Historical Australian Cyclones Archive

Developing on Christmas Eve, Tracy remains one of Australia's most destructive natural disasters. The compact storm flattened the city of Darwin with wind gusts reaching 217 km/h.

The devastation led to a wholesale reconstruction of the city with stringent cyclone building codes that set a new global standard.

Making landfall near Innisfail, Queensland, Larry caused severe damage to infrastructure and crops, particularly the banana industry, resulting in a nationwide shortage.

Despite the immense structural damage, amazingly no lives were lost directly due to the storm's impact, a testament to modern warning systems.

Yasi was one of the most powerful cyclones to hit Queensland since records began. It crossed the coast near Mission Beach, bringing a storm surge of 5 metres.

Large areas of farmland were decimated, but extensive evacuations prevented major loss of life.

Considered the deadliest cyclone in Australian history, Mahina struck Princess Charlotte Bay. The massive storm surge devastated the pearling fleet anchored there.

Over 300 lives were lost, primarily from the crews of the pearling luggers, making it a somber chapter in maritime history.

A severe tropical cyclone that impacted the Pilbara region of Western Australia. It was the most intense cyclone to hit Port Hedland since Joan in 1975.

The storm caused significant disruption to the mining industry and tragic fatalities at temporary work camps.

Striking Townsville on Christmas Eve, Althea was a pivotal event in North Queensland's history. It brought wind gusts estimated at 196 km/h.

The destruction prompted the establishment of the Cyclone Testing Station, improving building standards across the region.