On the outskirts of Yungaburra, via the Gillies Highway. Open 24 hours.
Directions in Google MapsA tree that looks like a stage set
Just outside Yungaburra on the Atherton Tableland stands a green fig whose aerial roots drop 15 metres to the forest floor. Over hundreds of years they've woven into a curtain.
Queensland Parks estimates it at over 500 years old, nearly 50 metres tall, with a trunk circumference of 39 metres. An elevated boardwalk takes you all the way around it in about ten minutes.
It's free, it's easy, and it's the perfect stop between the crater lakes and the waterfalls.
How a curtain fig grows
It starts as a seed dropped high in another tree. The young strangler fig sends roots down, they thicken and weave together, and over centuries they strangle the host. Here the host tree fell into a neighbour mid-way, which is what tipped the roots into a curtain. The host rotted away and left the fig standing free.
The Curtain Fig boardwalk
- Length: 180 m circuit.
- Time: about 10 minutes.
- Grade 2: short and gently sloping, no stairs.
The boardwalk protects the fragile roots and gives you views of the tree from all sides. It doesn't meet the Australian Standard for disability access, but many people can use it with assistance. It's the only part of the national park open to the public.
The rare forest around it
The fig grows in mabi forest, an endangered forest type that was mostly cleared for farming. "Mabi" is the Ngadjon word for the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo. More than 40 bird species have been recorded in this small park, including Macleay's honeyeater.
Curtain Fig Tree: good to know
No toilets
The nearest public toilets are in Yungaburra.
Stinging trees
Stay on the boardwalk and don't touch the large heart-shaped serrated leaves.
No pets
Domestic animals aren't permitted in the national park.
Night visit
Keep torches to 30 watts or less and use a red filter. Never shine lights on nesting birds.
The Curtain Fig in pictures
Swipe or use the arrows. Tap a photo to see it bigger.
Curtain Fig Tree: the route on a map
Outskirts of Yungaburra
About 66 kilometres from Cairns via the Gillies Highway, just over an hour's drive. The Tablelands sit around 720 metres up, so it's cooler than the coast.
Route line from OpenStreetMap. On the day, follow the signs and markers on the track.
Open in Google MapsA Tablelands day around Yungaburra
Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine are a few minutes away, and the waterfall circuit is a short drive south.
Yungaburra Markets
The biggest market on the Tablelands: 250+ growers and makers, fourth Saturday of the month.
See the guide →Lake Eacham
A clear, deep volcanic lake with a pontoon, a shady 3 km loop and turtles.
See the guide →Lake Barrine
Twin 45 m kauri pines, a lakeside teahouse and a 5 km rainforest loop.
See the guide →Millaa Millaa Falls
The postcard waterfall of the Tablelands, and the start of the Waterfall Circuit.
See the guide →Barefoot Tours
A full day of waterfalls and swimming holes on the Tablelands.
Hot Air Ballooning
Float over the Atherton Tablelands as the sun comes up.
Curtain Fig Tree FAQs
How old is the Curtain Fig Tree?
Queensland Parks estimates it at over 500 years old.
How long do you need at the Curtain Fig Tree?
About 10 minutes for the 180 metre boardwalk. Longer if you're spotlighting at night.
Is the Curtain Fig Tree free?
Yes. There is no entry fee.
Are there toilets at the Curtain Fig Tree?
No. Use the public toilets in Yungaburra.
How far is the Curtain Fig Tree from Cairns?
About 66 kilometres, just over an hour's drive via the Gillies Highway.