Otford to Figure Eight Pools Circuit

This is a roughly 15.7 km (9.8 mi) loop from Otford Train Station to Figure Eight Pools and back, through Palm Jungle and over Burgh Ridge. Allow about 6 to 7 hours. The 13.4 km base circuit excludes the out-and-back pool spur, so only add that exposed section when the tide and swell are safe.

From the station, climb by the road and steps to Otford Lookout, then follow the clifftop path before turning inland along the ridge. The route climbs through ferns and open forest, then drops steeply through Palm Jungle, where cabbage palms, vines and fallen branches crowd the narrow tread. It eventually opens onto grassy slopes and the coast at Burning Palms.

The track leaves the beach and rounds rocky headlands to a broad sandstone shelf where the natural pools sit. These are natural pools in the sandstone shelf; several rounded basins have joined over time to make the distinctive figure-eight shape. The open platform is the serious hazard here. Go only at low tide and very low swell, check the wave-risk forecast, and turn back if waves are reaching the walking line. Conditions can change quickly; skip the spur if there is any doubt.

From Burning Palms, the circuit climbs inland over Burgh Ridge toward Garawarra Farm. It is a sustained, steep climb, with stretches of open coast views before the route returns through forest on wide management tracks and descends to Otford Lookout. The old beach cabins at Burning Palms are a memorable pause on the shore, but there is no food or water service there. From the exposed clifftops, winter walkers may spot migrating whales offshore.

This is a long Grade 4 walk with rough, uneven track, steep descents and climbs, and a tide-dependent rock-platform detour. Carry enough water and food for the whole circuit. There are toilets at Garawarra Farm; none at the pools. The route is not suitable for prams, and ordinary pets are not permitted in the park.

For a shorter way through Palm Jungle, the separate Palm Jungle loop starts at Garawarra Farm and is about 10 km. It shares some coastal scenery but does not begin or end at Otford station, so treat it as a different walk rather than a shortcut on this circuit.