Tourists are smashed by a freak five-metre wave while trying to capture the perfect Instagram snap at notorious rock pools south of Sydney
- Dozens of tourists were swept off their feet by a monster wave at Figure 8 pool
- Waves more than five metres high were captured on video crashing onto rocks
- Swimmers were knocked over and sent rolling for metres by the powerful wave
Tourists have been swept off their feet by monster waves while enjoying a day out at a popular Instagram hotspot.
Powerful waves more than five metres high crashed onto dozens of people standing on the rocks at the Figure 8 rock pools in Sydney’s Royal National Park.
In video captured by a tourist, more than 20 people were wading by the edge of the famous rock pools when a large wave crashed onto them, knocking many tourists over.
A number of tourists attempted to outrun the rush of water, but still got knocked over in the process.
In video captured by a tourist, more than 20 swimmers were wading by the edge of the famous rock pools
Powerful waves more than five metres high crashed on dozens of people standing on the rocks at the Figure 8 rock pools in Sydney’s Royal National Park
Swimmers then frantically tried to retrieve their belongings which were swept away by the wave.
Sightseers have a long history of getting into trouble at the Figure 8 Pool, which is so named for its natural rock pool in the shape of the numeral, and was a popular spot for tourists and locals wanting to snap the perfect Instagram photo.
Last week a rescue team was called in to stretcher out a swimmer who became stuck.
In February, a 22-year-old international student died after being swept off the rocks and into the ocean by a freak wave.
In 2016, a powerful wave knocked over 100 revellers as they frolicked on the rocks, causing cuts, bruises and grazes to their bodies.
The following year, a 22-year-old man suffered serious lacerations to his chest while swimming in the park.
Two men were also treated by paramedics after claiming they were too injured to make the return three-hour journey back to their cars.
A number of tourists attempted to outrun the wave, but still got knocked over in the process
Coastal Cabins Protection League and resident Helen Voysey said tourists arrived at the site with no knowledge or awareness of the ocean conditions or the difference in safety level between high and low tide.
‘It was dedicated for a small population of Sydney as a small recreational area, but we now have 2.5 million people coming to the park [each year],’ she said.
‘There is limited access and now we’re inundated by car visitors who are not serious bush walkers and who don’t understand what a national park is about or the surf.
Swimmers then frantically tried to retrieve their belongings which were swept up in the wave