Figure Eight Pools

Royal National Park · Sutherland · New South Wales · Australia

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About Figure Eight Pools

Figure Eight Pools are natural ocean rock pools on a coastal rock platform in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney in New South Wales. Located near Burning Palms Beach within Australia's oldest national park, established in 1879, the pools are known for their distinct figure-eight shape formed by wave erosion. Accessible via a coastal bushwalk, they are a popular natural attraction that can only be safely visited at low tide and low swell.

Visitors guide

Visitors can expect a coastal bushwalk from Garawarra Farm car park through heath and forest to a exposed sandstone rock platform overlooking the Tasman Sea. The platform contains intertidal rock pools, including the distinct figure-eight shaped pools that fill with clear seawater. The setting is natural and undeveloped with ocean cliffs, views to Burning Palms Beach, and no facilities at the pools themselves. Access requires walking on uneven tracks and rock surfaces and is only possible at low tide and calm surf.

Key highlights

01
Distinct figure-eight shaped natural rock pools formed by wave erosion
02
Coastal rock platform with clear intertidal pools and ocean views
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Scenic 6 km return coastal walk via Burning Palms Beach and Garawarra Farm Trail
04
Located within Royal National Park, Australia's oldest national park
05

Route

By air	Fly to Sydney Airport (Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport), then drive or take train south to Royal National Park
By train	Train on Sydney Trains T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line to Otford Station or Cronulla Station, then connecting bus or walk
By road	Via Garawarra Road to Garawarra Farm car park in Royal National Park, about 45 km south of Sydney CBD; park entry fee applies for vehicles
By public transport	Train to Otford Station is the closest rail access for the southern coastal tracks; local bus services connect to Royal National Park from Cronulla and Sutherland
Nearest airport	Sydney Airport (Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport)
Nearest railway station	Otford Railway Station

Official website

Need to know

01Things to know before you go	Access is tide and swell dependent; only visit at low tide with swell forecast below 1 metre Check NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service alerts and Bureau of Meteorology tide and surf forecasts before visiting No lifeguard service at the rock platform or Burning Palms Beach Carry sufficient water, sun protection and wear sturdy non-slip footwear Mobile phone reception is limited on the track and platform
02Rules & restrictions	Do not visit the rock platform at high tide, large swell or rough conditions Swimming and entering pools is unsafe and prohibited in dangerous surf conditions Stay on marked tracks and do not create new paths No camping on the rock platform Take all rubbish with you; no bins at the pools Park entry fees apply for vehicles
03Safety information	Rock platform is extremely dangerous in high tide and large swell; waves can wash over the platform causing drowning risk Surfaces are slippery and uneven; risk of falls and injuries Check NSW NPWS Figure Eight Pools safety advice and do not visit if conditions are not rated as low risk Tell someone your plans and expected return time In an emergency call 000

Facilities listed

Reported facilities to help you plan your visit.

Car park at Garawarra Farm
Information signs at trackhead
Walking tracks and directional signage