Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve in Chuwar

Picnic table by the river at Colleges Crossing.

Located on the banks of the Brisbane River, approximately 8km from the Ipswich CBD, College Crossing has been a popular place for families to relax and enjoy since 1894. While the area suffered significant damage in the 2022 floods, partial access is now available due to rehabilitation work.

Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve

The reserve at College Crossing is a great spot for water-based activities.

With easy walking access down the bank and into the river, it’s a charming place to launch a canoe or a kayak and take a paddle. When the water is clear, it won’t take long until you find yourself in a peaceful stretch of river that feels distant and soothing.

Fishing is another popular option at Colleges Crossing, and when the conditions are right, the river can be busy with families who like to throw in a line. Various species, like Yellowfin Bream, Australian Bass and Garfish, are found in the water. Brisbane Kids might want to bring a bucket and a little net to search for small creatures in the shallows and under rocks.

The area by the river would be a pleasant place for a picnic, but there is no shelters nearby. A shade tent would be handy if you plan to spend the day here. At the same time, personal sun protection like hats and sunscreen is strongly recommended.

A sizeable grassed kick-about area exists for families who prefer to stay dry. This field is a perfect spot for a game of soccer, football or cricket. Throwing frisbees would also be a fun way to pass the time.

Concrete recreation pathways go around most of the accessible area. These would suit little Brisbane Kids who need a place to practise riding their bikes or scooters. It is also a lovely place to walk the family dog.

Unfortunately there are no toilets at Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve.

Imagination Factor at Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve

The peaceful surroundings by the water lend itself to outdoor nature activities. Perhaps your little ones want to sit with some art supplies and sketch the landscape they see, or maybe bring a blanket, cushions and books and create a comfortable outdoor reading place.

Playing explorers searching for special creatures, interesting foliage and other discoveries could also be a fun way to fill in some time at Colleges Crossing.

Accessibility at Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve

Flat, concrete pathways lead from the car park and around the area. Prams should be able to manoeuvre over the open grassed area.

There are some bench seating options and picnic tables dotted around the area but shade is minimal

At present, there are no toilets at this location.

Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve Features

Canoe and kayak access
Fishing accessibility – family-friendly land-based fishing access
NO toilets
Open kick-around area
Recreational pathways
Birdlife
No Shade
No running water
Picnic tables and benches
Garbage and recycling bins
Dog poop bags are available
Off-street parking, including accessible parking

Another great playground is River Heart Parklands, otherwise known as Bob Gamble Park and Booker Place Park in Bellbowrie.

What We Thought of College Crossing Recreation Reserve

We loved how our little Brisbane Kids could take their shoes off and play amongst the shallows of the Brisbane River. This is a great spot to get close to the natural waterways of Brisbane.

Although we found many options for family fun at College Crossing, we missed the wonderful features and the playground that existed here previously and look forward to future improvements.