FIGURE 8 POOL at LOW TIDE in The Royal National Park!!! Whales still running!

The Royal National Park Coastal Hike is one of the best hikes in NSW - 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.

(NOTE: Be it Mother Nature or NSW trains, I am 0 for 4 in completing this hike. As a Plan B, if trains are out, this event will switch to a different hike in Royal National Park: Wattamolla Waterfall to Bundeena – it’s 10 / 10 amazing, and it’s an easy ride from Sutherland Station.)

OTFORD to FIGURE 8 POOL HIKE
The 829am train from Central Station to Otford arrives at 938am - there's a train bathroom, so we'll be hiking by 950am 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. Hopefully we see some whales.

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 (.39metres at 1:43pm). 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 snack to eat... then return up. And up.

THE RETURN to Otford Station
Back to Otford Station - this will be an incline. Be fit. Sea level to 275m incline is testing - very. I'll need a beer after this - no doubt about that - probably 5 - let's choose something on the day. The entire hike is 14kms.
FIGURE 8 MATE! whatsapp group is here - click on the link.

THE RULES.
A) Safety. Be safe! No insta photos on cliff faces. That's out.
B) Be fit, healthy, and able to keep up - good pace while chatting and laughing with other hikers.
C) $10 Cash or PayID (please wait on the day to pay).
D) Be on time. If you're late, use the map to catch up.
E) 10pm night prior, no shows, and morning cancellations are slack. You’ll be removed from the group.
F) BYO water, towel, Band Aid, change of socks, and snacks.
G) Be fun. Active. Social. And ready to meet some new folks.
H) Newbies - please have a face pic in your profile. 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 (I’ve seen another group doing it). So, STAY at the FRONT of the group / don't be left behind or you risk sitting on a bench 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!