Otford to Figure of Eight Pools Circuit

Download & Print Map and Notes

6 hrs

13.4 km Circuit

706 m

Hard track

Exploring the southern coast of Royal National Park, this walk experiences different trails and environments, with dense forest at Palm Forest to the open grasslands along the Coastline. With a short side trip out to the Figure of Eight Pools, this walk becomes a great day in the bush. The views from the Burgh Ridge are something special, with views far into the distance along the coast. (Check the tide and wave heights, to avoid disappointment at the rock platform for Figure Eight pools.)

The view of the Coast from just south of the Werrong Beach Intersection

The view of the coast from the grasslands south of Burning Palms Beach

The sign at the southern end of Burning Palms Beach

A view along the coast from Figure of 8 Pools Track

The metal footpath behind Burning Palms Beach

The Burgh Ridge Track as it goes away from the coast

The view of the coast from Burgh Ridge (Nth) Int

The occassional view from the Garawarra Management Trail

(0km) Otford Train Station → Otford Lookout

800 m

24 mins

97m

-37m Moderate track

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'.

(1km) Otford Lookout → Top of Werrong Beach Track

220 m

6 mins

21m

-8m Moderate track

Veer right: From Otford Lookout, the walk heads up the stairs on the seaward side of the car park, winding up the hill and along the fenced of cliffs, keeping the ocean to the right as it steadily climbs up the hill. After a while, the track breaks away from the cliff and continues along the bush track, climbing up the hill until coming to an intersection marked with a signpost saying 'Werrong Beach'.

(1km) Top of Werrong Beach Track → The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks

1.7 km

37 mins

97m

-50m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Coast Track along the bush track, winding up the long hill the the top, where it flattens out and continues along a well-managed bush track through a rather beautiful section of ferns. After quite a while, the track joins onto a flat service trail which it follows, undulating gently until it comes to the signposted intersection of the North Era bush track.

(3km) The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks → Burning Palms Beach (southern end)

3 km

1 hr 20 mins climb

83m

-307m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the 'North Era' arrow along the bush track, winding through the thick bushland and down a long hill for several hundred metres, gradually steepening before sharply turning left. After the change in direction, the track heads through the 'Palm Jungle' along the narrow bush track. At this point, the track is largely clear but in some places there are obstacles like fallen trees and branches. The track continues in this manner for some time before emerging into grasslands.
Continue straight: From the end of the palm jungle and the start of the grasslands, the walk heads through the grasslands and along the coast for a while before winding down to the signposted intersection with the Burning Palms track, near the rangers' hut.

(6km) Burning Palms Beach (southern end) → Figure 8 Pools

900 m

16 mins

15m

-17m Hard track

Turn right: (only to be attempted at low tide and low swell) From the beach, this walk follows the rocky passage beneath the rocky headland (keeping the headland to the right). The walk rounds the first prominent headland to a creek that drops off the cliffs above. This walk heads out onto a second prominent headland to the Figure 8 Pools. There are a number of Figure 8-shaped pools, but one main one. The pools are towards the sea, in line with the gully. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

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.

(6km) Burning Palms Beach (southern end) → Int of Burgh Ridge Track and Era Track (West)

1 km

20 mins

79m

-8m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection near the rangers' hut, this walk follows the Burning Palms arrow along the bush track winding around the back of the beach (which is to the right), until it joins onto a metal walkway. This continues until the trail passes several small cabins and begins to head steeply up the long hill, until the track reaches an signposted intersection at the top of the hill.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads straight up the hill away from the sea. There are some magnificent views, both up and down the coast. Shortly after, the track comes to a clearing, and intersection with a bush track going off to the right, back down the hill.

(7km) Int of Burgh Ridge Track and Era Track (West) → The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track

970 m

23 mins

144m

-8m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading up the hill and away from the ocean, towards the thick forest at the top of the ridge. The track winds up the long hill to the treeline, where it continues up through the forest, climbing to the top of the long hill where it gradually flattens out and comes to the intersection of the 'Squeeze Way' service trail at the end of the Garrawarra Farm car park.

(8km) The Squeeze Way and Burgh Ridge track → The Squeeze Way and Lilyvale Bushtrack

2.7 km

50 mins

90m

-57m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows 'The Coast Track - Lilyvale' sign[1] to head south along the wide management trail. Approximately 150m along, the track passes a small sign saying 'Cliff Track' and 'Burg Track'[2]. The management trail continues to undulate to an intersection with a bush track heading off to the left (approximately halfway down). This is a small side trip which has fantastic views of the ocean and the cliffs. Back on the main service trail, the track continues along the flat until coming to an intersection with a track signposted as the 'Lilyvale Track'.

(10km) The Squeeze Way and Lilyvale Bushtrack → The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks

360 m

7 mins

-14m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Burning Palms' arrow along the sandy service trail, winding through the bush for a short while before coming to the signposted intersection of the 'Coast Track'.

