Before going to the figure 8's check the tide forecast. Otherwise you could walk there and be disappointed by not seeing the pools. As it needs to be low tide. So you need to plan to arrive at the pools on low tide. Also takes over an hour to walk there through the bush down to the beach over the rocks. You will know when you are there as there's a lot of people there.
Great walk through the national park and along the beach. Bit of a trek to get in across the rocks but worth it to get to the pool. Can get a bit busy with so many people wanting to see it and take photos. Beautiful views though.
My friends and I hiked about 10km from the Otford train station to the figure 8 pools and it was worth every step! Coming out of the train station you head up all those steps then that huge hill and then make a left to get started on the coastal track. After that, you just keep walking and there are a few map posts along the way which are really helpful. I went in the beginning of winter, the hike was perfect temperature but the water was a little cold. The hardest part of the hike was crossing over all the rocks to get to them. I was in Sydney for 3 weeks and this was my absolute favorite thing I did. You certainly do not need to pay $100 + to do a tour of this. It is very accessible via train, only costs $10 but be prepared to spend the entire day there!!
We checked the official website and tide and everything. It was a sunny day and the walk was great. Though there are rocks and stuff on the way, the walk in general wasn't too bad. The Pool itself was not as amazing as I expected, perhaps because the light wasn't great. But we had fun dipping our feet in the ice freezing water. Make sure you bring swimming suit and spare change. It is a must to get yourself into the pool at least for one second!
If you have a day spare to explore Sydney this is not one to be missed. Drive from Sydney is around 60-90min into the royal national park. Burning palms beach is a nice start to the hike to the Figure 8 pools.
It's described as a scramble over rocks, but isn't the hardest of walks to get to. Once there, there is the main pool "figure 8" as it is named, and some smaller circular rock pools also. Coastal views are superb and another bonus of the hike. Some people go close to high tide, but recommend not especially if you aren't a confident walker; just incase the tide comes up quick. We went at low tide. The rock pools are still deep and much safer!!
Take water and sunscreen.
