Otford to Figure Eight Pools Circuit

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-34.2107139,151.0054735)
Mode	Car (There is free parking available.) Train
Directions	From Turn on to Princes Highway then drive for 580 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Parkes Street and drive for another 390 m Turn right onto Cemetery Road and drive for another 520 m Turn left onto Boswell Street and drive for another 65 m Turn right onto McLerie Street and drive for another 190 m Turn right onto Handley Street and drive for another 80 m Turn left onto Walker Street and drive for another 45 m Turn right onto Tabratong Road and drive for another 215 m Turn right onto Otford Road and drive for another 2.3 km Turn sharp left onto Lady Carrington Road and drive for another 420 m Turn slight right and drive for another 150 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the top of Otford Station, this walk follows the signs to 'Royal National Park' up some stairs. Once at the top of the stairs, the walk turns left and climbs up the steep concrete path for approximately 50m to the top, where it comes to the intersection marked as 'Station Rd'. This walk turns left and follows the flat dirt road, passing an intersection with another road on the left. The walk continues along to the next intersection, where it turns right onto Fanshawe Rd. This walk follows Fanshawe Rd up the long hill until coming to an intersection with an asphalt road signposted as 'Lady Wakehurst Drive'. At the intersection, this walk turns left and crosses the road, continuing for approximately 25m until coming to a car park and the entry into Royal National Park. There is a large green sign here saying 'Otford Lookout'.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. There is water tap (about 15 m back from the start). There is a car park (about 5 m back from the start). After another 40 m head up the steps (about 10 m long) Then cross the bridge (about 15 m long) Then head down the steps (about 15 m long) After another 15 m head down the steps (about 70 m long)
	After another 25 m turn left, to head along Ramp.
	After another 75 m (at the intersection of Beaumont Road & Station Road Fire Trail) turn left, to head along Station Road Fire Trail.
	After another 215 m (at the intersection of Station Road Fire Trail & Lady Carrington Road) continue straight, to head along Fanshawe Road.
	After another 220 m continue straight, to head along Fanshawe Road.
	After another 80 m (at the intersection of Lady Wakehurst Drive & Fanshawe Road) turn left, to head along Lady Wakehurst Drive (a road). After another 255 m find the "Otford Lookout" (on your right). Otford Lookout Otford Lookout is on the Lady Wakehurst Dr, Otford. The lookout is in the Southern Tip of Royal National Park. The Lookout is on the side of the road with some parking. There are no facilities, but there is a great view out to see and down south down the coast to Wollongong. There is a small grass clearing on the ocean side of the road. Then pass the park (9 m on your right).
	Turn right. After another 50 m pass the sign (on your right).
	After another 250 m (at the intersection of Werrong Beach Track & Cliff Track) veer left, to head along Cliff Track. After another 30 m pass the "Werrong Beach Track" (on your right).
	After another 1.5 km turn right. After another 40 m pass the "Garrawarra Ridge" (8 m on your right).
	After another 400 m continue straight. After another 30 m come to the "Werrong Lookout" (25 m on your right). After another 1.7 km pass the "Track closed for regeneration" (8 m on your right). After another 610 m cross the bridge (about 7 m long)
	After another 80 m continue straight.
	After another 160 m turn right.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Figure 8 Pools. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 65 m veer left.
	After another 325 m turn right.
	After another 115 m continue straight. After another 75 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 75 m head up the earthen steps (about 140 m long)
	After another 25 m veer left, to head along Burgh Ridge Track. After another 30 m pass the "Burgh Ridge" (on your right).
	After another 180 m (at the intersection of Coast Walk & Burgh Ridge Track) turn left, to head along Burgh Ridge Track. After another 7 m come to the viewpoint. After another 8 m pass the "Figure 8 Pools" (on your left). After another 265 m come to the viewpoint.
	After another 530 m continue straight, to head along Burgh Ridge Track.
	After another 280 m (at the intersection of Garawarra Ridge Management Trail & Burgh Ridge Track) veer left, to head along Garawarra Ridge Management Trail (a vehicle track).
	After another 85 m continue straight, to head along Garawarra Ridge Management Trail. After another 1.2 km continue straight, to head along Garawarra Ridge Management Trail.
	After another 1.4 km (at the intersection of Garawarra Ridge Management Trail & Lilyvale Track) continue straight, to head along Garawarra Ridge Management Trail.
	After another 370 m continue straight, to head along Garawarra Ridge Management Trail.
	After another 1.5 km (at the intersection of Cliff Track & Werrong Beach Track) veer right, to head along Cliff Track.
	After another 305 m turn left, to head along Lady Wakehurst Drive.
	After another 145 m (at the intersection of Fanshawe Road & Lady Wakehurst Drive) turn right, to head along Fanshawe Road (a vehicle track).
	After another 80 m continue straight, to head along Fanshawe Road.
	After another 220 m (at the intersection of Station Road Fire Trail & Lady Carrington Road) continue straight, to head along Station Road Fire Trail.
	After another 215 m (at the intersection of Beaumont Road & Station Road Fire Trail) turn right, to head along Beaumont Road.
	After another 75 m turn right. After another 25 m head up the steps (about 70 m long) After another 15 m head up the steps (about 15 m long) Then cross the bridge (about 15 m long) Then head down the steps (about 10 m long)
	After another 50 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Figure 8 Pools.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	Continue another 950 m to find Figure of Eight Pools at the end. About 30 m past the end is "Figure Eight Pools". Figure Eight Pools The Figure Eight Pools are on the rock shelf, south of Figure Eight Pools gully, near Burning Palms. There are a number of circular sinkholes in the rock, and a few of them have joined over time to form a figure '8' shape. Two sink holes in particular have joined to form a very spectacular figure '8' shape in the rock. The safest time to visit the pools is at low tide when there is only a very low swell in the ocean. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 950 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

