The beloved Ellis Beach Bar & Grill, a landmark destination on the Cairns coastline, has officially flung its doors open once more. This triumphant return comes after a significant landslide in early 2023 forced an extensive and unexpected closure, testing the resilience of the local business and community.
A Force of Nature Forces a Major Setback
The ordeal began in February 2023 when heavy rainfall triggered a substantial landslip directly behind the venue. This natural disaster caused severe damage to critical infrastructure, including the destruction of the building's septic system. The scale of the damage left owners Ben and Katie Collison with no choice but to initiate a full closure for comprehensive repairs, a heartbreaking decision for the popular spot known for its stunning ocean views and relaxed atmosphere.
The recovery process was neither quick nor simple. The couple faced a gruelling 14-month period of reconstruction, navigating complex engineering solutions to stabilise the land and rebuild. The project's total cost soared to an estimated $1.5 million, a staggering sum that underscored the severity of the damage. Throughout the challenging rebuild, the support from loyal patrons and the local community provided a crucial morale boost for the determined owners.
Rising from the Rubble: Bigger, Better, and Bolder
Rather than merely restoring the old layout, the Collisons seized the opportunity to reimagine and significantly upgrade their venue. The newly unveiled Ellis Beach Bar & Grill now boasts an impressive 40 percent increase in indoor seating capacity, a direct response to its perennial popularity. The centrepiece of the renovation is a magnificent, elevated timber deck that offers even more breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea, perfectly capturing the quintessential Far North Queensland lifestyle.
Inside, guests are greeted by a fresh, modern fit-out that maintains its iconic beachside charm. The expanded kitchen is ready to serve up a crowd-pleasing menu featuring classic pub favourites and fresh, local seafood. The bar has been extended, and the overall flow of the venue dramatically improved to enhance the customer experience. The renovations have also created new employment opportunities, with the team expanding to approximately 50 staff members to manage the larger operation.
A Vital Boost for Local Tourism and Community Spirit
The reopening is celebrated as a major win for the region's tourism and hospitality sector. Located along the scenic Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas, the venue is a favourite stop for both international tourists and locals alike. Its absence left a noticeable gap in the coastal drive experience. Bar manager Mitchell Mortimer expressed immense relief and excitement, noting that the return of the venue restores a key piece of social infrastructure for the community and completes the vital tourism link along the highway.
The story of the Ellis Beach Bar & Grill is more than just a business reopening; it's a testament to determination and community resilience. The Collisons' decision to invest heavily not just in repair, but in improvement, sends a powerful message of confidence in the future of the Cairns region. Patrons can now return to their favourite spot, enjoy a cold drink on the new deck, and witness firsthand a remarkable phoenix-from-the-ashes story set against one of Australia's most beautiful backdrops.
