The walk from Clohesy River Fig Tree to Copperlode Dam is along a 'presentation restricted road' which may also used by 4WDs and mountain bikes. The drive to the fig tree offers a variety of habitats, from drier eucalypt woodlands with termite mounds through to rainforest. After the fig tree, the vegetation is mainly rainforest, including some picturesque creek crossings. You can often see cassowaries along this walk, as well as feral pigs. There are some good lookout points approaching the dam near the electricity pylons and you can finish walking at the picnic area at Copperlode Dam.
If you are travelling by car you can only drive as far as the gate at the Cairns Water reserve boundary at the top of the range; the road through to Copperlode Dam is not open to the public travelling by car, but may be accessed by walking or biking. A limited number of tour operators have permits to traverse this section of the road.
The Clohesy River Road runs south east from the Kennedy Highway between Kuranda and Mareeba. Take the dirt road for about nine kilometres to the fig tree walk. There are several creek crossings along the way. 4WD is recommended. Please check road conditions and accessibility with the QPWS office, especially in the wet season. Copperlode Dam (Lake Morris) is 25 kilometres inland from the Cairns city centre. Take the Brinsmead-Reservoir Road and look for the signposted turnoff. The road is narrow, winding and without guardrails so watch out for cyclists, runners and wildlife on sharp corners.