The figure 8 pools are a huge attraction here in Sydney. For years, I have seen tons of people post Instagram pictures, make youtube vlogs and even blog posts about how amazing ‘they’ are. So yesterday morning, my friend and I woke up at 3:30 am and headed to the National Park to see the figure 8 pools!

First off, there are no pool’s’. There is one figure 8 pool. Yes, I said it. Only, one. And, it’s not very big.

Second off, it’s not right in Sydney. Depending on where you are located you’ll be between a 45 minute to 1 (ish) hours away. Meaning, if you’re a backpacker you will have to rent a car or pay the extra cash to go with a group to bring you.

Now. Let’s get to the important stuff!

What you need to know before going to the Figure 8 pools:

• You must park at the Garawarra Farm Car park. It is the closest place to park your car by the Figure 8 pools.
  • The driveway to the car park is very bumpy. The speed limit is 5 km/h and I was worried about damaging my little low car.

  • At the end of the drive to the car park, you’ll see a gate and a path. This is the path where you need to go to. There is a large sign that indicates paths to take to Figure 8 pools, fishing, and other hikes. While facing the sign, you’re going to take a left (go east). Though the sign tells you this.

• There is a hike to the pools. The hike is between 45 minutes to 1 hour and a half, depending on your speed. On your way to the pools, it is completely downhill. On your way back, get ready for a good glute workout – it is all uphill.
  
  • I read everywhere online about how unsafe getting the pools are but I personally didn’t think it was that bad. If you have a low fitness level, this could be challenging. Or, if you’re unable to climb over and around rocks and go up and down a dirt mountain – you will have difficulty. But, overall it just felt like a workout. I did not see the “extreme” danger that I had read about everywhere online.

• If you are going in winter:
  • You will get there when it is dark. It may be scary and the drive way to the car park is pretty creepy looking but there are heaps of people around. Do not be afraid!
    • I actually met two South Africans on the way and felt a lot safer. (Thank goodness.)

  • It is really cold in the morning. I wore two sweaters.

  • You will need a flashlight.

  • The water will not look light blue because you cannot be by the pools during the day but you’ll get a great sunrise shot!

• You MUST check when low and high tide is. You cannot access the pool during medium or high tide.
  
  • It is the winter time here in Sydney currently and unfortunately, the medium tide begins around 8 am and high tide at noon. Low tide is only at 5 am and again at 6 pm. Since it’s winter, the sun is down by 6 pm, therefore, the only time to go is at 5 am.My friend and I got up at 3:30 am, were out the door for 4 am and arrived at the car park for 5:15 am. We hiked and got to the pools by 6:05 am. The sun was just rising and it was beautiful. Cold (actually freezing), but beautiful.

• The only figure 8 pool there is, is quite close to the water. So before you go walking around everywhere trying to locate it, head by the edge and you should find it.

Here you can see in the background, we had to climb over and walk through these rocks. It got quite wet with the waves splashing in.

What you must bring:

• A water bottle (for the hike).
  • We brought one big water bottle for the two of us and honestly, we could have had more.

• Couple snacks or even a light meal.

• Proper hiking shoes. Ones that have a good grip and that are water resistant. Like I said, there are a lot of rocks especially by the pools and around the beach which, you’ll have to climb over.

• An extra pair of socks. Your feet will get wet while walking to the pool. Once headed off the shore and starting to head up for the hike to the car park, you can change your socks for comfort!

• A flashlight (especially if you’re going in winter). We only had our iPhone lights and really, going down the forest at 5:15 am with not very much light is frightening. I personally am terrified of the dark so I was the wimp complaining all the way down.

• (For winter only) Bring warm clothes! The forest is freezing early in the morning.

• Camera, go pro, or anything for pictures. Especially when the sun is rising, it is breath taking.

• Bring some extra cash as you may have to pay for the car park. (Depending on when you go.)

• A bathing suit! It’s currently winter and I can’t say I jumped in but it was nice to put my feet in. Yet, I do know many people who are fearless and have gone into the pool for some pictures. It’s freezing so I don’t recommend but I brought my swimsuit for some pictures.. *Typical Annie*

Overall, I am happy I went to the Figure 8 pool(s). It was a great way to see the sunrise and really peaceful early in the morning. But, I really didn’t think it was worth all the hype. It is only one small figure 8 pool and somewhat hard to locate.

Considering I drove a little over an hour to get there, then hiked almost an hour to the pool and back again. It was a lot for just one pool. So, if you’re not into hiking… this may not be the thing for you. Also, we didn’t get any more than just 30 minutes by the figure 8 pool considering the tide was coming up.

While I do enjoy hiking and the sun rises, It was enjoyable. I would say it was a good experience but probably not one I will do over again. If you’re craving that picture and a bit of a hike, then head on over! But all in all, I would say this is something you can skip if you are only spending a couple of days in Sydney.

If you are interested in knowing more things to do, eat and check out in Australia make sure to check out more here.

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xx.