Nature always manages to astonish us with one wonder after another, leaving behind magnificent creations around the world. In the southern hemisphere of Australia, within the vicinity of Sydney, lies a masterpiece sculpted by the forces of nature. This remarkable location is called the Figure 8 Pool due to its lakes resembling the Arabic numeral “8.”
When talking about Sydney, the iconic Sydney Opera House often comes to mind, as well as renowned landmarks like the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Tower, and Bondi Beach. Among Sydney’s numerous attractions, the Figure 8 Pool ranks around the 11th position! Nonetheless, it remains a highly famous local destination.
What is a figure 8 pool?
At first glance, you might assume the Figure 8 Pool to be artificially constructed. The pools’ shapes closely resemble the number “8,” with a high degree of regularity and perfection. It’s hard to believe that such a unique sight is entirely natural. Moreover, there isn’t just one pool shaped like an “8”; there are multiple of varying sizes.
Today, the Figure 8 Pool is situated within a national park in the region. It takes just a little over an hour to reach from Sydney. These pools, large and small, are not only intriguing in shape but also complemented by the surrounding scenic beauty, right alongside a stretch of the sea. As a result, they often draw numerous visitors, particularly photography enthusiasts.
However, while enjoying the beauty, it’s important to prioritise safety. Given the proximity to the sea, some of these “8”-shaped pools are connected to the ocean. Apart from small marine creatures, occasional encounters with small sharks are possible. When swimming in the pools, safety should always be a top consideration.
What time to visit Figure 8 pools?
It’s worth noting that there might be instances when you don’t actually see the Figure 8 Pools upon arrival. This could be due to high tide, during which the pools near the shoreline are submerged by rising seawater. The Figure 8 Pools are only visible after the tide recedes, and they are accessible for a limited time each day. Therefore, when planning a visit, it’s crucial to consult the local tide timetable to ensure you choose a suitable time when the pools are revealed.
How long is the hike to Figure 8 pools?
The Garrawarra Farm Carpark to Figure 8 Pools is one of the hiking routes within the Sydney Royal National Park, with a round trip distance of 6 kilometres. It generally takes about an hour to drive from Sydney’s city centre. Following the park’s edge, you eventually arrive at the Garrawarra Farm parking area, which is a self-pay facility. The fee is $12 for an all-day parking pass. After leaving the parking area, follow the signs to Burning Palms Beach and continue straight until you see the “Coast Track” sign. Crossing through the rocky area on the right-hand side will lead you to your destination.
The round-trip hike takes approximately 3 hours. Along the way, there are no cafes or restaurants, so remember to bring your own snacks and water. The hike takes you through forests, bushes, grasslands, and rocky areas, following the coastline of Burning Palms Beach until you finally reach the Figure 8 Pools. The journey involves transitioning from a Bushwalk to a Coastalwalk and then to a Rockwalk. The route is diverse in scenery, providing an interesting and pleasantly surprising hiking experience.
Again before heading to Figure 8 Pools, it’s essential to check the tide timetable. You can only visit the pools during low tide. Check the tides on the official website to ensure that the tide height at Burning Palms is less than 1 meter before you arrive.
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