Continue another 950 m to find Figure of Eight Pools at the end.

About 30 m past the end is "Figure Eight Pools".

Figure Eight Pools

The Figure Eight Pools are on the rock shelf, south of Figure Eight Pools gully, near Burning Palms. There are a number of circular sinkholes in the rock, and a few of them have joined over time to form a figure '8' shape. Two sink holes in particular have joined to form a very spectacular figure '8' shape in the rock. The safest time to visit the pools is at low tide when there is only a very low swell in the ocean.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 950 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Otford to Figure Eight Pools Circuit

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	13.7 km
Time	5 h 15 min to 6 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Figure Eight Pools
The Figure Eight Pools are on the rock shelf, south of Figure Eight Pools gully, near Burning Palms. There are a number of circular sinkholes in the rock, and a few of them have joined over time to form a figure '8' shape. Two sink holes in particular have joined to form a very spectacular figure '8' shape in the rock. The safest time to visit the pools is at low tide when there is only a very low swell in the ocean.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Bulli Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
  
  Wednesday 18 September
  
  25°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds westerly 25 to 40 km/h turning northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the evening. Daytime maximum temperatures between 18 and 25.
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 8:50am to 2:40pm, UV Index predicted to reach 6 [High]
  
  Thursday 19 September
  
  14°C → 25°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h turning westerly 35 to 50 km/h early in the morning then decreasing to 20 to 30 km/h in the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 9 and 14 with daytime temperatures reaching between 18 and 24.
  
  Friday 20 September
  
  13°C → 22°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds westerly 25 to 40 km/h decreasing to 15 to 25 km/h during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 5 and 10 with daytime temperatures reaching between 15 and 22.
  
  Saturday 21 September
  
  12°C → 24°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Winds westerly 25 to 35 km/h turning northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening. Overnight temperatures falling to between 6 and 11 with daytime temperatures reaching between 16 and 23.
  
  Sunday 22 September
  
  14°C → 23°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Partly cloudy.
  
  Monday 23 September
  
  12°C → 23°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny.
  
  Tuesday 24 September
  
  13°C → 25°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Royal National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Lady Carrington Drive Closed Due to Helicopter Operation
  Lady Carrington Drive Closed Due to Helicopter Operation on Wednesday 18th of September 2024.
  Forest Path Walking Loop Track will not be accessible at this time.
  
