Everything You Need To Know About Sydneys Figure Eight Pools

The naturally formed tidal pools at Sydney’s Royal National Park are shaped in perfect figures of eight, making this a very popular destination for travellers the world over. They are only reachable by a demanding six-kilometre (3.7-mile) hike, but your reward when you get there is a refreshing dip into heaven.

You can’t see the full depth of the Figure Eight Pools because they are underwater. The waves wash over the whole rock shelf, meaning that there is a risk attached to being there in adverse weather conditions. But it also creates a quite magnificent view across the ocean, much like an infinity pool.

How to find the Figure Eight Pools at Sydney’s Royal National Park

The Figure Eight Pools are located on a dangerous rock platform in Sydney’s Royal National Park, very near to Burning Palms Beach. You can drive to the Garrawarra Farm Carpark in the park, but that’s as far as a car can take you. The rest of the journey happens on foot. You need to allow at least two hours for the walk from your vehicle to the Figure Eight Pools’ rock platform, and a further two hours to return.

How to plan your visit properly

Only visit during low tide and on a day with low swell; otherwise, you’ll have a wasted journey. The 6km (3.7mi) walk can be demanding as it’s steep, narrow, slippery and difficult to navigate. So, make sure you’re in reasonably good health before you attempt the uneven hike.

It’s worth noting that there are no facilities once you get there, too, so bring plenty of water because it’s a remote location. Along with water and snacks, don’t forget to pack a fully charged mobile phone, a first-aid kit, some suntan lotion and a hat in case the weather takes a turn.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.