The unique Curtain Fig Tree can be considered as one of the Atherton Tablelands’ most famous trees, if not challenged by the Cathedral Fig Tree 
, a 20-minute drive to the north.
The curtain fig tree started upright like most do, then the host tree fell before the fig developed sufficiently to support itself. After falling, the fig tree was left on a lean, propped up by other trees. A curtain of descending roots was created from up to 15 metres above.
Arriving at the parking area, there is a small hut with information about the fig tree and the Mabi Forest. Mabi is derived from an Aboriginal word for the Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo, found in the national park. We thought we were lucky enough to spot a Tree-kangaroo curled up on a branch, but it was a possum.
The walk starts close by along a boardwalk for more or less the whole way. The entirety of the walk is around 200 metres in a small circuit. Walking clockwise takes you the longer section of the circuit to the curtain fig tree. The boardwalk surrounds most of the tree with a view of it from several sides. Wheelchairs would be able to go on the boardwalk, however, it isn’t made to set standards. Some assistance may be required to get around the circuit.
When you come around the corner leading to the fig tree, the curtain is displayed. With the boardwalk showing the tree from most of the sides, it’s intricate root system can be seen and appreciated from different angles. The size and the time that must have taken for it to grow into its beautiful and fascinating formation.
On approach, there is an information board explaining the process of how the formation occurred, starting from a seed deposited in the host tree. Usually, a strangler fig grows around the host and eventually kills the host, leaving the fig tree to support itself. The tree fell and remained rooted while leaning against a second tree. The roots descended along the length of the fig tree creating the curtain. Eventually, like the first tree, the second tree was strangled leaving the Curtain Fig Tree growing in its unusual formation.
We didn’t have time to visit the Cathedral Fig Tree so we can’t compare to say which is the better famous fig tree in the Atherton Tablelands. If you have seen both, is the Curtain Fig Tree the best of the two? Let us know in a review.
