By Georgina Mitchell
Four people have been flown to safety after a large wave crashed over tourists at Sydney's Figure Eight Pools in the Royal National Park on Sunday afternoon.
A number of people were at the popular tourist spot when a wave crashed onto the rocks about 4.10pm, a NSW Ambulance spokeswoman said.
Tourists pose for photographs earlier in January at the Figure Eight Pools in the Royal National Park.Credit: Wolter Peeters
It left a 22-year-old woman with injuries to her back, face, arm and leg, while a number of others were treated for cuts and lacerations.
Two people were winched from the rocks and taken to waiting ambulances at nearby Garie Beach, while two others were taken to Burning Palms Surf Life Saving Club where they were also flown to Garie Beach.
Videos posted to Instagram on Sunday afternoon showed large waves crashing against the rocks against a grey sky as a NSW Ambulance helicopter hovered over the scene.
At least one paramedic was dropped onto the rocks to treat those injured, while the Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter was also called.
Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter chief executive Stephen Leahy said the pools had attracted large crowds since they were popularised by social media posts, but they carried hidden dangers.
"These large waves can hit a rock ledge without any warning and they are dangerous," Mr Leahy said.
The rescue is the second time in two days people have been injured at the popular tourist destination in the Royal National Park, with five people injured in similar circumstances on Saturday.
On January 10, another high-profile rescue was staged at the location after a "rogue wave" swept over the rock shelf, which is only accessible by a three-kilometre walk, and left several people with injuries. All who were winched from the rocks were released from hospital later that day.
Following the first rescue operation this month, Surf Life Saving Sydney urged people to stick to patrolled beaches, describing Figure Eight Pools as "a difficult location to get to".
The National Parks and Wildlife Service warned people to "use common sense and stay away from the rocks" in heavy swell.
Kane Weeks, area manager for the National Parks and Wildlife Service, said a "new demographic" of social media-savvy people had been attracted to the rock pools in recent years.
"From general observations, it definitely is Generation Y visiting, and a high proportion of international visitors, and they're getting that photo opportunity of the Figure Eight Pools for Instagram. From our point of view, this is a very new thing " Mr Weeks said.
"Gen Y is looking for adventure in the park, they're looking for unique spots that have an element of excitement and where there's a degree of risk, so to speak.
"They just need to be aware of the safety issues that are associated with the coastal environment."
with AAP, Megan Levy