Danbulla National Park and State Forest Tropical North Queensland

Look up into the spreading canopy of the majestic cathedral fig tree. Photo credit: Mike Prociv © Queensland Government

Lake Tinaroo is the heart of Danbulla National Park and State Forest. Photo credit: Karl Seelig © Tourism and Events Queensland

Cathedral fig tree

This elaborate tree, festooned with intricate vines and delicate epiphytes, is named for the stately, cathedral-like formation of its roots.

Journey type: Walk
Distance: 300m return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested: Allow 10min walking time.
Grade: Grade 2 walking track

Accessible by

Conventional vehicle
Bicycle

Journey facilities

Walking

With a crown as big as 2 Olympic swimming pools towering nearly 50m over you, this mighty 500-year-old tree will take your breath away.

As you stroll along the boardwalk, gaze into the roots and canopy of this rainforest giant. See if you can spot some of the plentiful wildlife that calls this tree home.

Learn all there is to know about the tree from a sign near its base. Some of the fig facts will astound you.

The cathedral fig tree, Danbulla National Park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, famed for its exceptional natural beauty, outstanding examples of the record of life, evolutionary history and remarkable diversity. Remain on the boardwalk at all times.

Getting there and getting around

The cathedral fig tree is in Danbulla National Park on the central part of the Atherton Tableland, 70km (1.5hr) from Cairns.

The tree is 26.6km from the western entrance and 1.4km from the eastern entrance, on Danbulla Road.
Most of Danbulla Road is unsealed but it is accessible to all vehicles.

Refer to number 11 reference on Danbulla National Park and State Forest locality and road maps (PDF, 207.2KB) .

For more information see visiting safely—getting there and getting around.