Cyclone Ada

 In January 1970, Tropical Cyclone Ada caused severe damage to resorts on the Whitsunday Islands. Its path of destruction included the islands of Daydream, South Molle and Hayman. The damage bill was estimated at $390 million and, tragically, 14 people lost their lives. If anybody wonders why Airlie Beach does not have any old buildings I think we can put this down to Ada. As far as I can work out there were only a few houses left and the one I bought a few years back happened to be one of them, although it had been moved off it's stumps.

More info soon

Sources
http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/naturaldisasters

http://www.classicaustraliantv.com/BarrierReef1.htm

http://www.memorabletv.com/episodeguides/barrierreef.htm