There are few places quite like the Figure 8 Pools in Royal National Park. It’s not just the unique shaped pool but the whole setting.
In recent years they have had a lot of bad press, but the truth is that visiting here should never be dangerous. All the resources are out there to make sure you are not put at risk and - if they are heeded - people can go on enjoying this spot for years to come.
We had one of the best mornings we’ve ever had in our six years of living in Sydney at this spot, and we’re going to share everything we know to help make sure you also have an amazing trip.
Here’s what no one tells you about the Figure of 8 Pools, plus a blow by blow account of the walk to get there - which is one of our favourites in the park.
12 things no one tells you about the Figure of 8 Pools
1. They can be dangerous but they don’t have to be
This is the most important thing to understand before making a trip out to the pools. There have been several deaths over the years and sadly they should never have happened.
The majority have occurred when people have ignored all warning signs and headed out to the pools despite extreme conditions.
That doesn’t make it any less tragic, but you really do have to treat the area and warnings with respect. We can’t say this strongly enough: only visit during low risk conditions. We turned back on three attempts when we realised the conditions weren’t right.
There have been calls to close this area off completely because of the deaths and it all comes down to people not respecting the environment.
Yes freak accidents can still happen but that’s true of any bush walk, anywhere. Sorry, rant over.
2. There’s a chart telling you when it’s safe
The thing you must do before planning your visit is to use the incredible risk factor chart provided by Parks NSW.
The first few times we attempted to visit the pools this resource didn’t exist and you had to try and find the tide and the swell times yourself. This led to us getting it wrong and turning back on no less than three separate occasions (you can see the conditions are off long before you reach the pools from a lookout along the track).
After using the chart our fourth trip was a breeze and we had the most incredible time.
A screenshot of the risk chart provided by Parks NSW
The risk factor chart will give you the conditions hour by hour up to four days in advance - although do check up the night before to make sure nothing has changed.
We decided that we would only visit when the risk factor was low - what’s the point of chancing moderate when you don’t have to? They do have a rating for very low risk, but we tracked the website for weeks and never saw it go to very low.
When the risk is low you are only really facing the possibility of a freak wave crashing over the rock shelf. We hike a lot and considered this to be the normal kind of risk you might take on many walks.
As it was, we were mindful of the waves and watched out for any big ones, but had a completely safe trip which never gave us cause for concern.
Use the chart, choose only low risk, and have an amazing time!
3. There is only one proper Figure 8 Pool (well kind of…..)
The fact that everyone calls this area the Figure of 8 Pools is slightly misleading because there is in fact just one figure of 8 pool. Well one perfect one anyway.
There is another one which is close, and then several other pools of different shapes and sizes.
Because of this, if you visit when it’s crowded you will have to queue to get in, or photograph the one perfectly shaped pool.
4. The majority of the walk is easy
The truth is that because so many people visit during high risk and even extreme conditions, parks literature have had to overhype how difficult they say the walk is in an attempt to try and put people off. Makes sense.
We’re only spilling the beans here because if you’re reading this you’ve already read you need to use the risk factor chart, so we don’t need to worry!
The walk to the pools for the vast majority of the way is easy, and is in the process of being made even easier. A substantial amount has been boardwalked, with more being laid every day. There are still some parts of the forest walk which have tree roots and rocks to watch out for but it won’t be for long.
It is all downhill on the way and uphill on the way back, so you do need to be able to walk uphill for a couple of kilometres but it’s not hard, you can stop as much as you like!
The bit that is a little trickier is the final kilometre which involves walking over rocks which can be a bit loose and slippery at points.
Take your time and watch your footing and you’ll be fine - I was slow on this bit but Joe found it a breeze.
5. They get seriously crowded
As in reeeeeally crowded.
We’re talking 50-100 people around one teeny tiny pool. If that doesn’t sound like fun to you, you need to pick your timing carefully.
It didn’t sound fun to us and we turned back once, not because of conditions but because of crowds. One quick google search will show you what to expect on a crowded day.
Personally I think crowds probably make it more dangerous too, if a wave comes someone could knock into you.
Crowds also spoil the magic a little, but don’t worry we have you covered with a solution in our next point…..
