Figure Eight Pools

Type

Lookouts

Where

Royal National Park

Grade

Hard. Pack the right stuff to cope with a difficult, 3-4 hour walk.

Please note

You are at risk if you go to Figure Eight Pools

• Don’t visit at mid tide or high tide
• Check the swell or wave size before setting off
• Don’t go if there are big waves or storms
• Surf conditions change quickly, stay alert at all times.
• When conditions are dangerous, go somewhere else.

Injuries happen at Figure Eight Pools all the time. Don’t let it be you.

• People have suffered large cuts, bruises and scratches from being washed over the rock platform.
• Sprained ankles and wrists are not uncommon after people slip on rocks or take the wrong track
• Injured people have had to stay overnight because there is no emergency access

The walk is long and hard 

• Be ready to walk at least 3 hours – it's hard.
• The track is slippery, steep and rocky.
• Allow at least 4 hours for the whole journey from Garrawarra Farm car park
• Leave extra time for the trip back uphill

In an emergency:

• Call Triple Zero (000)
• There is no quick access to the rock platform
• There is limited mobile coverage

Going anyway and want that perfect photo?

• Only go at low tide and when the waves are small
• Morning sun is better for that perfect shot
• Don’t wait in line – avoid the crowds by going in the week.

Do the right thing

• Take your rubbish home with you
• Don’t leave toilet paper 
• Stay on designated tracks
• Keep a low voice through the forest to reduce animal disturbances and increase sightings 
• Take photos, not souvenirs.

Try these top instagrammable locations close to Sydney instead:

• South Head, Sydney Harbour National Park
• Weeping Rock at Wentworth Falls picnic area, Blue Mountains National Park
• Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park
• America Bay walking track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Getting there

Figure Eight Pools is located on a coastal rock shelf dotted with natural rockpools – including one in the shape of a figure eight.

The return walk to Figure Eight Pools is extremely challenging. Starting at Garrawarra Farm carpark, it's a rocky walk that winds down a coastal escarpment, before you meet the Coast Track which you follow along the coast to Burning Palms Beach.

Aim to get there before midday (and at low tide) because no one wants to walk back up that hill in the dark after sunset.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

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Tours and events at this location