NOTE: Only accessible during low tide. Check time of Lowest Tide before going.

The Figure 8 Pool (and the whole rock platform) is under water when the tide rises.

Nice hike and coastal scenery along the way!

PRE-TRAVEL TIPS:

1. Always check the tide (nearest tide check point is Port Hacking) first. Plan to arrive at Garrawarra Farm Carpark about 1-2 hours before Lowest Tide time.

So if Lowest Tide is 1:30pm, plan to be at the carpark at 11:30am.

2. Walk/hike from Garrawarra Farm Carpark to Figure 8 Pool takes 1-2 hours one way. So, allow for 2-4 hours for the return trip.

Go only when there is daylight for the return trip.

3. Even at low tide the waves can come crashing on to the rock platforms, so be extra careful not to stand too close to the ocean waves. People have been swept out to sea before. Some didn’t survive.

4. Wear a good pair of enclosed shoes with good sole grip. Preferably wear good waterproof hiking shoes. Be warned: the rocks are slippery and sharp. Do not walk with bare feet or with slippers!

5. If you see green, yellow or brown on the rocks, assume it is slippery. Walk slowly with caution. Falling on sharp rocks is not fun.

6. You will be walking on uneven rocks and boulders to reach the Figure 8 Pool. So do not rush. Make sure your footing on the rock is stable before taking the next step. Find flat surfaces to walk on.

7. If weather is warm enough (day temperature >25 degrees celcius), you can go into the rock pools (natural holes formed in rock platform) for a dip. Wear swimwear and bring towel if you are keen.

8. There are limited portable toilets (2 male and 2 female) at the carpark. There is no toilet after you leave the carpark.

9. Bring water and food/snack in a backpack.

TIPS ON HOW TO GET THERE:

1. Drive to and park at Garrawarra Farm Carpark, in Royal National Park.

If you don’t have a NSW National Park Pass, you will have to pay $12 for parking at the ticket machines at the carpark.

2. Figure 8 Pool is about 6km walk from carpark. The trail is quite clear, so you won’t get lost.

At the time of writing this, proper boardwalk is being installed, so some parts are easy to walk while other parts require a bit of manoeuvring over tree roots, rocks and wet soil.

3. When you are on the hill looking down at the beach, there is a sign warning you not to go to Figure 8 Pool if the tide is crashing on or submerging the rock platforms.

If you value your life, listen to the warning. Do not go to Figure 8 Pool, or you will be swept out to the ocean by the crashing waves. The rocks are sharp.

4. After reaching the Burning Palms Beach, you will walk towards the rock platform. The 2nd rock platform is where the Figure 8 Pool is.

Have fun!!