Otford to Figure Eight Pools via Burning Palms (14km)

Hidden beneath the rugged cliffs of the Royal National Park, the Figure Eight Pools are a natural marvel shaped by time and tide. Found on the rock shelf just south of Figure Eight Pools Gully near Burning Palms, these unique formations were created as circular sinkholes gradually joined together, leaving behind the striking figure-eight shape that gives the site its name. At low tide, when the ocean swell is gentle, the pools reveal their clear, reflective surfaces, offering a rare glimpse into nature’s artistry. Visiting at any other time, however, can be dangerous, as powerful waves frequently wash across the shelf, reminding visitors of the ocean’s unpredictable force.

The 14 kilometre return walk from Otford to the Figure Eight Pools via Burning Palms is one of the most captivating coastal hikes in New South Wales. Rated Grade 4, it typically takes around six and a half hours to complete, rewarding hikers with a blend of rainforest tranquillity, coastal grandeur, and a touch of adventure. From Otford Train Station, the track begins with a steep climb toward the edge of the Royal National Park. As you gain elevation, the view opens up to sweeping scenes of the coastline stretching toward Wollongong, the Pacific shimmering below. The trail then weaves through cool forest and eventually descends into the lush, shaded Palm Jungle, where towering cabbage tree palms and dense ferns create a sense of quiet isolation.

Emerging from the jungle, the landscape changes dramatically. Open grasslands roll gently down toward Burning Palms Beach, a windswept stretch of sand that invites you to pause, cool your feet, and enjoy the sound of the surf. The beach marks a key point on the journey, with the final section to the pools only accessible when tides are low and the swell is minimal. Timing is everything here. The path continues along the rocky shoreline beneath the cliffs, skirting around two prominent headlands before reaching the iconic pools themselves. The main figure-eight formation sits closest to the sea, gleaming emerald and turquoise when filled with clear water.

This walk captures the essence of the Royal National Park’s coastal wildness: steep climbs, lush gullies, and unspoiled beaches where the bush meets the sea. It is a route that demands preparation, respect for conditions, and an appreciation of how fragile and powerful nature can be in the same moment. Those who plan well and walk with care are rewarded with one of Sydney’s most memorable natural encounters.