A powerful storm lashing across the northeast coast of Australia have torn roofs from buildings, smashed boats into rocks, and cut power and communication lines to tens of thousands of homes and businesses.

No deaths or injuries were reported as the tropical storm whipped across the popular tourist area that borders the Great Barrier Reef, officials said on Monday.

Repair crews struggled to restore power supply and phone lines after Cyclone Ului, a Category 3 storm, left a trail of destruction as it blew over Airlie Beach early on Sunday.

Ului struck with winds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, strong enough to suck the air-conditioning units out of walls.

Sugar cane fields also felt the full brunt of winds, with growers estimating losses to run into millions of dollars.

The state government of Queensland has set up a disaster relief fund, and federal aid has also been made available to victims, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation said in a report.

Resorts along the coastal towns near the Great Barrier Reef were evacuated earlier last week in anticipation of the storm.