Part of the western boundary of Crossdale follows the
Stanley River. Some of the waters of
Somerset Dam are within the locality. Crossdale is relatively large and has a diverse topography. In the north east the elevations rises along the north of the
D'Aguilar Range.
Little Mount Brisbane is located close to the Somerset Dam wall. In the south another hilly area reaches heights greater than 300 m around McKey Hill. A majority of the locality is devoid of vegetation although the slopes remain covered by bushland. The north-western part of the locality is not accessible to the public, being almost entirely surrounded by the waters of
Lake Wivenhoe, the impoundment of the
Brisbane River by
Wivenhoe Dam. Prior to the construction of the dam, this area was known as
Mount Esk Pocket (). == History ==