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Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve

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Positioned in Chuwar on the banks of the Brisbane River, approximately 8 km from Ipswich CBD and 35 km west of Brisbane, Colleges Crossing is a popular recreation retreat for families and visitors of all ages. Boasting an abundance of diverse animal and plant life and well equipped with recreational pathways; playground equipment; fishing, canoeing and kayaking access; onsite café; BBQ facilities and wheelchair-accessible toilets, Colleges Crossing is a close and convenient all-day outing spot.

LOCATION

Colleges Crossing is a low-level bridge crossing the Brisbane River and was opened in 1894 in a ceremony attended by Mayor of Ipswich H.E. Wyman. Named after George College, one of the first settlers who purchased land on the north side of the Brisbane River in 1854, it was the first structure enabling access across the river. Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve was established around the crossing in the early 1920s and was severely affected by the 2010 – 11 floods, when water levels rose over 17 metres, with strong currents. After the floods, significant changes and enhancements were made to the park and architectural structures installed to minimise the risk of flood damage in the future.

HISTORY

Nature: this reserve is home to a diverse wealth of wildlife, including over sixty bird species, platypus, bandicoots, koalas and turtles.

Play: the nature-based playground is any child’s delight, with swings, balancing beams, tree log tunnel and fort, frog sculptures, a climbing rock, sway boat, spinning seats and musical wall.

Relax: soak in the sweeping vistas from the viewing deck, enjoy fine café fare in the onsite coffee shop, fire up a BBQ or bring a blanket and picnic on the rolling lawns.

Activities: take a walk, run or bike ride on the many recreational pathways, or lose your land legs and launch your kayak or canoe from the onsite ramp – don’t forget to cast a line for a lucky catch of bream, flathead, garfish, mullet and the occasional bass.

Amenities: the park has clean and well-equipped toilet blocks with disability-access to all facilities.

Exercise Equipment: enjoy cross -training and muscle strengthening equipment in the great outdoors.

ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS

Nature first: all fauna and flora in our parks and reserves are protected, so practice a ‘look but don’t damage’ policy and keep cars off the grass.

Keep it clean: dispose of any food and rubbish in the bins provided, or take it home with you – never feed wild animals as it is detrimental to their survival.

Dogs: your pooch is welcome to play in the park but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Functions: a permit is required for commercial, sporting and private events involving over 100 people.

CARING FOR OUR PARKS

Opening Hours

VENUE DAYS HOURS

Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve

Winter (1 April – 30 September)

6.00 am – 6.00 pm

Summer (1 October – 31 March)

6.00 am – 9.00 pm

Colleges by the River Café

Monday – Saturday 9.00 am – 3.00 pm

Sunday 8.30 am – 3.00 pm

Public holidays 10.00 am – 2.00 pm

(Kitchen times vary)Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and New Year’s Day

ALLAWAH ROAD MOUNT CROSBY ROAD

Colleges CrossingMap your visit

Café

Lookout

Playground

Shelter

Barbeque

Boat Ramp

Exercise Equipment

Canoe Access

Toilets

Parking

Colleges Crossing

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Springfield Central

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Colleges Crossing Recreation Reserve408-492 Mount Crosby Road, Chuwar

IPSWICH REGION

This park remains sacred to the Traditional Owners of Ipswich. Sacred sites are very important to the Traditional Owners, as they provide a link between Country and personal identity and allow the passing on of cultural knowledge. Some of the sacred sites within Ipswich include quarries, traditional food resources, story places, pre-contact and historical camp sites, fighting grounds, ceremonial sites, bora rings and women’s business sites.

SPET

201

8

Ipswich City Council PO Box 191, Ipswich QLD 4305, Australia

Phone (07) 3810 6666 Fax (07) 3810 6731

council@ipswich.qld.gov.au Ipswich.qld.gov.au

CULTURE

Ipswich CBD