
Ellis Beach
The stunning Ellis Beach north of Cairns with a 4.7 rating across 156 reviews.
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Why it's worth checking out
Ellis Beach sits along the Captain Cook Highway north of Cairns, on the scenic drive towards Port Douglas in tropical Far North Queensland. A strong 4.7 rating from 156 reviews reflects its standing as a genuine highlight.
The appeal is a stunning, palm-fringed beach in a beautiful setting — golden sand and clear water where the rainforest-clad hills meet the Coral Sea, a lovely spot for a swim, a picnic or simply soaking up the scenery, right on the gorgeous coastal drive. It's a genuine tropical highlight.
Beaches have changing conditions, tides and seasonal considerations (including marine stingers at certain times), so check current advisories and swim between the flags where patrolled. Otherwise it's a free, beautiful spot to enjoy whenever the weather's good — bring sun protection, water and your swimmers.
Practical details
Spot Score
- Reputation
- 84
- Popularity
- 67
- Information quality
- 0
- Category fit
- 70
- Freshness
- 30
Our independent editorial score — not a user rating.
Nearby venues

Ellis Beach Bar & Grill
$$Ellis Beach Bar & Grill is a restaurant in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 2094 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.

Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows
Ellis Beach Oceanfront Bungalows is a place to stay in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 520 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.

Ellis Beach
Ellis Beach is a beach in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 132 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 55/100.

Buchans Point Beach
Buchans Point Beach is a park in Palm Cove, Cairns. It holds a 4.2-star Google rating from 45 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 46/100.
More beaches in Cairns

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a beach in Port Douglas, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 6088 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 68/100.

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Enclosed gondolas riding 7.5 km over rainforest canopy, with walks at 2 stations along the way.

Four Mile Beach
Four Mile Beach is a beach in Edge Hill, Cairns. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating from 1259 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 66/100.

Nudey Beach
White coral beach ringed by rainforest sheltering skinks & ospreys, with views of Cairns Hinterland.

