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National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW has issued detailed warnings – and even recommended a local tour operator – in a bid to reduce the number of deaths and injuries people suffer in visiting a popular tourist attraction.

Calls are growing for the popular Figure Eight Pools, located near Burning Palms Beach in the Royal National Park south of Sydney, to be closed following multiple deaths and injuries there in recent years. The latest was a 22-year-old international student from Nepal who was swept away while visiting the pool about a month ago.

A corpse recovered yesterday by police, found wedged between rocks at the popular tourist spot, is awaiting formal identification. It is believed to be that of the student.

A local expert has described the pools as an “overcrowded death trap”.

Previously only known to locals and visited at low tide when it is safe, the Figure Eight Pools are now attracting hordes of tourists. Many turn up with no knowledge of surf conditions or bushwalking; people are frequently knocked over by large waves that crash over the rock shelf. Some are injured; others are swept away and drown.

The craze is due largely to selfies and Instagram. The figure 8 is lucky in China, Japan and some other Asian countries, so Asian visitors, in particular, are drawn to the pools to get a selfie and post it on Instagram.

The perfect figure 8. But beware…

National Parks and Wildlife Service NSW (NPWS) advises visitors determined to visit Figure Eight Pools to take a guided tour.

“Despite warnings, some can’t resist the temptation for a selfie. If you have to go, take a safe option and go there on a guided tour with Barefoot Downunder,” NPWS advises.

“They’re a NSW National Parks Certified Tour Operator. Their tours will only operate during low tide, low swell and safe ocean conditions.”

Barefoot Downunder is the only licensed tour operator for the Figure Eight Pools from Sydney. The pools are the first thing you see on the company’s website.

Rather than visiting the notorious Figure Eight Pools at all, NPWS suggests other, safer alternatives.

Despite all that, more victims may yet be lured to their doom by the power of the numeral 8, the rise in tourism from Asia, and the lure of selfies and Instagram.

Travellers head for the attraction

Coastal geomorphologist Professor Rob Brander told the Illawarra Mercury that social media had opened the floodgates.

“It’s turned into an overcrowded death trap,” he said.

“The urge to get an Instagram photo is like leading lambs to the slaughter. Tourists are been exposed to hazardous high tides and huge ocean waves.”

NPWS advises: 

 Don’t risk it – plan your trip

  • It’s a long, hard 6km walk on a steep, narrow, slippery track in a remote area.
  • The walk takes 2 hours each way. Give it a miss if you’re not feeling fit.
  • Aim to get to Figure Eight Pools before midday. No one wants to walk back up that hill in the dark, and park gates are locked by 8.30pm.
  • Take care, the terrain is uneven and not suitable for young children or prams.
  • If you must visit, look at a map first and wear the right shoes. This isn’t the place for thongs or high heels.

Another view. Figure of Eight Pool

Only visit at low tide

  • Use our risk forecast to plan your trip. Don’t go if it’s mid tide, high tide, or if stormy weather is forecast.
  • Never turn your back on the ocean.
  • When you get to the rock shelf, stop and watch the waves for a bit before walking to the rock pools.
  • Surf conditions at Figure Eight Pools change quickly. The ocean can be calm for a couple of minutes before a series of big waves can suddenly smash the rock shelf.

You can view the handy tide forecaster on the NPWS site here.

NPWS advises further:

Regular injuries

  • Injuries happen at Figure Eight Pools all the time. Don’t let it be you.
  • People often get dragged across the rock shelf by freak waves. We’ve seen head injuries, broken bones, and bad cuts and bruises from slipping on rocks.
  • Some injured people had to stay overnight because there’s no emergency access. Think it can’t happen to you?

Emergency rescue

  • In case of an emergency, ring Triple Zero (000) if you can get mobile coverage, which is limited.
  • There are no lifeguards or rescue services nearby so you could be waiting a long time for help if you’re injured.
  • If Emergency Services have to attend, they’ll either have to walk down, or in extreme cases, you may need to wait overnight…and then have to pay for it!
  • So, before you go, tell someone your plans and what time you’re coming back.

What to bring

It’s a hot, thirsty, difficult walk and there are no facilities. No toilet, no water, no food, no bins.

If you must visit, pack this:

  • 2 litres of water per person
  • Snacks
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Closed shoes
  • Fully-charged mobile phone
  • First-aid kit

Finally, NPWS advises tourists to “pick a better spot for a selfie”.

“Instead of breaking a limb at Figure Eight Pools, take photos at some other beautiful places. Avoid the crowds that Figure Eight Pools is now infamous for.”

It suggests as alternatives America Bay track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park; the Manly scenic walkway; Lighthouse and South Head lookout, Sydney Harbour National Park: Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park.

Written by Peter Needham