The Curtain Fig, named because of its draping roots, is one of the region's most unique tourist attractions.

Located in the Curtain Fig National Park on the Atherton Tablelands, west of Cairns, the fig is a magnificent example of nature's wonder.

Like its close-by brother the Cathedral Fig in the Danbulla State Forest, the Curtain Fig is an age-old tree from the genus Ficus Virens.

Known commonly as "strangler figs", they are in fact a parasitic species that start at the top of a tree and make roots that reach the ground, eventually killing its host.

In the case of the Curtain Fig, its unique look was created when the strangler took over two trees, one of which had fallen onto the other.

It's roots extend over 15 metres to the ground and cover a great area, making it one of the largest trees in Far North Queensland.

The Curtain Fig National Park includes a boardwalk which weaves around the tree and contains a viewing platform for photographs.

This unique tourist destination is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year and is located on the outskirts of Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands.

There is no cost to enter the park but as no public transport is available you will either have to visit in your own vehicle or with one of the many Tablelands day tours.

Follow these links for more information about the Curtain Fig Tree and other tourist attractions in the Cairns area:

> Cairns National Parks

> Maps of Cairns

> Cairns Bushwalking

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