Royal National Park
Natural eight-shaped pools and a magical pearly white rock that looks like a wedding cake. You can see these natural wonders up close in Royal National Park. This magnificent national park is located just 30 kilometres from the centre of Sydney and is the northern starting point of the Grand Pacific Drive.
It is a natural haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city on Australia’s east coast. It is also one of the most beautiful places in the Sydney region. The rugged sandstone cliffs, whose grey-brown rocks plummet into the blue Pacific Ocean, are just one of the hallmarks of the world’s second-oldest national park.
Walks along the cliffs offer sensational views of the sea, and the wind caresses your face (more or less gently). Probably the most famous attraction for visitors to the park is the spectacular Figure 8 pools.
These rock pools offer a breathtaking view (photo) and a unique swimming experience. Since the Figure 8 pool and its sister pools are located on a rocky platform very close to the ocean, they are only accessible at low tide. An adventure-filled hiking trail along the picturesque coastline awaits you!
- Address: New South Wales
- Area: 150.9 km²
- Date of establishment: 26 April 1879
- Telephone: (02) 9542 0648
- Management: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Main attractions of the Royal National Park
Wedding cake rock
If you’re travelling from Sydney, the first place you’ll see is Wedding Cake Rock, which is well worth seeing. The hiking trail to this particular rock begins on the eastern edge of the small town of Bundeena in Royal National Park. The walk to the pearly white Wedding Cake Rock is part of the long Royal Coastal Walk. It takes you along high cliffs to the edge of the ocean. Its waves crash against the grey-brown rocks a few metres below.
Magnificent views and idyllic scenery accompany you all the way. This walk gave me a real sense of freedom. The smell of the sea, the fresh air, the picturesque countryside, and, last but not least, the magic wedding cake rock provides an excellent opportunity to relax: the magic wedding cake rock offers an exceptional experience. A breathtaking sight and a must-see in the magnificent Royal National Park!
Figure 8 pools
These natural rock pools have it all! They are shaped like the number 8 or partially round: Figure 8 Pools. They are hidden on the edge of a silver-grey rock platform in the Royal National Park. If you’re travelling from Melbourne, you’ll arrive at this park attraction first. Once you’ve safely reached the rock pools in good weather, they offer a unique swimming experience and great photo opportunities. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful attractions in Australia.
It is an adventure-filled trail along the east coast of Australia. You must climb and cross collapsed rocks before reaching this wonderful place. I must admit that I didn’t notice the pools when I finally reached the platform. Perhaps you are faster than me in this regard!
Plan your walk to the pools in Figure 8
a. Only walk at low tide - plan the time of the hike in advance!
As mentioned, the Figure 8 pools are located on a flat rock platform at the ocean’s edge. The water is low enough to walk onto the platform at low tide. However, the Figure 8 Pools are inaccessible at high tide as they are buried under the seawater. In addition, the section of the hiking trail on the coast is then underwater and inaccessible.
So, to make sure you don’t travel to the Royal National Park for nothing, it’s important to time your hike to coincide exactly with the low tide:
You can find an overview of the tides on the official website of the national park. The ‘Risk Forecast’ shows when the risk of visiting the Figure 8 pools is lowest. The ‘Low Tide’ illustrates the time of the lowest water level at low tide. Other parameters, such as wind, high waves, etc., are also included.
Do not go to the Figure 8 pools if the graph is orange or red! If the colour is yellow, always be careful at the edge of the rock platform. If the graphic shows blue and green colours, the conditions for a hike to the Figure 8 Pools are good.
Tips for time planning!
1. explanation of Australian time calculation: The ending ‘am’ after the numbers mean ‘before noon’, i.e. our German times after midnight and before noon. On the other hand, the ending ‘pm’ stands for ‘afternoon’ and refers to the times from 12 noon to midnight. 8:30 am is, therefore, 8:30 am according to German time calculation, and 8:30 pm would be 8:30 pm for us. 12 noon is simply called ‘noon’ in English, and 0 a.m. is called ‘midnight’. This is to avoid confusion.
2. leave 1 hour before the water is at its lowest. If the website states ‘low tide’ as 8.30 am, for example, set off at around 7.30 am. The walk from the car park to the Figure 8 pools takes about 1 hour. This means that the water has already receded a long way. The path is, therefore, easy to walk, and you will reach the Pools in Figure 8 at the lowest water level.
3. keep an eye on the time during your stay at the pools and make your way home in good time before the tide returns. Remember that you will have to walk along the rocky coastline for at least half an hour, which is only possible when the water is low.
4. never walk in the dark. So make sure you are back at the car before nightfall. You can plan around 2 hours for the outward and return journey. Add to this the time at the Figure 8 pools.
b. Wear sturdy shoes and tell someone about your plans in advance
The hike to the pools is more comfortable with sturdy shoes, as there are many slippery stones and boulders to cross. The internet connection at the Figure Eight Pools is often unavailable or unreliable. It is, therefore, best to inform someone about your plans and the approximate time you will be back – especially if you are travelling alone!
c. Beware of windy and rough weather: use your common sense
Even if you have planned the tides well and checked the risk of a visit on the website, it is better to get a daily overview on site. Right at the start of the hike – on a hill in front of Burning Palms Beach – you can get an overview of the ocean and the weather conditions. Signs will tell you when it is not safe to continue the hike on the thin coastal strip next to the ocean.
Especially in windy and rough weather and when the waves are crashing heavily against the cliffs, it is not safe to walk along there. The water has a strong force and can sweep you into the ocean. Therefore: safety first!
I know it sounds like a lot to think about at first, but I can reassure you: it’s not that much in the end and it’s totally worth it! With good organisation and weather conditions permitting, this trip is sure to bring you a lot of joy and be unforgettable.
I hope I’ve been able to help you plan your trip with this article and wish you lots of fun with these marvels of nature!
Feel free to let me know in the comments how you enjoyed the famous rock pools in Australia’s Royal National Park. I’m looking forward to it!
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