Figure 8 Pools access is only safe at low tide with calm surf. Read the full safety guide before visiting.
Figure 8 Pools safety →Burning Palms Beach
A steep walk-in surf beach and the gateway to Figure 8 Pools — treat surf and tides with extreme caution.
- GBHR 7/10
- Patrolled (seasonal)
- Southern coast
- See access tips
At a glance
Hazard rating, patrol status and region — always check live conditions before you swim.
GBHR 7/10 on BeachSafe scale
Patrolled (seasonal)
Southern coast
Planning your visit
Steep track from Garawarra Farm carpark (~1 hour down, longer up). No shops, water or toilets on the beach — pack everything.
Cooler months for the climb. Burning Palms SLSC patrols Sundays and public holidays Oct–Apr, plus Saturdays in Dec–Jan. Figure 8 Pools side trip only at low tide with calm surf — see our safety guide.
Figure 8 Pools (separate high-risk walk), Palm Jungle Loop, and Garie Beach.
Overview
Burning Palms is a remote surf beach in the Lilyvale area, reached by a steep track from Garawarra Farm carpark. Near-constant rips create good surf but hazardous swimming.
Burning Palms SLSC patrols on Sundays and public holidays October–April, plus Saturdays in December and January. This is the gateway for hikes to Figure 8 Pools — a separate, high-risk side trip.
Access
- Steep track from Garawarra Farm carpark (~1 hr down, longer up)
- No vehicle access to the sand
- Carry all supplies — no shops or drinking water
Figure 8 Pools
The pools are NOT on this beach — they are on an exposed rock shelf further south. Only visit at low tide with calm surf. See our dedicated Figure 8 Pools safety guide.
— checked against NPWS / BeachSafe where applicable.
Check NPWS alerts →What next?
Related guides
Unofficial guide — always verify conditions withNSW National ParksandBeachSafebefore visiting.