Serious safety risk — injuries happen here regularly. Only visit at low tide with calm surf.
Check NPWS wave forecast →
Figure 8 Pools, Royal National Park
Exposed rock shelf — visit only at low tide with calm, flat surf. Skip if there is swell. This is not a casual swim.
The pools sit on an exposed rock shelf south of Burning Palms Beach. Social media drove visitor numbers — many hike without checking tides or swell.Do not treat this like a casual beach day.
— checked against NPWS / BeachSafe where applicable.
Check NPWS alerts →If conditions fail
- Swell or tide wrong at home: do not leave for Garawarra “to see.” Backup: Wattamolla or Audley.
- Shelf looks wet or sets are landing: turn around at Burning Palms. There is no safe “just the first pool.”
- Pairing ban: do not combine Figure 8 with the full Coast Track or a late Wattamolla stop. Rescue access is poor; gates still lock.
- Official vs sign: NPWS wave-risk and alerts beat a fingerpost that only shows kilometres. If official advice says stay off the shelf, the brown sign is not permission.
At a glance
Quick numbers before you commit — conditions matter more than fitness.
~6 km return from Garawarra Farm carpark
~2 hours each way on steep coastal track
Low tide with calm, flat surf only — check NPWS forecast first
None on track or at the pools — bring everything you need
NPWS essentials
Official rules and practical realities for this walk.
Before midday — allow time for the walk and your tide window
Steep track — no prams
Day trip from Garawarra, not part of the full coastal hike
Share your plans and expected return time before you leave
Mobile coverage is limited — call 000 in an emergency
$12 per vehicle per day · gates lock at 8:30 pm
When is it safe?
- Only at low tide with calm, flat surf per NPWS
- Check the wave risk forecast before leaving home
- Watch the ocean for several minutes before stepping onto the rock shelf
- Never turn your back on the ocean
- Backup plan: Wattamolla or Audley on risky days
How to get there
Separate day walk from Garawarra — not a Coast Track through-hike.
- Park at Garawarra Farm carpark
- Steep track down to the Coast Track → Burning Palms → rock shelf to the south
- ~6 km return, ~2 hrs each way — allow buffer for tide and photography
Park hours 7:00 am – 8:30 pm; gates lock at 8:30 pm.
Garawarra Farm
Trailhead & access photos
What you’ll see at the carpark — map boards, Burgh Ridge signs and ParknPay. Tap to enlarge.
What to bring
2+ litres of water, snacks, hat and sunscreen
Closed-toe shoes with grip on wet rock
Charged phone and basic first-aid kit
Emergency Plus app for offline location sharing
Guided experiences
NPWS-listed tours with safety briefings — useful if you are unsure about tides or track conditions.
Official first, then stays
Related guides
Unofficial guide — always verify conditions with NSW National Parks and BeachSafe before visiting.