(11km) The Squeeze Way and Burning Palms Tracks → Otford Lookout

1.9 km

43 mins

58m

-118m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the track follows the Otford arrow down the service trail, as it winds through the bush to the end where it becomes a bush track. From here, the track continues along the well-managed bush track through a beautiful section of ferns. After a while, this begins to gradually descend until reaching an intersection marked with a signpost for 'Werrong Beach'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, winding down the hill for a short while before coming to the fenced-off edge of the cliffs, which it follows keeping the ocean to the left as it winds down the hill. After a while, the track changes back to a bush track and continues down some wooden stairs to a car park signposted as 'Otford Lookout'.

(13km) Otford Lookout → Otford Train Station

800 m

24 mins

37m

-97m Moderate track

Veer left: From the lookout and the car park, this walk follows the 'Otford Station' sign along Lady Wakehurst Drive to quickly meet Fanshawe Rd. This walk turns right onto Fanshawe Rd, which it follows down the long hill until it comes to the intersection of Station St. At the intersection, this walk turns left and continues along the road, passing the intersection with another road heading down to the right and coming to the 'T' intersection of the next dirt road. From here, the walk continues down the hill following the 'Otford Station' signs down the steep concrete path, and down the steps to the station.

Maps for the Otford to Figure of Eight Pools Circuit walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Otford	1:25 000 Map Series	91294S OTFORD	NSW-91294S
Port Hacking	1:100 000 Map Series	9129 PORT HACKING	9129

Cross sectional view of the Otford to Figure of Eight Pools Circuit bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Otford to Figure of Eight Pools Circuit

Altitude analysis for Otford to Figure of Eight Pools Circuit

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	13.4 km
		Time	6 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 3.1km is flat with no steps. The remaining (3km) is very steep.

Quality of track

9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 4.4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (360m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 9km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 9km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 4km requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 13km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 9km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 4.3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Otford to Figure of Eight Pools Circuit walk.

Garawarra Farm to Garie Beach

3.9 km One way, 2 hrs

This walk starts at the large Garawarra Farm car park taking the ridge straight down to the coast. Look for the change in vegetation as you descend along the spur to the Coastal Track, before beach hopping your way to Garie Beach. The track is a great way to see some of Sydney's best coast, with ple

Total climbing: 156m

Moderate track

Garie Road to Era Loop

5 km Circuit, 2 hrs 15 mins

This walk covers a great cross section of the environments in the Royal National park, with plenty of places to rest and take in the views. The walk follows the Squeeze Way from Garie Rd, then heads down Stockyard Spur to Era Gully. The walk then heads up to the old Garawarra Farm, via Burgh Ridge,

Total climbing: 271m

Hard track

Garawarra Farm carpark to figure eight pools

6 km Return, 2 hrs 30 mins

This return walk starts from the old Garawarra Farm car park and heads down the ridge through the Royal National Park, to the coast. The walk then follows the coast, through Burning Palms beach, and around the base of the headland to the famous Figure Eight Pools. This walk explores 4 distinct env

Total climbing: 273m

Hard track

Burning Palms loop from Garawarra

8.2 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk explores a variety of environments through the Royal National Park. From the old Garawarra farm, the walk heads along the Squeeze Way then down a ridge to Burning Palms. There is an optional side trip out to Figure Eight pools. Burning Palms offers a nice beach and a great place to rest

Total climbing: 398m

Hard track

Garie Beach to Helensburgh (The Burgh Track)

11 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

This walk has a great mixture of ocean cliffs, with fantastic views, and beautiful forest. The walk follows the well maintained Burgh Track, passing great views of the ocean and the cliffs, before turning inland and exploring some eucalypt forest on the way to Helensburgh. The environment and views

Total climbing: 664m

Hard track

Otford to Helensburgh

12.9 km One way, 5 hrs 15 mins

Largely along service trails and well managed bush tracks, this walk goes from train station to train station through parts of southern Royal National Park. The bush track between Garrawarra and the Hacking River is incredibly beautiful as it winds its way down the hill through shrouded eucalypt for

Total climbing: 589m

Hard track

Otford to Figure of Eight Pools via Burning Palms

13.2 km Return, 6 hrs 30 mins

From Otford Train Station, this walk enters the Royal National Park at the coast. There are great views of Wollongong down the coast. The walk also passes through the magnificent Palm Jungle and Burning Palms beach. This is a great spot to go, wet the toes, and enjoy the environment. The walk then c

Total climbing: 732m

Hard track

Garie Beach to Garawarra to Burning Palms Circuit

13.5 km Circuit, 7 hrs

Using a variety of tracks, this walk follows the coast as well as going inland to Garrawarra Farm. With great coastal views and a magnificent palm jungle, this walk demonstrates perfectly, the diversity of the Royal National Park. Of historical significance are the houses scattered along the coast t

