Outer Great Barrier Reef · Marine Park Green Zone
Ellison Reef
A sheltered coral garden rich in colour, marine life and calm conditions — ideal for snorkellers, beginners and families venturing onto the outer reef.
About This Reef Site
A Lush Coral Garden for All Levels
Ellison Reef is one of the most accessible and family-friendly outer reef sites accessible from Mission Beach. A broad, shallow coral garden extends from the reef crest at 4 m down through gently sloping terraces to around 18 m, creating an ideal environment for snorkellers, Discover Scuba participants, and certified divers of all experience levels.
The reef is characterised by exceptional coral diversity — dense fields of staghorn and plate corals, interspersed with brain corals, soft coral clusters and branching formations that create a layered garden habitat. The calm, sheltered profile and minimal current make Ellison Reef a particularly welcoming site for first-time reef divers and those with families.
Situated within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Green Zone, Ellison Reef has remained protected from fishing and extraction, supporting thriving fish populations and healthy coral coverage across the site.
4 – 18 m
Depth Range
12 – 22 m
Visibility
Beginner
Difficulty
Coral Garden
Site Type
Mild to None
Current
Year-round
Best Season
What Lives Here
Marine Life at Ellison Reef
The shallow, sheltered coral garden at Ellison Reef supports a rich community of reef fish, turtles and invertebrates, all easily visible in the calm, clear conditions.
Green Sea Turtles
CommonEllison Reef's shallow coral garden is a favoured feeding and resting area for green sea turtles. Multiple sightings per dive are typical year-round, making this one of the most reliably turtle-rich sites accessible from Mission Beach.
Clownfish & Anemones
CommonDense clownfish colonies inhabit the large carpet and magnificent anemones scattered across the shallow reef. The calm, clear water makes for ideal close-up photography and observation.
Parrotfish
CommonBumphead and steephead parrotfish graze the reef in loose groups, their vivid colouring and audible munching adding character to the dive. Often found along the reef crest in the 5–10 m zone.
Giant Clams
CommonTridacna giant clams are abundant across Ellison Reef's sandy areas and reef floor. Their extraordinary iridescent mantles in blues, purples and greens are among the most photogenic sights on the reef.
Wobbegong Sharks
OccasionalTasselled wobbegong sharks are occasionally found resting on ledges and coral rubble in the 10–18 m zone. Cryptically patterned and entirely docile, they are a unique and memorable sighting.
Reef Fish Diversity
CommonHundreds of reef fish species inhabit the coral garden — from surgeonfish and wrasse to butterflyfish, anthias and Moorish idols. The fish density is exceptional given the Marine Park Green Zone protection.
Coral Garden
Dense multi-species coral coverage across the entire site
Green Zone
Marine Park protection — no fishing or extraction permitted
All Levels
Suitable for snorkellers, beginners and certified divers
Practical Information
Dive Information & Logistics
Everything you need to know before diving Ellison Reef with Mission Beach Dive.
Location & Access
- •Located on the outer Great Barrier Reef, ~90 minutes by boat from Clump Point Marina, Mission Beach
- •A broad, sheltered coral garden with one of the calmest profiles on the outer reef
- •Accessible exclusively by boat — Mission Beach Dive operates day trips
- •Situated within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Green Zone
Who Can Dive Here
- •Snorkellers — the shallow reef crest (4–8 m) is outstanding for surface exploration
- •Discover Scuba Diving participants — no prior experience required, age 10+
- •Open Water certified divers of all experience levels
- •Families with mixed snorkellers and divers
- •Underwater photographers looking for calm, clear macro and wide-angle conditions
Dive Profile
- •Typical dive duration: 45–60 minutes
- •Snorkelling zone: 0–8 m along the shallow reef crest
- •Beginner dive zone: 8–14 m across the gently sloping terrace
- •Intermediate zone: 14–18 m at the base of the reef slope
- •Minimal current throughout the site in most conditions
Best Conditions
- •Year-round site — excellent in all seasons
- •Best visibility May–November (dry season, 18–22 m typical)
- •Water temperature: 24°C (winter) to 30°C (summer)
- •Very calm conditions make it ideal for nervous first-timers and families
- •Lower current and sheltered position means reliable conditions year-round
What to Bring
- •3 mm wetsuit suitable for most guests year-round
- •All SCUBA and snorkelling equipment provided by Mission Beach Dive
- •Reef-safe sunscreen only (chemical sunscreen is banned in the Marine Park)
- •Rash vest or sun shirt for snorkellers
- •Camera — the calm conditions are ideal for underwater photography
Marine Park Regulations
- •Green Zone — no fishing, collecting, or any extractive activity
- •Do not touch, stand on or disturb coral or any marine life
- •No feeding of fish or other marine animals
- •Reef-safe sunscreen is mandatory throughout the Marine Park
- •Marine Park permit included in all Mission Beach Dive trip prices
Common Questions
Ellison Reef FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about diving and snorkelling Ellison Reef.
Dive Ellison Reef with
Mission Beach Dive
We run day trips to outer reef sites including Ellison Reef from Clump Point Marina, Mission Beach. All equipment, Marine Park permits and expert guiding are included. Small groups only — maximum 12 guests per trip.
Departure Point
Clump Point Marina,
Mission Beach QLD 4852