Queensland, East Coast of Australia, Australia

Ellis Beach

Ellis Beach is a wide and secluded beach known for its natural beauty. It is located in Cairns, a city in Queensland, Australia. The beach is characterized by its hot sand and lack of sting we nets, making it less suitable for swimming. Despite this, it is a popular spot for locals and occasional tourists who enjoy the tranquility and scenic views it offers.

The beach is accessible via the coastal highway, with visitors driving through the middle of it as they head north. It is also dog-friendly, making it a popular spot for dog walkers. The beach offers ample parking for visitors, and there is a shop located across the road for convenience.

Ellis Beach is not just a place for relaxation, but also for activities. It is a great spot for barbecues, especially in the mornings. Visitors can also enjoy walking along the beach or finding shade in the tree line to extend their stay. However, due to the hot sun and presence of crocodiles, it is recommended that visitors, especially those with children, take turns keeping an eye out for safety.

Unwind at Ellis Beach and enjoy the serene sunsets by exploring places to stay nearby.

Despite its seclusion, Ellis Beach tends to attract mostly locals, with the occasional tourist visiting from time to time. It is a great place to unwind and watch the sunset in the evening. Best of all, like most good things in Cairns, visiting Ellis Beach is free.

What to do at Ellis Beach?

Amenities

Ellis Beach amenities include parking.

Restaurants

One of the best restaurants near Ellis Beach is Ellis Beach Bar & Grill.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beach's wide, secluded nature and its spectacular views as its most appealing features. Many appreciate its quiet, scenic atmosphere, and it's a popular spot for locals to relax, walk their dogs, and enjoy family barbecues. However, some visitors express concerns about the intense sun, lack of swimming nets, and potential presence of crocodiles, making it less suitable for families with young children.

Where to Stay near Ellis Beach?

If you're visiting Ellis Beach, consider staying in Palm Cove, which is just a short drive away and offers various accommodation options. Alternatively, the Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows provide a unique experience just steps from the sand, perfect for those coming specifically to enjoy the beach's tranquility.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Ellis Beach?

Latitude: -16.7228452 / Longitude: 145.6435494

Ellis Beach is located in Queensland. The following map of Ellis Beach shows the exact location.

Ellis Beach: Weather Today

📅 Monday, June 8, 2026
Today is unfortunately not a great day for heading to Ellis Beach, as unsettled weather will dominate the area. You can expect persistent, heavy rain throughout the day, which will make for a very soggy and unpleasant outing. The skies will remain mostly covered in thick clouds, keeping the sunshine away. Along with the rain, there is a noticeable breeze that will pick up at times, making it feel quite brisk near the water. The sea is currently looking rather choppy with rough waves, and given the consistent downpours, it is certainly not ideal for any time in the water despite the sea temperature of 24.0 °C. With a maximum air temperature of 24.9 °C, it will feel cool and damp, so it is best to plan your beach visit for a much clearer day.
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Air

Low / High19.8°C/24.9°C
Feels Like (High)26°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature24.0 °C
Wave Height1.1 m
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Rain

Rain Chance100%
Rainfall4.9 mm
Rain Duration17 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:41/17:51
Sunshine Hours10.3 hrs
UV Index5.8
Cloud Cover76%
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Wind

Speed19 km/h
Gusts49 km/h
DirectionSE

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