FIND YUNGABURRA

The Curtain Fig National Park contains the renowned Curtain Fig Tree, an enormous strangler fig tree. Located a short drive out of Yungaburra, a small town in the Atherton Tableland, the giant tree has several aerial roots hanging down from its branches that look like curtains. It's over 500 years old and definitely worth a look! There's a short boardwalk around the base of the tree that is wheelchair accessible.

This popular park features a deep crater lake surrounded by cool lush rainforest. Lake Barrine, part of Crater Lakes National Park, is a maar: a crater lake formed by volcanic explosions. In several places, large bull kauri pines, a species that once dominated the tableland forests, emerge through the rainforest canopy. Take the short stroll along the boardwalk to view the two giant bull kauris. Stretch your legs on the longer five kilometre walking track around the lake, pausing to admire the lake views. Look for rainforest animals, such as the colourful but cryptic Boyd's forest dragon, along the way. Take your canoe onto the lake and look for fish, turtles and waterbirds around the shallow reedy lake edges. Enjoy afternoon tea in the privately-operated teahouse. Lake cruises operate from the teahouse.

This park protects a small area of an endangered type of forest, called mabi forest, the local Aborignal (Ngadjon) word for the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo. The large fig tree found in this park is unique because the extensive aerial roots, that drop 15 metres to the forest floor, have formed a 'curtain'. Starting from a seed dropped high in the canopy, this strangler fig grew vertical roots, which gradually became thicker and interwoven. Over hundreds of years these roots have strangled the host causing it to fall into a neighbouring tree-a stage unique to the development of this fig. Vertical fig roots then formed a curtain-like appearance and the host trees rotted away, leaving the freestanding fig tree. The tree is thought to be nearly 50 metres tall, with a trunk circumference of 39 metres, and is estimated to be over 500 years old. Explore the elevated boardwalk that encircles the curtain fig, protecting the roots while allowing for uninterrupted views from all angles. Return at night to spotlight for the elusive Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo and other nocturnal animals.