie Walking Track, which is part of the Great North walk
Please note: dogs are NOT permitted in Crosslands Reserve.
Crosslands Reserve will be closed on days with fire danger ratings of “Catastrophic” and “Extreme” where there is a fire behaviour index rating of 75 or higher, as assessed by the Bureau of Meteorology for the Greater Sydney Region. Further information on fire danger ratings can be found on the Rural Fire Service website and New South Wales Fire Danger Ratings.
Crosslands Reserve may also be closed at short notice during flooding, total fire bans and extreme weather. Phone Council on 9847 6666 for information about park closures.
What facilities are available?
- Free electric barbecues
- Toilets
- Parking
- Children's playground and bicycle track
- Track head for The Great North Walk
- Picnic shelters
- A shelter that seats 12 adults and can be hired
Crosslands Picnic Shelter
The shelter seats 12 and is perfect for family gatherings and picnics. BBQ facilities and toilets are located nearby. Hiring fees apply.
Camping at Crosslands Reserve
The picturesque setting at Crosslands Reserve is ideal for camping, as long as you do not mind getting back to basics as there are no showers or power. It is also important to note that it is not suitable for caravans, trailers or camper vans and that all vehicle types are not permitted within the camping site area.
Children 5 years and under are able to camp for free.
Conditions for hire for camping at Crosslands Reserve
Crosslands Reserve Fees and Charges - 25kb
History
The first inhabitants of the area were a subgroup of the Dharug, the main Aboriginal group of the Hawkesbury Region. They sheltered in caves and behind screens made of bark or branches. They found an abundance of food from the local vegetation, the plentiful fish, shell fish and small animals of the area.
The first European settlers in the area were Burton Crossland and Matthew Charlton, one on each side of Berowra Creek. In 1856 Charlton engaged Crossland as caretaker of his property on the eastern bank of Berowra Creek. Burton built his home on it and earned a living cutting timber, growing fruit, fishing and boat-building.
Crossland's son Tom carried out fishing and farming on the Crossland property and Charlton's son Albert later sold his property to him, giving Crossland holdings on both sides of the creek.
Since 1947 the original Crossland grant has been occupied by a Seventh Day Adventist Youth Camp. The area opposite is known as Crosslands Reserve and has been maintained by Hornsby Shire Council since 1921. In 1987 the reserve was incorporated into Berowra Valley National Park, forming 38 square kilometres of bushland stretching from Pennant Hills to Berowra Waters.
