Meet the site
Ellison Reef is the gentlest of the four outer reefs visited by Mission Beach Dive and the one it recommends for first-time reef divers and families. It sits 60-90 minutes from Clump Point within a Marine National Park (Green) Zone where no fishing, collecting or other extractive activity is allowed. The operator describes a shallow coral garden spanning 4-18 m, with typical visibility of 12-22 m and minimal current in most conditions year-round, and dive times of 45-60 minutes. The coral is dense and varied, with staghorn, plate, brain and soft corals, and the garden is rich in colour and marine life. Green sea turtles are abundant, clownfish occupy anemones throughout the garden, parrotfish graze the coral, giant clams sit among the branching thickets and occasional wobbegong sharks lie camouflaged on the bottom, along with hundreds of species of reef fish. The site welcomes snorkellers from the age of six, Discover Scuba participants from twelve, and certified divers of all levels. Its calm conditions and moderate depth make it ideal for long, relaxed dives, photography and training, and for groups that include non-divers. Experienced divers looking for walls, current and pelagic fish will find Eddy Reef or Taylor Reef more exciting, but Ellison offers outer-reef coral in very easy conditions, with few other boats. Exact coordinates for Ellison Reef are not published by the operator, so none are given here. Groups are limited to twelve guests, and stinger suits are supplied for the warmer months. It is a good first site of the day before moving to Beaver or Taylor.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Ellison Reef is recorded as Reef in Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Ellison Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Ellison Reef through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Green sea turtles, clownfish, parrotfish, giant clams, wobbegong sharks (occasional), reef fish, staghorn, plate, brain and soft corals
Location
Outer reef off Mission Beach, in a Marine National Park (Green) Zone, with a shallow, calm coral garden from 4 to 18 m.
Facilities nearby
Departs Clump Point jetty/marina, Mission Beach
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
missionbeachdive.com.aumissionbeachdive.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.