The colossal Cathedral Fig Tree is located in Danbulla State Forest, just a short drive off the main road. While visiting Atherton Tablelands on our day road trip from Cairns, we knew adding this famous tree to our agenda was a necessary stop.
Cathedral Fig TreeĀ Parking and Trail
Easy parking in a big lot was located in front of the trail entrance. Read and learn about the Cathedral Fig Tree while listening to the early morning birds singing.
![cathedral fig tree sign entrance](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-tree-sign-entrance-1024x576.webp)
![cathedral fig trail](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-trail-1024x576.webp)
The trail takes about 10 minutes to walk before reaching the boardwalk. Stay on the path as you might encounter snakes or other pests, such as ticks, in the rainforest.
![cathedral fig walk](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-walk-1024x576.webp)
![cathedral fig tree vines](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-tree-vines-1024x984.webp)
Cathedral Fig Tree
![cathedral fig tree first look pan](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-tree-first-look-pan.gif)
The gigantic Cathedral Fig tree is a strangler fig and is over 500 years old. The numerous tangled roots swirl around each other while hanging to the rainforest floor. It is a magnificent sight to behold!
![cathedral fig bright](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-bright-1024x1820.webp)
Being our first stop in the Atherton Tablelands, the early morning sun brought exquisite lighting, which flooded the Cathedral Fig. It is also a famous destination spot for early morning chirps and bird watching.
![cathedral fig tree sun spot](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-tree-sun-spot-1024x1366.webp)
We took time studying the natural beauty of this beast. The surrounding rainforest was filled with remarkable sights filled with texture and design. Aren’t the colors gorgeous?
![cathedral fig small greenery](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-small-greenery-1024x1073.webp)
![cathedral fig jesse](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-jesse-1024x1592.webp)
High up in the treetops, you can see an entirely different ecosystem.
![cathedral fig tree inside pan](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-tree-inside-pan.gif)
![cathedral fig tree inside](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-tree-inside-1024x576.webp)
Not realizing the boardwalk was reconstructed after some massive branches fell, we carefully walked through the dirt pathway to step inside the massive “cathedral.”
![cathedral fig josh](https://roadtripandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/cathedral-fig-josh-1024x1682.webp)
This awe inspiring natural landmark in Atherton Tablelands is literally a “standout” and is well worth a visit. The Cathedral Fig and Curtain Fig trees were different enough from each other, making each visit tranquil and unique.
Tips:
- Wear good walking shoes.
- Bring a high quality camera.
- Time your visit in the early morning for the best sunlight and singing birds.
- Bring bug spray after the rain.
- Respect nature and do not touch the trees.