Total climbing: 754m

Hard track

The Coast Track (Otford to Bundeena)

27.4 km One way, 2 Days

Following the coast through the Royal National Park with its magnificent coastal views, this walk is truly amazing. Although walked traditionally from Bundeena, this direction makes for a shorter first day. There are coastal and cliff views along much of this walk. There are also a small house commu

Total climbing: 1244m

Hard track

The Coast Track

27.4 km One way, 2 Days

Heading south, this walk covers the coastline of the Royal National Park and can truly only be described as amazing. With breathtaking coastal views from Bundeena to Otford this walk follows the cliffs along a well managed and signposted track. You will enjoy the truly fantastic views out to sea an

Total climbing: 1351m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Otford to Figure of Eight Pools Circuit walk.

Stockyard spur to Garie Beach

3.3 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

The walk down Stockyard Spur to Garie Beach is an excellent way to take in coastal views before following the Coastal Track. This is great if you are with a driver who is happy to drop you and wait for you are Garie Beach, or if you can do a car shuffle. You can always just walk back up. There ar

Total climbing: 142m

Hard track

Garie Beach to Eagle Rock

7.7 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk, from Garie Beach to Eagle Rock, is another great way to explore the Royal National Park coastline. Eagle Rock is an iconic rock formation in the park, and this lookout provides a great view of it. The walk then returns to the expansive Garie Beach, offering more great views as you head d

Total climbing: 344m

Hard track

Garie Beach YHA

1.3 km Return, 45 mins

**On 02/12/2010 this YHA was completely destroyed by fire and plans for the future are not yet decided** This track is the only access to Garie Beach YHA. If you leave your car in the Garie Beach car park it is easy to head up to the hostel, before spending the rest of your time down at the beach. T

Total climbing: 68m

Moderate track

Garie Beach to North Era Beach

3.2 km Return, 2 hrs

This walk is the shortest walk to North Era Beach and starts from the Garie car park. Both beaches are popular surfing beaches, and have either camping or basic hostel accommodation. This makes the walk between the beaches an excellent way to transport boards and supplies for your surf retreat, week

Total climbing: 242m

Moderate track

Curra Moors car park to Garie Beach

4.4 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk is another Royal National Park classic. The walk comes off a ridge to join with the Coastal Track's tour of the beaches. The walk starts at the small Curra Moors car park and heads through the heath and bush to the rock shelf at the coast. The track ends at Garie Beach. The beach has a kio

Total climbing: 65m

Hard track

Curra Moors Loop

9.2 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

A pleasant walk with some great views, mostly along service trails. The walk passes through heath and some areas of trees (flowering in spring). This walk follows the Coastal Track along the headland, giving great views along the coast and out to sea.

Total climbing: 242m

Hard track

Forest Island to Calala

8.9 km Return, 3 hrs 30 mins

Following the historic Lady Carrington Drive, this walk takes your to Calala, a quiet clearing on the Hacking River. Travelling along the old road, this walk passes a few shaded brooks as it winds alongside the Hacking River. There is the chance for a side trip to Palona Cave and waterfall. Calala

Total climbing: 296m

Moderate track

Lady Carrington Drive

9.7 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

This walk follows the historic Lady Carrington Drive alongside the Hacking River. The old road is closed to traffic and provides a great way for walkers (and mountain bikers) to explore the richness of Royal National Park. You can explore the fantastic natural sandstone rock formations, historical

Total climbing: 266m

Moderate track

Lady Carrington Drive to Palona Cave

5.1 km Return, 2 hrs

Following the historic Lady Carrington Drive much of the way, this walk heads north until turning off the wide trail. Here the heads along a narrow track to a beautiful limestone cave. In typical sandstone country, Palona Cave's different geology makes it well worth the visit. There is a beautiful

Total climbing: 171m

Hard track

The Forest Way Track

4.4 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

Opened in 1886, the Forest Path was once part of a controversial logging site, the first time that logging was stopped in Australia by protest. Now it is a short trail looping around the hill, following the Hacking River. Through a shaded environment of ferns and eucalypts, this walk passes through

Total climbing: 179m

Moderate track

Lake Toolooma Trail

6.4 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

This circuit around Lake Toolooma makes a lovely walk through Heathcote National Park. This walk mainly follows management trails and provides a few views of the lake. Although most of the walk is not in view of the lake, there are great views from the top of the western ridge.

Total climbing: 220m

Moderate track

Waterfall to Heathcote

10.8 km One way, 5 hrs

This walk explores the heart of Heathcote National Park, and is easily accessed with a train station at either end. Although relatively close to the start of the walk, Kingfisher Pool, next to Heathcote Creek, is a great spot to break and enjoy the park. Mirang Pool, at the northern end, also offe

Total climbing: 467m

Hard track