Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott said Cooktown had come through relatively unscathed, despite fears it would experience the worst of Ita.
"There will be people out there whose homes have been wrecked and a lot of people who are stressed, but I think in the main we've fared very well," Scott said.
Ita uprooted trees and fence posts, snapped powerlines and ripped the roof off the West Coast Hotel and at least one home in the coastal community of 2300 people, north of the Daintree National Park.
In Cairns, a fallen tree in the city centre appeared to be the most significant effect of Cyclone Ita with the city spared storm surges.
"Yes, I think we have dodged a bullet," said Mayor Bob Manning.
Premier Campbell Newman was relieved as well, but he warned residents that the danger was not over.
Ita weakened quickly after crossing the coast, and was downgraded to a category one yesterday, but heavy rains were not easing.
Newman said he would head to Cooktown when weather permitted. He is also concerned for the township of Hope Vale, which was cut off from communications except police radio frequencies.
Newman vowed small communities left isolated by the cyclone would be helped.
Military helicopters were on standby to help residents if needed.
Southwest of Cooktown, the Mulligan Highway was cut off with the Annan River flooded.
In other areas of far north Queensland, the Captain Cook Highway was closed in certain parts because of flooding.
- AAP