Australia’s Royal National Park is Home to Figure Eight Pools

Australia’s Royal National Park is the second oldest national park in the world after Yellowstone, and it’s home to many picture-perfect natural wonders. One f them is Figure Eight Pools, one of the most popular attractions in the park. But is it actually worth the trip?

You’ll be tempted to visit this spot after seeing countless photos on Instagram, but keep in mind this is easier said than done. Figure Eight Pools is located about an hour away from Sydney, and the car ride is actually the most relaxing part of the entire journey. In order to reach the pools, you’ll have to hike for about an hour or two and the terrain is pretty steep and uneven.

There are several pools you can swim in, but keep in mind only one of them is shaped like the number eight so you wouldn’t get disappointed.

Another important thing you should keep in mind is that you can only visit Figure Eight Pools at low tide. It’s crucial to check the risk forecast before heading there because it changes daily, and it’s extremely risky to visit the pools when the tide is high.

You should also make sure to take the hiking time into the account after leaving the pools. The national park is open between 7 am and 8:30 pm and you should be out the door long before that so you wouldn’t have to hike back in the dark.