Figure 8 Pools – Royal National Park
Figure 8 Pools: The Ultimate Guide to Sydney's Most Iconic Rock Pool
The Figure 8 Pools are a natural phenomenon located on a dangerous rock shelf in the Royal National Park. While the perfectly circular "8" shape is a marvel of geology and a bucket-list item for photographers, this is not your average swimming hole.
Reaching the pools requires a challenging hike, a scramble across slippery boulders, and—most importantly—perfect tidal conditions. If you don't plan this trip around the ocean's schedule, you won't just miss the pools; you could be putting yourself in serious danger. For safer Royal National Park swimming spots, explore Wattamolla Beach, Karloo Pools, or Curracurrang Falls.
Quick Stats
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Distance: 7km return (from Garawarra Farm)
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Time: 3–5 hours (including time at the pools)
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Grade: Hard (Extremely steep hills and slippery rock hopping)
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Requirement: Low tide (under 0.7m) and low swell (under 1.5m).
The Most Important Step: Check the Risk Forecast
Before you even put on your hiking boots, you must check the National Parks (NPWS) Wave Risk Forecast.
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Tides: The pools are only visible and safe to approach at Low Tide.
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Swell: Even at low tide, a high swell can send "freak waves" crashing across the shelf.
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The Rule: If the NPWS website says the risk is "Medium" or "High," do not go.
How to Get to Figure 8 Pools
The journey starts at the Garawarra Farm car park, accessible via Garie Road in the Royal National Park.
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The Descent: Follow the Burgh Ridge Track down toward the coast. It is a steep, beautiful walk with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
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Burning Palms Beach: Once you reach the bottom, walk south along the sand of Burning Palms Beach.
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The Rock Scramble: At the southern end of the beach, the track ends. You must scramble across the rock platform for about 15–20 minutes to reach the pools.
Swimming at the Pools
The "Figure 8" is the star, but there are dozens of other sinkholes and pools on the shelf.
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The "8": The main pool is deep enough to dip into, but it's smaller than it looks in photos—expect to wait your turn if it's a weekend.
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The Water: It's crystal clear and filled with small sea creatures.
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The Photo: For the best shot, have your photographer stand on the higher ledge looking down into the "8."
What to Bring & Wear
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Proper Footwear: Do not wear flip-flops. You need sneakers or hiking boots with good grip for the slippery rocks.
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Water & Snacks: There are zero facilities once you leave the car park. Bring at least 2L of water per person.
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First Aid: It is common to get small cuts from the barnacles on the rock shelf. Pack some antiseptic wipes and band-aids. Discover more NSW swimming spots in our complete guide.
