Figure Eight Pools

Getting there – it’s a long walk!

• It’s a long, hard 6-8km walk on a steep, narrow, slippery track in a remote area.
• The walk takes 4-5 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 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

If you plan to visit between 1 April and late June 2021 you'll need to plan your walk carefully because of various track closures.

If you plan to visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday:

• 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

If you plan to visit between Monday and Thursday:

• Start the walk at Garawarra Farm carpark, off Garie Road
• Walk along the Garrawarra Farm fire trail for about 3km and where you will re-join The Coast Track
• Follow the signs on The Coast Track to Figure Eight Pools
• This return-trip walk takes 5 hours in total

Or

• Start the walk from Otford lookout carpark
• Walk north along The Coast Track and follow the signs to Figure Eight Pools
• This is a 12km-return walk and takes over 2.5 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.