Boardwalk beside the hanging aerial roots of the Curtain Fig Tree in rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland.

    A raised boardwalk passes beneath the immense hanging roots of the Curtain Fig Tree, one of the Atherton Tablelands’ most distinctive rainforest landmarks.

    ← Back to Atherton Tablelands

    Curtain Fig Tree

    Landmark

    Curtain Fig Tree is a giant strangler fig within Curtain Fig National Park near Yungaburra on the Atherton Tablelands. A massive curtain of aerial roots hangs from the tree where its original host fell against a neighbouring tree, creating an unusually broad vertical wall of roots beneath the rainforest canopy. The intricate root structure, immense scale and surrounding tropical forest provide opportunities for nature, detail and abstract photography.

    -17.28603, 145.57398

    See what's nearby on the map

    Gallery

    Boardwalk beside the hanging aerial roots of the Curtain Fig Tree in rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland.

    A raised boardwalk passes beneath the immense hanging roots of the Curtain Fig T…

    Curtain Fig Tree and its hanging aerial roots beside a winding rainforest boardwalk near Yungaburra, Queensland.

    The immense aerial roots of the Curtain Fig Tree descend beside a winding rainfo…

    Boardwalk beside the hanging aerial roots of the Curtain Fig Tree with sunlight filtering through the rainforest near Yungaburra, Queensland.

    Sunlight filters through the rainforest beside the Curtain Fig Tree, where a boa…

    Curtain Fig Tree with its long hanging aerial roots beside a rainforest boardwalk near Yungaburra, Queensland.

    The immense aerial roots of the Curtain Fig Tree descend beside a rainforest boa…

    Looking up through the canopy and hanging aerial roots of the Curtain Fig Tree near Yungaburra, Queensland.

    The spreading canopy of the Curtain Fig Tree rises above a vast curtain of aeria…

    Low-angle view of the hanging aerial roots of the Curtain Fig Tree near Yungaburra, Queensland.

    A dense curtain of aerial roots hangs from the massive Curtain Fig Tree near Yun…

    Massive curtain of hanging aerial roots on the Curtain Fig Tree near Yungaburra, Queensland.

    The Curtain Fig Tree’s extraordinary wall of aerial roots descends towards the r…

    Towering Curtain Fig Tree with long aerial roots descending through rainforest near Yungaburra in the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland.

    The Curtain Fig Tree's vast curtain of aerial roots descends through the rainfor…

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Short Walk

    5–15 min

    Elevation Gain

    5 m

    Best Light

    Morning
    Overcast

    Soft light reduces contrast beneath the rainforest canopy and reveals texture and detail across the dense network of hanging roots.

    Why This Light

    Softens Contrast

    Season

    Year-Round Stable

    Summer brings wetter conditions, dense green foliage and increased moisture across the surrounding rainforest and exposed root system. Winter brings generally drier conditions and softer forest-floor vegetation, while the fig's extensive roots and evergreen rainforest setting remain visually consistent.

    Crowds

    Often Busy

    Restrictions

    Curtain Fig Tree is reached by sealed road near Yungaburra, with parking close to the site and a short boardwalk leading through the rainforest to the tree. Visitors should remain on the established boardwalk to protect the fig's root system and surrounding vegetation. Wet conditions can make walking surfaces slippery, and temporary access restrictions may apply during severe weather or maintenance.

    Photography Notes

    Use wider lenses to show the full curtain of aerial roots and surrounding rainforest, with people on the boardwalk providing useful scale. Vertical compositions suit the height and hanging structure of the roots, while longer focal lengths can isolate repeating lines, tangled roots and bark textures. Overcast light is particularly effective for controlling bright canopy openings and retaining detail throughout the shaded root system. Look for side angles that reveal depth between successive layers of roots.
    ← Back to Atherton TablelandsView workshops in Atherton Tablelands