The Figure Eight Pools are a natural formation on a rock ledge in the Royal National Park in Sydney.
Although they are a popular Instagram spot now...access comes with a huge risk and there have been hundreds of people hurt, and in some cases killed here.
The hike to the sandstone and shale ledge takes upwards of three hours and the ledge is only safely accessible at low tide (early morning-early afternoon). By late afternoon the ledge is completely submersed and before submersion the large crashing waves have dragged tourists across the rough stone or out to sea and drown. Every year they have many injuries, several drownings and quite a few airlift rescues here. Tourists who overstay the tidal window.
In addition to the danger by the tide, the fatally toxic Blue Ringed Octopus also is attracted to these rocky pools, and often calls them home.
Small, colorful, cute, and deadly poison.
When touched the toxin proves fatal within minutes.
(...later you will discover there are a LOT of things in The Land Down Under that can kill you...)
But, in case you are still keen to go for that perfect selfie...
How to get to the Figure Eight Pools
http://www.checkin-out.com/how-to-get-to-the-figure-8-pools/
And Hiking to the Pools
https://youtu.be/oh_6-xC0x6c
Video of a Early Wave hitting the Figure 8 Pools.
https://youtu.be/v39j49d-N8M
On Tuesday we will check out the rest of the Royal National Park in Sydney!
