Curtain Fig Tree, Yungaburra

Curtain Fig Tree, located in the lush rainforest of the Curtain Fig National Park, Yungaburra, is an exquisite, heritage-listed natural attraction that draws a throng of nature lovers, photographers, and tourists alike.

The tree is associated with tourism on the Atherton Tableland since the 1920s and remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Queensland.

The Curtain Fig Tree, listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, is estimated to be at least 500 years old, and it stands tall at approximately 50 metres with a trunk circumference of 39 metres. This ancient strangler fig (Ficus virens) is fascinating because of the unique way in which it developed. It is a parasitic species of tree that grows on top of another tree, trying to plant its roots in the ground. It develops extensive aerial roots that interweave to form a curtain that drops approximately 15 metres to the forest floor, where it feeds from the soil. The Curtain Fig's curtain of aerial roots is 7 metres wide and oriented north-west to south-east.

Curtain Fig Tree has been essential in the development of the Cairns hinterland as a major tourist region in Queensland. Since the early 20th century, the North Queensland Naturalists' Club, local hire-car services and Queensland Government Tourist Bureau have included the tree in their itineraries, taking advantage of the wonder that the Northern Queensland natural environment generates among the tourists.

The tree is now easily accessible via a 2 metres wide timber boardwalk from the roadside car park. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and encircles the tree. Visitors to the park can enjoy the sheltered interpretation board, outlining the history of the tree