  Other planned events: 1080 pest management
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting an aerial baiting program using dried meat baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program will occur from Tuesday 17 September to Saturday 21 September 2024 in Royal National Park.
  All baiting locations are identifiable by signs. Please don’t touch baits.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in this reserve is aimed at improving the eco-health of the reserve by reducing predation of ground dwelling mammals and small birds, and specifically targeting fox control along the Hacking River to assist the successful re-introduction of platypus into Royal National Park.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS Audley office on 02 9542 0632 (business hours) or the NPWS after hours call centre on 1300 056 294.
  
  Closed areas: Toilets closed due to damage
  The toilets at Reids Flat picnic area are currently closed due to damage from a fallen tree. The closest alternative facilities can be found at Bus Stop Flat picnic area.
  For more information, call Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.
  
  Closed areas: Temptation Creek track and trail closures
  Fire trails and walking tracks in the Temptation Creek Precinct will be closed on weekdays from Monday 8 July to Friday 20 September 2024 for fire trail maintenance works. The closed areas are:
  
  Florence Parade vehicle trail, between Farnell Avenue and Grays Point Road.
  
  Anana Hill vehicle trail, between Angle Road and Greenhaven Road.
  
  Temptation Creek vehicle trail
  
  Gardiners Garage vehicle trail
  
  Northern section of Rawson Parade vehicle trail. The section between Loftus Oval and the NPWS Royal National Park area office carpark will remain open.
  
  Grays Point School walking track
  
  Savilles Creek walking track.
  
  Please do not enter closed areas and follow instructions of NPWS staff and contractors.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 9542 0632.
  
  Closed areas: The Coast track partial closure
  Walking the full length of The Coast track from Otford to Bundeena or Bundeena to Otford is not currently possible due to several track closures along its length. These closures are necessary due to erosion, rockfall risk and ongoing track upgrade works.
  Please note the following closures:
  
  Palm Jungle Loop track between Burning Palms, Werrong lookout is closed for track upgrades and storm impact remediation until December 2024.
  
  The Garie to Little Garie section of The Coast track is closed due to hazardous rockfalls and erosion.
  
  North Era campground is closed until further notice.
  
  Garie Road, Garie Beach and the Garie precinct is closed until further notice due to damage and subsidence of the road surface. Walkers approaching from the north (e.g. from Wattamolla or Bundeena) should exit the track via Curra Moors track.
  
  Bushwalker access is available for the following sections of The Coast track:
  
  South bound access - Bundeena to Curra Moors track via Wattamolla and return only. No access to Garie Beach.
  
  North bound access - is via Garawarra Farm Ridge trail and Burgh Ridge track to North Era and return, during track upgrades.
  
  Figure 8 Pools access - Access via Garawarra Farm only to Garawarra Ridge trail and Burgh Ridge track.
  
  For further information please contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.
  
  Closed areas: Areas closed for deer control program
  Some areas in Royal National Park are closed to the public between sunset and sunrise from Wednesday 30 May to Friday 29 December 2024 to enable a deer control operation to be carried out.
  The affected areas include:
  
  All picnic areas in the Audley precinct
  
  Asset protection zones adjacent to Maianbar, Bundeena and East Heathcote.
  
  Wattamolla and Garie picnic areas
  
  North Era campground and coastal areas between Garie Beach and Figure 8 Pools
  
  Garrawarra Farm
  
  Lady Carrington Drive
  
  Bonnie Vale campground and picnic area.
  
  These closures will be signposted at entry points to the closed areas. If you have approved bookings to camp you can still access campsites during these times.
  Ground shooting will not take place during school holidays or on weekends or public holidays.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.
  
  Closed areas: Werrong Beach track
  Werrong Beach track in Royal National Park is closed until further notice due to landslides. Signs will be in place around the closed area.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: North Era campground closed
  North Era campground is closed until further notice due to operational activities. For more information please contact the local area office on 02 9542 0648.
  
  Safety alerts: Curra Moors track in poor condition
  Sections of Curra Moors loop track are in poor condition due to erosion. Please use caution and be aware of unstable edges.
  Planning for repairs is in progress. For more information, contact the Royal National Park Visitor Centre on 02 9542 0648.
  
  Closed areas: Garie Road closed due to damage
  Garie Road is closed until further notice due to damage to the road surface.
  This road may remain closed for some time to allow for extensive repairs. A reopening date is not currently known.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. Please check Live Traffic NSW for updates before driving to Garie Beach.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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