

6–9 hours
Full day: Coast highlights (Garie or Coast Track section)
Pick Garie for surf and SLSC patrols in season, or a Coast Track section if you want cliffs and heath. Always carry water and check gates.
Best for: Walkers comfortable on uneven tracks; not ideal in extreme heat
— checked against NPWS / BeachSafe where applicable.
Check NPWS alerts →Step 1
Choose your focus
Garie Beach for swimming/surfing with facilities (patrols seasonal), or a marked Coast Track section (Otford or Bundeena ends) if you want walking. Do not invent a “loop the whole coast” first day.
Open guide →Step 2
Pack for exposure
2+ litres water minimum, sun protection, closed-toe shoes, offline map, snacks. Heath and cliff tops have little shade. Tell someone your route and ETA.
Open guide →Step 3
Figure 8 only if conditions allow
Do not force Figure 8 Pools onto a tired full day. Low tide and calm, flat surf only — read the safety guide or book a suitable guided option from Tours. Backup: Wattamolla or Audley.
Open guide →Step 4
Exit before gates lock
Gates lock in the evening (confirm on NPWS). Turn around with time for the walk out plus traffic. Headlamp if there is any chance of a late finish.
Open guide →
Pack notes
- Extra water and electrolytes in summer
- Layers for wind on exposed cliff sections
- Headlamp and charged phone
- Printed or offline map for Coast Track segments
If things go wrong
- Heat or fire danger high → cancel or switch to Audley / short shaded walk
- Injury or fatigue → reverse early; do not push to Figure 8
- Gates worry → start earlier or choose a shorter segment
Related guides
Unofficial guide — always verify conditions with NSW National Parks and BeachSafe before visiting.
What next?