Eshkol National Park

The 875-acre Eshkol National Park has rolling lawns, picnic areas, a swimming pool, and a playground. It is the ideal spot for spending a day in natural surroundings or as the starting point for a visit to Nahal Besor and its spectacular scenic route.

The summit of the small hill at the northern part of the national park - known by the Arabic name Hirbat Shalala - commands a lovely view of the area. During World War I, Australian soldiers fought the Turkish army here and happened upon the remains of a Byzantine church with a beautiful mosaic floor. Today this mosaic is on display in Canberra.

The remnants of Ein Habesor were found on a small hill in the center of the park. This was an Egyptian crossroads from the late fourth century B.C.E.

The springs flow at the foot of the hill, in the channel. The spring water creates a wonderful pool with quite warm water (20 degrees centigrade year-round).