Figure Eight Pools
Royal National Park
Overview
Figure Eight Pools is located on a dangerous rock shelf in Sydney's Royal National Park near Burning Palms Beach. Plan your trip using the wave risk forecast.
Figure Eight Pools is located on a dangerous rock shelf in Sydney's Royal National Park near Burning Palms Beach. Plan your trip using the wave risk forecast.
Don't risk it - plan your trip
Getting there – it’s a long walk!
- It’s a long, hard 6km walk on a steep track in a remote area.
- The walk takes 2 hours each way. Give it a miss if you’re not feeling fit.
- Aim to get to Figure Eight Pools before midday. No one wants to walk back up that hill in the dark, and park gates are locked by 8.30pm.
- Take care, the terrain is steep, uneven, and not suitable for young children or prams.
- If you must visit, look at a map first and wear the right shoes. This isn’t the place for thongs or high heels.
Walking directions
- Start the walk at Garawarra Farm carpark, off Garie Road
- The track winds down a steep hill, before it meets The Coast Track which you follow to Burning Palms Beach
- Continue walking south from Burning Palms Beach to Figure Eight Pools
- Return the same way
- This is a 6km-return walk and takes 2 hours each way
Only visit at low tide
- Use our risk forecast to plan your trip. Don’t go if it's mid tide, high tide, or if stormy weather is forecast.
- Never turn your back on the ocean.
- When you get to the rock shelf, stop and watch the waves for a bit before walking to the rock pools.
- Surf conditions at Figure Eight Pools change quickly. The ocean can be calm for a couple of minutes before a series of big waves can suddenly smash the rock shelf.
Regular injuries
Injuries happen at Figure Eight Pools all the time. Don’t let it be you.
People often get dragged across the rock shelf by freak waves. We’ve seen head injuries, broken bones, and bad cuts and bruises from slipping on rocks.
Some injured people had to stay overnight because there’s no emergency access. Think it can’t happen to you?
Emergency rescue
- In case of an emergency, ring Triple Zero (000) if you can get mobile coverage, which is limited.
- There are no lifeguards or rescue services nearby so you could be waiting a long time for help if you’re injured.
- If Emergency Services have to attend, they'll either have to walk down, or in extreme cases, you may need to wait overnight…and then have to pay for it!
- So, before you go, tell someone your plans and what time you’re coming back.
What to bring
It’s a hot, thirsty, difficult walk and there are no facilities. No toilet, no water, no food, no bins.
If you must visit, pack this:
- 2 litres of water per person
- Snacks
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Closed shoes
- Fully-charged mobile phone
- First-aid kit
Visit Figure Eight Pools on a guided tour
Despite warnings, some can’t resist the temptation for a selfie. If you have to go, take a safe option and go there on a guided tour. Choose from tours offered by Emu Trekkers and M8 Explorer.
Both are NSW National Parks Certified Tour Operators. Their tours will only operate during low tide, low swell and safe ocean conditions.
Have a backup plan and pick another place to visit if conditions are dangerous on the day you planned to go.
- Type
- Lookouts
- Entry fees
- Park entry fees apply
- Please note
Skip busy Royal, head to Heathcote
Royal National Park sure is beautiful, and it sure is popular. Avoid the traffic jams and crowds by cruising straight into its stunning neighbour and weekend paradise: Heathcote National Park.
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Tours and events at this location
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Figure Eight Pools adventure with M8 Explorer
Awaken your inner explorer with an exciting tour of Figure Eight Pools in Royal National Park. Start with a paddle down the Hacking River before trekking down to the pools to discover amazing rock formations, wildlife and spectacular coastal scenery.
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The Coast Track and Figure Eight Pools experience
Join award-winning Emu Trekkers on The Coast Track in the Royal National Park, near Sydney. You’ll experience stunning views and have the chance to safely visit the Figure Eight Pools if the weather conditions permit.
Also see
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Garawarra Farm carpark
Garawarra Farm carpark is in the Garie area of Royal National Park, just off Garie Road. It has toilets and is the starting point for a number of walks including Figure Eight Pools.
-
Palm Jungle loop track
A challenging yet spectacular walk, Palm Jungle loop track takes in rainforest, cliff tops, beaches and scenic coastal views in Royal National Park, near Otford.
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Royal National Park Visitor Centre
- 8.30am to 4.30pm daily. Closed Christmas Day.
- 02 9542 0648
- 1300 072 757 for campground and cottage bookings
- npws.royal@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 2 Lady Carrington Drive, Audley, NSW 2232
Park info
- in Royal National Park in the Sydney and surrounds and South Coast regions
Royal National Park is open 7am to 8.30pm but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
$12 per vehicle per day. Payment options include Audley Visitor Centre, vehicle entry stations, pay machines and the Park’nPay app.
Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).
Buy annual pass
What's nearby:
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