The Figure Eight Pools (or Figure 8 Pools) are a cluster of rock holes worn into a sandstone shelf in the Royal National Park, the best known shaped so neatly it forms the number eight. Getting there takes a steep 3 km walk each way, and they are only safe at low tide on a calm, flat sea, which makes this a trip for fit walkers who plan ahead.
Key facts
- Type
- Natural pool
- Facilities and access
- Reached by a walk from Garie or Bundeena side; no facilities
- Cost
- Free to the pools; national park parking fee
- Lifeguards
- No
- Parking
- Garawarra Farm car park, 3 km walk
- Dogs
- Not allowed (national park)
- Best time to go
- Low tide, calm flat sea, before midday
- Town
- Royal National Park, NSW
What it's like
The shelf sits right at sea level below the cliffs south of Burning Palms Beach, pocked with round pools, and the famous one really does look drawn with a compass. This is a place to look, take photos and slip in for a dip, not to swim laps. It is also a genuinely dangerous spot. At high tide the pools are under water, and even at low tide a set of big waves can sweep across the shelf with little warning; people have been seriously hurt and killed here.
When to go
Go only at low tide on a calm, flat day. NSW National Parks publishes a wave-risk forecast and safety alerts for the pools: check both that morning and turn back if either warns against it. Aim to reach the pools before midday so the climb out is done in daylight.
Getting there and facilities
Drive to Garawarra Farm car park, where there are toilets and a national park parking fee applies. From there it's about 3 km each way, down a steep, uneven track through rainforest to Burning Palms, then a rock-hop south along the shore. Allow three to four hours return, and carry water, food and a small first aid kit, as there's nothing at the pools and little phone reception.
Good to know
The walk isn't suitable for young children or prams. Wear shoes with grip, because the shelf is slick with algae. Never turn your back on the sea.