Figure 8 Pool is a striking natural rock pool carved into the shape of a figure-eight on an exposed rock shelf at Burning Palms Beach, within Sydney's Royal National Park. Formed by millennia of wave erosion, the pool sits flush with the sandstone platform where the ocean constantly surges. Reached via a 3.2 km hike through coastal bushland from Garawarra Farm, this wild swimming hole offers a dramatic and unique experience — but only at calm low-tide conditions. The surrounding rock shelf holds several smaller sculpted pools, but the figure-eight formation is the iconic draw, set against a backdrop of vast Pacific horizons and rugged cliffs.
Figure 8 Pool
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 0.8 knPrecipitation 12 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Asad ShairaniDANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Figure 8 Pool has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Rogue waves and sweep currents danger
Freak waves can surge across the rock shelf without warning, dragging people off the platform into the ocean — multiple fatalities have occurred.
- Tidal access window danger
The pools are only safely approachable during low tide. Incoming and high tides submerge the rock shelf entirely, cutting off access.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Rogue waves and sweep currents
Freak waves can surge across the rock shelf without warning, dragging people off the platform into the ocean — multiple fatalities have occurred.
High risk: Tidal access window
The pools are only safely approachable during low tide. Incoming and high tides submerge the rock shelf entirely, cutting off access.
Moderate risk: Slippery rock platform
The sandstone rock shelf becomes extremely slippery when wet, increasing risk of falls, cuts, bruises and head injuries.
Moderate risk: Remote location with no emergency access
The trail is 3.2 km each way with no road or vehicle access. Injured visitors have had to stay overnight awaiting rescue.
Low risk: Sun exposure and dehydration
The exposed coastal trail and open rock shelf offer no shade. Hot conditions and lack of water/facilities pose heat-exhaustion risk.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
2 photos from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Park at Garawarra Farm carpark (off Garie Road, Royal National Park). From the carpark, follow the Burning Palms Beach Trail — a well-marked 3.2 km walk (45–60 min) descending through coastal forest to Burning Palms Beach. Walk south across the sand, then scramble over boulders onto the flat rock shelf. Continue south along the rock platform staying close to the cliffs away from the ocean edge to reach the Figure 8 Pool. Accessible only at low tide with calm swell.
Parking & facilities
Garawarra Farm carpark on Garie Road. The last 1.5 km is unsealed dirt road. Parking fee: $12 per vehicle per day (pay at entry machine or via Park'nPay app).
parkingtoiletspicnic_tables
$12 per vehicle per day park entry fee (Royal National Park). No additional fee for the pools themselves.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports