Curtain Fig Tree, Cairns
Shrouded with canopy trees, a particular attraction that gains about 100,000 visitors yearly is the Curtain Fig Tree. It’s estimated to be 164 feet in height with vertical roots that cascade about 49 ft to the floor – hence, earning its name, the “curtain” tree.
What’s unique about Cairns is it has very diverse destinations ranging from the Great Barrier Reef, cultural sites, caves, lush rainforests, botanical gardens, whale watching, balloon rides, waterfalls and hiking! And one of the favourite attractions in Atherton Tablelands is the Curtain Fig Tree, so don't miss your chance to see this regional, natural icon!
If you’re visiting Cairns, you can’t miss the Atherton Tablelands! A journey through the lush forests is the perfect way to spend some time in the highland region if you want to pause, reflect and enjoy the calm, relaxing and green environment of the Tablelands.
Where is the Curtain Fig Tree?
Yungaburra Village
Yungaburra is where you will find the rare and enormous Curtain Fig Tree (or strangler fig tree) at the Curtain Fig Tree National Park. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll around if you want to mix up the places on your itinerary during your trip!
In the Atherton Tablelands is the Yungaburra Village which is a hilly countryside that once had volcanoes that are now extinct. The Village has the most serene and scenic landscapes with the best natural attractions in Cairns like rainforests, crater lakes and waterfalls!
Curtain Fig Tree National Park
The park protects the endangered Mabi Forest which can only be found in the Atherton Tablelands and Annan River National Park. It’s also where you can find the rare tree-kangaroo species endemic to Queensland!
If you’re visiting the Curtain Fig Tree, the stroll is 80 metres long and it takes about 10 minutes to wander around an elevated boardwalk strategically placed around the tree, so visitors can observe and enjoy the gigantic view of the tree from all angles.
Check out our most popular Cairns waterfall tours!
How old is the Curtain Fig Tree?
The Curtain Fig Tree is said to be 500 years old! Its age and size just show how mysterious and wonderful mother nature is! Interestingly, during the 15th century, a bird or another type of animal dropped a fig seed on top of a tree.
The fig seed then sprouted despite being elevated 66 ft above the ground! Its roots grew thicker, curling around the host tree as it kept growing taller! Later on, the magical Curtain Fig Tree strangled and crushed the host tree with its heavy roots. It fell sideways and 500 years later, we see the remarkable yet mystical 45° tilt that the tree has become known for!
Can You Eat The Curtain Fig Fruit?
The answer is no! Just because the fig fruit is a favourite among insects, birds, bats, and other animals in Yungaburra village, it doesn’t mean it’s safe for humans to eat it too! Why? The Curtain Fig Fruit releases a corrosive creamy substance that can actually irritate your skin and eyes if you get way too close! So, you can’t eat it because it’s poisonous!
Wildlife in the Curtain Fig National Park
There are a wide variety of reptiles, insects and mammals found in the Curtain Fig Tree National Park. So, it’s not a bad idea to bring binoculars for you to get a better viewing experience! You will find geckos, possums, more than 130 species of birds and tree kangaroos as you stroll around the park immersing yourself in the greeneries of unspoiled nature.
The refreshing smell of lush gardens, relaxing scenery and rich biodiversity makes the eco-tour worth your time. Since the national park is open 24 hours, you can drop by at night to discover and appreciate nocturnal animals. It’s best not to use bright lights from your phone or camera, or create unnecessary loud sounds and sudden movements as some animals are more skittish than others.
The mesmerising wildlife at the Curtain Fig Tree National Park is an otherworldly experience, and protecting and conserving our forests is our responsibility so that natural life can thrive.
Weather in the Curtain Fig National Park
The weather in Atherton Tablelands is mild even during the winter season because of its high altitude, positioned 2,362 ft above sea level. It has also become a favourite spot for visitors in summer because of its low humidity and cool temperatures. The coldest temperature has been recorded at 10C during the winter season, and the warmest temperatures don’t go higher than 29C which is perfect for that in-between climate that’s neither too cold nor too hot!
How to Get to the Curtain Fig National Park?
From Cairns, drive to Yungaburrba which is about an hour's drive. From Yunguburra, the Curtain Fig Tree National Park is just 2km west of Gilles Highway, and you're there on Curtain Fig Tree Road!
If you're renting a car, we suggest that you find out the type of vehicle that’s best suited for your trip! Are you going to drive through rough roads? You might be visiting a rainforest or an eco-tour to capture wildlife and learn about the region’s history! Whether you need an SUV, a van, 4WD, a large 5-8 seater, or even a 12-seater, we came up with a list of where you can find the best car rental deals in Cairns just for you!
Or, if you'd prefer to take the back seat, check out our range of tours that will take you to the magnificent Curtain Fig Tree!
Which Tours Take You To The Curtain Fig Tree?
Northern Experience Eco Tour
The Northern Experience Eco Tour is a jam-packed tour that will take you through a World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest site, with a stop at the glorious Curtain Fig Tree!
In this all-inclusive trip, you get to discover hidden gems like Lake Barrine and Twin Kauri Pines, then dip in a refreshing swim at the pristine Millaa Millaa Falls and Babinda Boulders. You continue on to Curtain Fig Tree and Paronella Park to learn the captivating history of Tablelands from our expert tour guides.
Enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned ride on your way to crystal-clear waterfalls waiting for you to splash in, it’s a holiday that only a few can bring to life! With Devonshire morning tea, coffee, freshly baked scones and a hot buffet lunch at Roscoe’s Pizza Place, it’s our personalised slice of tropical paradise just for you! What’s even better? There’s complimentary pickup and dropoff from your hotel within the Cairns CBD!
Attractions Near Curtain Fig Tree
Paronella Park
For other parks that you're sure to fall in love with, Paronella Park's vibrant, green scenery is another favourite attraction for travellers to explore! With its romantic history between two lovers, it's named after Jose Paronella who built a castle in the park by hand for his wife. It took him 6 years to complete in 1935. You can even take a nighttime tour of the park for that unusual and breathtaking experience!
Milla Milla Falls
Millaa Millaa Falls, located about a 20 minute drive from Curtain Fig Tree and is one of Australia's most iconic waterfalls. Known for its picturesque beauty, the falls plunge into a pristine swimming hole surrounded by lush rainforest. It's a popular spot for swimming and picnicking, offering a serene natural escape. Millaa Millaa is also famous for the Herbal Essence hair flick commercial.
The Great Barrier Reef & Islands
For our other sailing and boat tours, check out the Eco Adventure that lets you discover the flourishing Green Island’s onshore reefs, beaches and tropical forests! The Great Barrier Reef gives you a rare chance to rub shoulders with vibrant sea creatures! Then, you can choose a glass-bottom boat ride if you want to stay dry - or a snorkelling experience into the colourful depths of the underwater world!
And if you’re still planning your Cairns itinerary, check out How You Can Spend Your Weekend in Cairns!
