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.

Boat access only. Mission Beach trips leave from the Clump Point jetty and marina at the northern end of Mission Beach, about 25 km east of the Bruce Highway at El Arish or Tully and roughly 1 hour 45 minutes' drive south of Cairns; there is free parking at Clump Point and most operators collect guests from Mission Beach accommodation. Check-in is usually around 8:00 am.

The run out to Ellison Reef takes about 80 minutes, passing Dunk Island and the Family Islands, and is noticeably quicker than reaching the outer reef from Cairns. Trips do not run every day, so book ahead.

The Mission Beach reefs are exposed to the south-east trade winds, which blow 15-25 knots for much of April-September and can cancel trips; the calmest months are usually September-December. Box jellyfish and Irukandji are present from about October-November to May, most dangerously close to the coast, so wear a full stinger suit. The cyclone season runs November-April, and Mission Beach has been hit hard by cyclones Larry (2006) and Yasi (2011).

Heavy wet-season rain and river flood plumes from the Tully and Johnstone rivers reduce visibility on the inner reefs. Ellison's shallow garden has minimal current in most conditions and is used year-round when the boat can get out.

Descend onto the coral garden at 5-8 m and meander through it, dropping to 12-18 m on the edges if the group wishes. Keep a slow pace to find wobbegongs and anemonefish. Typical dive time is 45-60 minutes with a safety stop over the garden.

Mission Beach Dive – small-group day trips (max 12) from Clump Point Marina, not daily; Reef Goddess day tours; Ellison Reef on selected trips