You're right about the southward drift of cyclones Scott. Even Cyclone Winifred in 1986 was on approach to Cairns, 100kt at Green Island, when it turned south and crossed at Kurrimine Beach. Did a lot of damage to Mission Beach and huge floods in Tully Gorge. We still got a good touch up here in Cairns.

Edit: We were staying at the mum-in-laws at the time and were hiding inside. A good 80kt westerly outside.