6. But you can get it to yourself!
We had the Figure of 8 Pools to ourselves for over an hour and half.
Although obviously we can’t guarantee it will work for you, we feel pretty confident if you follow this advice you should at least find it very quiet if not completely empty!
We decided to visit in winter, midweek and at sunrise. We waited until the low risk hours matched up with sunrise and went for it! Not being morning people, when the alarm went off at 4.30am we groaned and considered sacking it off, but thank goodness we didn’t.
The best time to go - sunrise
It was one of the most memorable mornings of our entire six years in Sydney.
Not only did we hike down to the pools under the stars, watch the sunrise over the ocean and hang out on the rock shelf all by ourselves (which makes it feel so much more wild!), but we also saw four whales breaching right beside us. It already feels like a dream!
You might be thinking that winter is a bit cold to get in the pool - and you’re right - but it was definitely invigorating. I was on a natural high for the rest of the day!
If that’s totally not your thing, you could try sunrise in summer which is a lot earlier than in winter, which may also put people off! If you do, let us know how it goes!
7. They are spectacular at sunrise and sunset
We’ve visited at sunrise and sunset. Well, if you count being almost at the pools before turning back at sunset! What we can tell you, is the light at both times is gorgeous.
It was very special watching the sunrise from the rock shelf, but photography is slightly easier at sunset. We’d recommend sunrise for no crowds though.
Golden glow at sunrise for the Figure 8 Pools
Just make sure you walk back over the rocks in the twilight and not in the dark so you can watch your footing and keep an eye on the waves.
Always make sure the risk factor says low for several hours in a row around the time you plan to visit so you can make the rock crossing when it’s safe.
8. The pool sits at the bottom of a cliff on a really wild coastline
The pool is pretty cool but it’s the whole setting which really makes this place really special. I can imagine if you turn and see 50 other people all queuing to look at the same tiny pool you might be somewhat underwhelmed.
This was a calm day by the Figure 8 Pool
The real beauty is in taking in the entire scene, the rolling ocean. the craggy cliffs and the gorgeous Burning Palms Beach.
You can even see the Sea Cliff Bridge in the distance! You feel very small and humbled on that rock shelf in the middle of ocean and there’s no better feeling than that!
9. The Figure 8 Pools are an amazing place to see whales
If you are planning a visit to the pools between May and October you might just be in for a treat.
We saw four whales up close from the rock shelf, in what was the most incredible sighting I’ve ever had, and I’ve done three of the whale watching boat tours!
They were breaching, tail flapping and blowing constantly. Of course this was lucky but the whale action in Royal National Park is renowned, which is another reason to make the trip in winter! If you don’t get lucky, there are also plenty of other spots you can see them around Sydney, here are our favourites.
10. There are two routes to get there and one is much easier
You can either start the walk to the Figure of 8 Pools at Garrawarra Farm or Otford Lookout. The shortest route is from Garrawarra Farm at 6.4km return.
This is the route we took on our sunrise mission, and the one we’ve detailed below. We’ve also been from Otford Lookout but the only reason to do this, is if you want a longer hike.
If so, we’d recommend the whole 8.2km Palm Jungle Loop, from which you can make a short detour to the pools.
11. You can take a tour if you’re not confident
If you feel nervous about the idea of taking this on independently or you’re a solo traveller and would like to team up with people, there is one official tour operator licensed to take groups to the pools.
These small group tours are a full day Royal National Park adventure taking you both to the pools and other secluded beaches along the coast track.
You can find out more by checking them out on Get Your Guide.
12. The Karloo Pools are a great alternative
If this all sounds a bit much Sydney is full of incredible wild swimming opportunities! We have many favourites in Royal National Park, try checking Karloo Pools which is a magnificent emerald swimming hole surrounded by tree covered cliffs, or Winifred Falls where you can swim underneath a waterfall!
The walk to the Figure of 8 Pools
The stats
Distance: 6.4km
Elevation: 246m
Difficulty: Moderate
As we said earlier, in the right conditions, the walk to the Figure 8 Pool is moderate. The trail until the end of Burning Palms Beach is primarily boardwalk and downhill. After that the trail is rougher, crossing rocks that can get slippery after rain. Make sure you check the weather, tide timetable and swell chart before you go.
