Ellis Beach, Queensland

Ellis Beach
Queensland
Ellis Beach; Queensland
	Ellis Beach – view south to Buchan Point
	Ellis Beach
Coordinates	16°43′56″S 145°39′10″E / 16.7322°S 145.6527°ECoordinates: 16°43′56″S 145°39′10″E / 16.7322°S 145.6527°E
Population	24 (2016 census)
• Density	1.71/km2 (4.44/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4879
Area	14.0 km2 (5.4 sq mi)
LGA(s)	Cairns Region
State electorate(s)	Barron River
Federal division(s)	Leichhardt
	Suburbs around Ellis Beach:

Ellis Beach is a coastal locality in the Cairns Region, Queensland, Australia.^[2] In the 2016 census, Ellis Beach had a population of 24 people.^[1]

Geography[]

The five-kilometre strip of Ellis Beach is located aside the Coral Sea 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Cairns on the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas, within the Cairns Region local government area. The Ellis Beach locality also contains the nearby off-shore Double Island, also known by its native Aboriginal name Wangal Djungay.

History[]

Ellis Beach is situated in the Djabugay (Tjapukai) traditional Aboriginal country. ^[3] 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 Queensland Department of Main Roads – presumably at the time the Cook Highway was constructed in the early 1930s. He lost a hand and the Queensland 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.

Before World War II the area was unnamed (in English) and had no houses. 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. After the construction of the Cook Highway through the area the authorities decided to plant many varieties of trees along each side of the roadway. This was done where the terrain permitted. Mangoes were particularly suitable for this purpose and many of the original trees survive 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.

At the 2006 census, Ellis Beach had a population of 30.^[4]

Amenities[]

Ellis Beach is also home to the Ellis Beach Surf Lifesaving Club which regularly hosts competitions and events. From November to May, a stinger net patrolled by the club helps protect swimmers from marine "stingers" (jellyfish species of Chironex and Irukandji) which inhabit the waters during those months. Ellis Beach features pumice stones along its beautiful shores.

There is a camping ground and a bar and grill restaurant.