Figure 8 Pools – Royal National Park
The Figure 8 Pools are a natural phenomenon on an exposed, dangerous rock shelf in the Royal National Park. The near-perfect "8" shape is a marvel of geology and a bucket-list shot for photographers, but this is not your average swimming hole.
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Reaching the pools takes a steep hike, a scramble across slippery boulders and, most importantly, the right tide and swell. 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. The pools are one of the swims in Swim New South Wales. For safer Royal National Park swimming spots, try Wattamolla Beach, Karloo Pools or Curracurrang Falls.
Figure 8 Pools Quick Stats
- Distance: About 6km return from Garawarra Farm car park
- Time: Around 2 hours each way, plus time at the pools
- Grade: Hard (very steep hills and slippery rock hopping)
- Conditions: Low tide and low swell only. Avoid it when the swell is over 1 metre.
- Park fees: Royal National Park vehicle entry fees apply.
Figure 8 Pools Tide Times and Safety: Check the Risk Forecast
Before you even put your hiking boots on, check the NSW National Parks (NPWS) wave risk forecast and the Figure 8 Pools safety checklist.
- Tides: The pools are only visible and safe to approach at low tide. Don't go at mid or high tide.
- Swell: Even at low tide, a big swell can send freak waves crashing across the shelf. People are regularly dragged across the rocks and injured here. Avoid it if the swell is over 1 metre.
- The rule: If the NPWS forecast says the risk is "Medium" or "High", don't go.
How to Get to Figure 8 Pools
The walk starts at the Garawarra Farm car park, off Garie Road in the Royal National Park.
- The descent: Follow the Burgh Ridge Track down towards the coast. It's a steep, beautiful walk with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Burning Palms Beach: Once you reach the bottom, walk south along the sand of Burning Palms Beach. You'll pass the heritage-listed Burning Palms shacks: they're private cabins, so stay off yards and verandahs and leave them undisturbed.
- The rock scramble: At the southern end of the beach, the track ends. From here it's about a 15 to 20 minute scramble across the rock platform to reach the pools.
Can You Swim at Figure 8 Pools?
The "Figure 8" is the star, but there are dozens of other sinkholes and pools on the shelf.
- 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 on a weekend, and never turn your back on the ocean while you're in it.
- The water: It's crystal clear and full of small sea creatures.
- The photo: For the best shot, have your photographer stand on the higher ledge looking down into the "8".
What to Bring and Wear
- Proper footwear: No thongs. You need closed shoes with good grip for the slippery rocks.
- Water and snacks: There are no facilities once you leave the car park. Bring at least 2L of water per person.
- First aid: Small cuts from barnacles on the rock shelf are common. Pack antiseptic wipes and band-aids.
Respect Dharawal Country: leave the rock platform's marine life as you found it and take all rubbish home. Discover more NSW swimming spots in Swim New South Wales.
Figure 8 Pools FAQs
When is the best time to visit Figure 8 Pools?
Only at low tide with a low swell. Check the NPWS wave risk forecast before you go, and don't go if it's rated Medium or High or the swell is over 1 metre.
How long is the walk to Figure 8 Pools?
It's about 6km return from Garawarra Farm car park and takes around 2 hours each way, including a steep descent and a rock scramble.
Do you need to pay to visit Figure 8 Pools?
Yes, Royal National Park vehicle entry fees apply.
Is Figure 8 Pools dangerous?
It can be. Freak waves regularly wash people across the rock shelf, causing head injuries, broken bones and cuts, so timing your visit to the tide and swell is essential.