We recommend allowing three hours for the trail and to enjoy the pool (after all, you made all the effort to get there)!
Starting the trail from Garawarra Farm
The easiest way to get to the Figure of 8 Pools is from the car park at Garrawarra Farm. After three previous failed attempts to reach the pools we’re happy to say we planned this one to perfection (even if we do say so ourselves, haha)!
We decided to visit at sunrise for the best light and also to avoid the crowds, the crowds make all the difference when it comes to enjoying the Figure of 8 Pools to the max!
The track on the way back (so we could show you what it looks like!)
Anyway back to the trail, you’ll immediately head into the forest and begin descending. This used to be a roughish track but now the majority of it has been boardwalked, with more being laid as we speak. That makes the descent so much easier.
You’ll still hit sections with rocks and tree roots but there is no scrambling involved and we managed it in the dark with no problems. It’s roughly a kilometre before you come out of the forest and get your first ocean views - or ocean sounds if you’re heading down in the dark like we were!
As this is a return walk, even if you are going in the dark, you don’t miss out on this gorgeous part of the walk.
Leaving the bush
It’s from this next section of boardwalk where you will see one of my favourite views in all of Sydney, down to Burning Palms Beach.
This beach is an absolute beauty and my number one in Royal National Park, if not the whole city.
You will also get a view out to the rock shelf which the Figure of 8 Pools are located on.
There’s a signpost here telling you not to go further if you can see waves crashing over the shelf.
This is the point we have abandoned the walk on two other occasions - luckily for you the fantastic new risk forecaster we mentioned above means this should virtually never happen now.
If you’ve gone when it’s low risk, it is highly unlikely huge waves will be coming over the shelf.
The odd freak wave can always happen but it should be just that, a freak incident, not a regular occurrence.
Onto Burning Palms
After a further 300m descending on boardwalk you’ll reach a junction which is well signposted. You’ll turn right for Burning Palms and the Figure of 8 Pools.
From here you’ll continue descending but this time on wooden stairs, it’s not such a well maintained section of trail but it’s still decent and not difficult.
You’ll soon see a few houses, yes a small community actually does live in this remote paradise! Everything they need has to be hiked in which seems pretty incredible in today’s society.
We always make sure to walk through quietly, particularly in the early morning or evening so as not to disturb anyone.
After another 500m you’ll see a little path to your left which leads down to the beach. It truly is an incredible place, we’ve visited many times and I am taken aback every time, there’s just something about it.
There are huge cliffs either side of it and the sand is pristine. We were starting to get the first colour in the sky at this point of the walk and it was a truly spectacular sight.
After walking along the sand to the end of the beach you’ll hit the rocks.
The rocky scramble to the Figure of 8 Pools
This is the only part of the walk that is not quite so easy.
It does involve scrambling over rocks for almost a kilometre. Quite often the rocks are small which I think makes it a little more difficult as these are the ones that are more likely to move or get a little slippery.
Our best advice is to take the path behind the rocks, along the grass, straight up from the beach for as long as it continues.
This will avoid one section of rocks and speed you up a bit. Inevitably this green patch ends and the rock hopping begins.
Just pick your way carefully over the rocks, there’s no set path, just choose the one of least resistance. As you are walking when the risk forecast is low there shouldn’t be any issues with waves along the way (again bar a freak incident).
For me this made it much more relaxing than the first few times I tried, when we had worked out the risk on our own and were not sure we’d got it right!
After 500m you’ll reach a rocky shelf and little beach which is much easier to walk along for a bit, it’s a favourite spot with rock fishers.
You’ll then have roughly 150m more rock hopping before you hit a second shelf. There is a ledge which is quite narrow to walk along, but it wasn’t slippery on our visit even though it was wet, and it’s not unnerving.
The rocky beach
There is then just one more stint of a few hundred metres rock hopping to go before you’ll arrive at the large rock shelf that contains the Figure of 8 Pool plus several other small water holes.
