Figure 8 Pool Hike @ Low Tide. 30 Max Hikers.

THE FIGURE 8 POOL (yes, it’s absolutely stunning), THE ROYAL NATIONAL PARK (2nd oldest in the world), and a Chicago-themed bar? YES, YES, and YES. Let’s hike, let’s drink. Let’s gooooo.

Honestly, I wasn’t all that keen to host this hike, as Instagram pics / hikes don’t float my boat. But? I hiked this exact hike last week – it’s fantastic, and I’m excited to hike it again. Otford Lookout, Werrong Lookout, Burning Palms, Burning Palms Beach… down to Figure 8 – it’s a very special trek.

Central Train Station departs 829am, and it's a quick train arriving Otford 930am. Quick intro / safety chat, and off we go! NOTE: The Otford Station bathroom is closed on weekends. Use the bathroom on the train, or it's doing your business in Mother Nature.

Safe tide levels are under 1metre, and we'll arrive at a very safe time (.6m or so with low tide at 11:45am). Yes, safety is key - especially in the Royal National Park... it is going to be beautiful (you've seen the pics), but it can also be dangerous if you're there at the wrong time. We're a safe group, so anybody fucking around on cliff edges or around Figure 8 Pool will be hiking solo soon after.

Let's spend 30min-40min there for pics, a swim (if you fancy), a picnic bite to eat... then return up. And up.

Planning, changes, and all other info will be discussed on whatsapp. After hitting "Attend" join the group here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CPPMcVtHBNCHPCBRFNksRc

THE RETURN to Otford Station.
Back to Otford Station - this will be an incline you will not forget. Be fit. Sea level to 275m incline is testing - very. I'll need a beer after this - no doubt about that - probably 5. Where? Stay tuned. Otford itself is such a sleepy town, so we'll have to jump on the train and find something back towards the city...

THE RULES.
A) Safety. Be safe! No insta photos on cliff faces. That's out.
B) Be fit, healthy, and able to keep up - exercise pace while chatting and laughing with other hikers.
C) $10 Cash or PayID or PayPal.
D) Be on time. If you're late, use the map to catch up.
E) No shows and morning cancellations are slack. If you're in that group from past hikes, sorry in advance if you're moved into the "No" column.
F) BYO water, towel, Band Aid, and snacks.
G) Be fun. Active. Social. And ready to meet some new folks.
H) Newbies. Feel free to join! But if a hiker that's been great with attendance asks to join, you might be moved into the "Not Going" column - apologies in advance for that.
See you soon! MJ

FITNESS QUESTION
Team, as you know I'm a pretty relaxed host when it comes to pace. Be healthy, be chatty... when some fall behind - no dramas - we wait, and all complete as one group.

However, I'm going to be firm, firm on this hike because the train runs back to the city every 2hrs... if we need to hustle back to Otford we will hustle as sitting at Otford Station for almost 2hrs isn't fun. So, STAY at the FRONT of the group / don't be left behind or you risk being an hour or more late to the pub and catching the next train, okay? Please bring a book just in case. I am not missing the train if it's a close call - therefore I put the hiking map so all know how to get to Otford Station in case you cannot keep up!

See you Sunday for one you won't forget! MJ

In pressing the “Attend” button for this hike, you acknowledge that:

a) You are healthy and fit to complete the hike describe;
b) You have read and will follow NSW National Parks Bushwalking Safety Guidelines for this hike;
c) You have no chronic / underlying health issues that deter you from completing this hike;
d) You understand your host is just that – your host, not a professional hiker – and that you and you alone are responsible for your hiking health, safety, and wellness;
e) You’ve been advised to download the “Emergency Plus App” and
f) You’ve been advised to obtain individual hiking insurance from 1Cover.