Sydney Whale Trail! Figure 8 Hike, Royal National Park @ Low Tide, High Fun!

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

Some time ago I wasn’t all that keen to host this hike, as Instagram pics / hikes don’t float my boat. But I was wrong. This hike is fucking fantastic, and I’m excited to hike it again. Otford Lookout, Werrong Lookout, Burning Palms, Burning Palms Beach… down to Figure 8 – it’s so diverse with amazing views (let's spot some whales) - this is a very special event.

Central Train Station departs 832am, and it's a quick train arriving Otford 932am. Quick intro / safety chat, and off we go! NOTE: The Otford Station bathroom is often closed. Use the bathroom on the train, or it's potentially doing your business in Mother Nature.

Safe tide levels are under 1metre, and we'll arrive at a very safe time (tide charts say .2m with low tide at 12:08pm). 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. You must join this chat group for changes / safety reasons. After hitting "Attend" please join the group here: FIGURE 8 2026

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... Oatley Hotel is meant to be good?

AN AD FROM THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT.
JUNE!!! Here's what's on in We Hike... to the Bar:
Monday, 1 June - VIVID WALK, DRONE SHOW, 50% OFF WINGS, DRINKS!
Saturday, 6 June – Macmasters Beach to Killcare, Hardy’s Hideaway. My favourite hike!!!
Sunday, 7 June – Woy Woy to Patonga Beach / The Boathouse – such a pretty session.
Saturday, 13 June – Royal National Park Figure 8 Pool! This is a 10/10 hike.
Sunday, 14 June – We Hike… to the Australia v Turkey World Cup Opener!!!
Saturday, 20 June – MJ’s Bday & Winter Pub Crawl!

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 Saturday for a hike and pics you're going to love! MJ
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THE DETAILS.
WHATSAPP. You’re not 100% confirmed until you’re in the whatsapp group. Join it 'cause we love it, and we use it! Click on the link (above) – if not, sadly you’ll be removed from the event on MeetUP.
Cancels / No shows. Treat your RSVP like a restaurant reservation. No show / cancel on the day? That restaurant is my hiking group – you won’t be welcomed in the future. Respect and manners matter as I put my credit card down for your reservation. Double booked with another group? Come on… be kind.
Gratuity. $10 PayID or Cash.
Safety. Let’s chat, let’s have some laughs… but let’s be safe.
Fitness. Yup. Fitness matters for all of our hikes – especially if we are going into National Park.
Guests. Bring mates, dates, co-workers.
Good energy, smiles, and laughs… Bring ‘em all! You’re joining the most fun hiking group in Sydney.

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.
g) Over 60yrs old, and new to the group? Send me a note first please.