Ellis Beach, Queensland

Ellis Beach - Harmony

Ellis Beach is a locality in Tropical North Queensland, Australia. It lies on the Coral Sea.

The beach is located on the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas, within the Cairns City Council local government authority. The beach is the location of a surf lifesaving club and accommodation in the form of beach-front bungalows, caravans and camping sites.

Ellis Beach featured in the fourth season of the Amazing Race.

History of Ellis Beach

Ellis Beach

The magnificent five kilometre strip of Ellis Beach in Tropical North Queensland is situated alongside the Captain Cook Highway; just 30 minutes drive north of Cairns.

While the history of Ellis Beach is somewhat vague, the Cairns Historical Society’s records show that it was named after Dick Ellis, who at the time resided at this beach. He was a shot firer for the department of Main Roads - presumably at the time the Cook Highway was constructed in the early 1930’s. He lost a hand and the Government constructed a house for him at the beach now known as Ellis Beach on the spot where the café now stands. This was about 1940 and Dick Ellis died in 1960.

Prior to World War II the area had no particular name and there was no habitation in the vicinity. It was only during the war years that it became known as Ellis Beach and this fits with all other records. There are a number of mango trees at Ellis Beach, which it is believed were tended by Mr. Ellis. Following the construction of the Cook Highway through this area it was decided by the authorities to plant many varieties of trees along each side of the roadway and this policy was carried out wherever the terrain was suitable. Mangoes were particularly suitable for this purpose and many of the original trees are still surviving along with other flowering trees. Those along the stretch of road at Ellis Beach would no doubt owe their existence to Dick Ellis. In other areas drought and fire have taken their toll but some still exist.

Jellyfish enclosure at Ellis Beach

Naturally beautiful Ellis Beach is one of North Queensland’s special places where the World Heritage rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Today it is appreciated by locals and visitors who travel to Ellis Beach for a memorable day out or to holiday at Ellis Beach Leisure Park and Oceanfront Bungalows.

Ellis Beach is also home to the Ellis Beach Surf Lifesaving Club which regularly hosts competitions and events. Ellis Beach Surf Lifesaving Club provides stinger nets - allowing for year round swimming at Ellis Beach. This is due to stingers (like box jellyfish) which inhabit the waters during November to May.

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