CampKings Crew #GTFO
Campground Review
3.5 out of 5 Tent Pegs
The CampKings Crew are camping local on this #GTFO adventure to Crosslands Reserve campground. It is just down the road from Hornsby Heights and the grounds are situated in the Berowra Valley National Park, a beautiful natural setting that is perfect for picnics and camping. If you are looking for an entry level introduction to camping, the Crosslands Campground is an excellent first choice for an overnighter or a weekend stay for anyone.
How do I get there?
Crosslands Reserve Camp ground is about 70 minutes drive from Sydney. Location is at the end of Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights and road access is by gravel road with a gate at the entry. Gate opens at 8am and closes at 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.
What can I see and do there?
- Some fishing and a stack of relaxing
- There are big open grounds for cricket, soccer and bocce and an awesome communal fire pit
- Swimming in the creek
- Explore and discover along part of the Benowie Walking Track, which is part of the Great North walk
What should I bring?
- Tent and Tarp set up (sites are not marked)
- Fire wood
- Drinking Water
- Marshmallows
What did we rate?
The close proximity to Sydney, Parramatta and the Hills area makes it a really great weekend getaway location.
We also rated NPWS Ranger Pete who checked in on us when the rain started coming down. Thanks Mate!
What was not great?
The 5 minute walk from the carpark to the camping location next to the fire pit!
Please book online and ensure that you have paid your camping fee prior to your arrival.
Click Here for more details and current pricing and availability.
Under the Tarp Trivia
This area was originally inhabited by a subgroup of the Dharug (the main Aboriginal group of the Hawkesbury region) who sheltered in caves and behind bark screens and they found an abundance of food including fish, local vegetation, shell fish and small animals.
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.
The picturesque setting at Crosslands Reserve is ideal for camping, as long as you don’t mind getting back to basics as there are no showers or electricity.
The campground lies along the great The Great North Walk, which is a 250 kilometre bush walking track linking Sydney City with the Hunter Valley and Newcastle. It is one of the most spectacular walks in NSW, passing through a diverse range of scenery including Sydney Harbour, Berowra Valley, Hawkesbury River, Watagan Mountains, Lake Macquarie and the Newcastle coastline.
The Great North Walk was initially constructed as a celebration of Australia’s Bicentenary in 1988. (see the History page for more information)
The walk features camping grounds, water stations, lookouts, rainforest, native flora and fauna, sandstone ridges, coastal terrain and well-maintained boardwalks. See the Tracks and Walks page for an overview of the different access points.
What you should know:
- Free electric barbecues
- Toilets
- Parking
- Children's playground and bicycle track
- Dogs are not permitted
- NOT suitable for camper trailers or caravans
- Picnic shelter is available (seats12 adults) for hire
- Road access is by gravel road with a gate at the entry
- Gate opens at 8am and closes at 7:30pm during day light savings, 5pm the rest of the year
Click here for current camping fees and site bookings.
You can join and follow the CampKings Crew online or join us when we are in your area for our next #GTFO
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If you are after advice on camping gear and easy tarpaulin set ups, talk to the experts at CampKings Australia.