If you’re there without anyone else you will have to scan for the right pool but you’ll spot it quickly, if you’ve come during the day then the crowds will guide you!
The entire elevation gain for the walk to the pools is only 14m, so you’ll see that it’s easy on the way there and a bit more challenging on the way back.
The Figure of 8 Pools
We’re hoping you’ve managed to luck out like we did and get this spot to yourself in which case it’s time to jump in the pool!
It’s actually pretty deep and I could only touch the bottom when standing in the middle. It’s not really big enough to swim but you can get a few strokes in!
It does feel pretty special to sit in the pool and look around at the incredible scenery. It just feels so wild and remote.
The water is pretty cool year round but I went for a bracing dip in winter, and winter is when you will get the best chance of getting it to yourself.
If there are many people around we’ve heard that queues form to use the pool, but there are several others you can hang out in, in between.
If you’ve come at sunrise or sunset you’ll get the added bonus of watching that, which really enhanced the experience for us, not to mention the fact we saw four whales!
Heading back
You follow the same path back, and as mentioned from Burning Palms onwards it is almost all uphill. You can take your time though and the terrain isn’t difficult.
We stopped to appreciate Burning Palms in the day light which is a must. The final kilometre in the forest is also gorgeous with huge Cabbage tree palms and other jungly plants to entertain you on the climb. All in all the walk is one of the best in Sydney, you just have to time it right!
Packing suggestions for the Figure 8 Pools
Having the right gear can make a huge difference. Here’s what we pack and have relied upon for years:
Sunscreen: Cancer Council Active. With a high SPF, but not the greasy feel of other sunscreens. Makes a big difference when you’re working up a sweat on a sunny day! Check it out on Amazon
Good Rain Jacket: North Face This is an essential item we always pack in our bag! This jacket from North Face is designed to keep you dry but also comfortably warm (many rain jackets will make you feel like you’re in a sauna). Check it out on Amazon
Day Pack: Osprey Talon 22 (we’ve owned this for years). Check on Amazon or direct with Osprey
Hiking Boots: Merrell Moab (for men and women). We’ve both used these for over three years and they just keep going. Check them out on Amazon
Trekking poles: We’ve used Black Diamond for years as they are light, solid and durable. Check them out on Amazon.
Reusable water bottle: To avoid single-use plastic. Check them out on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions about the Figure of 8 Pools walk
Can you swim in the Figure 8 Pools?
Well, not really… Firstly, there is only one Figure 8 Pool. Secondly it is tiny - two strides and you’ve crossed the length of the pool. Then there’s the crowds!
It’s really a natural plunge pool. So while you can go in the Figure 8 Pool, you can’t really swim in it.
How long is the walk to the Figure 8 Pools?
3.2km each way, and it should take about 30 - 45 minutes depending on how quickly you can go over the rocky section.
How do you get to the Figure 8 Pool?
Firstly you will need to drive to the Garrawarra Farm Car Park in Royal National Park (which has a $12 entrance fee). From Garrawarra Farm it is a 3.2km walk downhill, across a beach and then some rocks to the pool.
When is the best time to go to the Figure 8 Pool?
At low tide and a low swell. You should prioritise safety first. If you can plan ahead, then if you can get a low tide and low swell at sunrise or sunset, this will be the best time to go. You will avoid the crowds and have a much better experience.
Essential info
Royal National Park entrance fee
If arriving by car you’ll have to pay the $12 vehicle entry fee which will either be collected at the ticket booth on the way in, or there are ticket machines at the Garrawarra Farm car park. The ticket is valid all day if you want to visit other parts of the park.
If you plan on visiting several parks in a year you may want to purchase the $65 NSW annual parks pass which includes all parks except Kosciusko.
The road to Garrawarra Farm
The final 1.5km of the road to the car park is dirt. Depending on recent weather it can be a bit bumpy, definitely passable for a 2WD but you might want to drive slowly.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, that we will earn a small commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase. This helps towards the costs of running our website. Thanks for your support.
Like it? Pin it!
Follow us on Social Media
Are you planning an adventure to the Figure 8 Pools? What is your favourite walk in Royal National Park? Let us know in the comments below!
