Ooh, this is definitely one of the most stunning spots along the NSW coastline! Located in Royal National Park, getting to the Figure Eight Pools is a bit of a journey, but it’s well worth the effort. First things first, make sure to only attempt this hike during low tide. At mid or high tide, the pools are completely invisible, and the waves crashing into the rocks can make the path super dangerous.

You can start your hike from the Garawarra Farm Carpark, which makes the trail a manageable 6.1km round trip. However, when I went, this car park was unexpectedly closed, so I had to start from Otford Lookout, which turned the hike into a 14km round trip. If you’re up for a longer walk, it’s an option, but the track from Otford is pretty uneventful, so I’d recommend starting from Garawarra Farm if it’s open.

The trail is considered challenging due to its steep sections and numerous stairs. Going down is easier, but coming back up will require some extra energy, so pace yourself. Despite the challenge, the trail is well-maintained with new boardwalks, making it easy to navigate. Once you reach the beach, you’ll enjoy a lovely walk along the sand before crossing some rocky areas. I’d suggest having a map handy, as the pools can be a bit tricky to spot, I actually walked right past them at first because there were no other hikers around.

If conditions are safe, take a dip in the perfectly shaped Figure Eight Pools and snap plenty of photos. The contrast between the pools, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains is absolutely breathtaking. Stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy this incredible adventure!