Magnitude 4.8 Earthquake Shakes Melbourne and Victoria 2026

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck Victoria early Saturday morning, shaking Melbourne and waking residents across the region. The quake hit at 2:01 am near Leongatha, about 130km south-east of Melbourne, according to Geoscience Australia.

Magnitude 4.8 Earthquake Details

The earthquake was shallow, estimated at 10km below the surface, which amplified shaking across the city's eastern suburbs. Geoscience Australia received thousands of reports from people who felt the tremor. Residents in Narre Warren, Garfield, Preston, Heidelberg Heights, and Venus Bay all reported feeling the quake.

Impact and Reactions

Social media quickly filled with reports. Brian Morley of Narre Warren wrote, "Felt it and woke me up," while Theresa Stevens said, "Shook our house in Garfield." The tremor caused no major damage but served as a reminder of Australia's seismic activity.

Earthquake Safety Tips

Victoria's State Emergency Service called the quake a "timely reminder" to remember the drill: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and protect your head and neck until shaking stops.

• Drop to your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down.
• Cover your head and neck with one arm and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
• Hold on to your shelter until the shaking stops.
• If outdoors, move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires.
• If driving, pull over to a clear location and stop.

Why Earthquakes Happen in Australia

Australia sits on the Indo-Australian Plate, far from major fault lines, but intraplate earthquakes can occur. The 2021 magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Victoria was the state's largest since record-keeping began. Saturday's quake is a reminder that preparation is key.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of grips, golf simulator under, electric cart hills, turf simulator, and outdoor mats. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of balls, hitting mats, bag mgi zip navigator, bags walking push carts, and hitting strips. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.