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Figure Eight Pools

Royal National Park

Overview

The Figure Eight Pools rock platform can become very crowded. Photo: David Croft/OEH

Figure Eight Pools in Royal National Park. Photo: Claire Competiello/OEH

People walking along steep rock face to Figure Eight Pools. Photo: Claire Competiello/OEH

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Map of Figure Eight Pools in Royal National Park

Get directions

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.

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
Where: Royal National Park in Sydney and surrounds, South Coast
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.

Cascacdes at Kingfisher Pool, Heathcote National Park. Photo: Nick Cubbin/OEH

Download our app

The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.

Hand holding a phone with NSW National Parks app on screen. Photo: Branden Bodman/DPIE

Tours and events at this location

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.
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

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.
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

See more visitor info