On 17 January 1970, Tropical cyclone Ada moved through the Whitsunday Island group.

Daydream Island was the worst affected with its resort destroyed. On Hayman Island, 75 per cent of buildings were destroyed. Heavy rains and flooding brought havoc and dislocation of traffic and communications in the coastal strip between Bowen and Mackay. In Shute Harbor, Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, up to 80 per cent of buildings were damaged. 

Fourteen people died as a result of the Category 4 cyclone.

The Insurance Council of Australia estimated the 1970 damage at $12 million, with the 2012 estimated normalised cost of $1001 million.