FIGURE 8 POOL ROYAL NATIONAL PARK... Finally we get this hike in? Here we go!!!

Royal National Park Coastal Hike was one of our best hikes during 2024 - we hiked 35kms over two days - Bundeena to Otford. It's a 10/10 experience. The only little bit we missed on Day 1 was the Figure 8 Pool. It's a small detour off the Coastal Trek, so perhaps it's time to tick that box while the weather is still warm enough for a swim for those that are keen.

OTFORD to FIGURE 8 POOL HIKE
The 829am train from Central Station to Otford arrives at 930am - there's a train bathroom, so we'll be hiking by 940am sharp. It's not long 'til we are treated to stunning views at Otford Lookout. From there the Cliff Track is a lovely bushwalk through greenery until our stop at Werrong Lookout - WOW. It's beautiful.

The Coastal Trek stairwell begins, and it's down, down, down to Palm Jungle - it's a very cool section of the hike. We descend futher to Burning Palms Beach, then do a U-turn at ocean level towards the Figure 8 Pool.

FIGURE 8 POOL
Safe tide levels are under 1metre, and we'll arrive at a very safe time (.4m or so with low tide at .43m at 12:15pm). 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 there for pics, a swim (if you fancy), a picnic bite to eat... then return up. And up.

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.
See you soon! MJ
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.

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.