Key facts
- A magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred near Leongatha, Victoria, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 2:01 a.m.
- The earthquake's epicenter was at a depth of 10 kilometers.
- Tremors were felt across Melbourne and other parts of Victoria.
- Geoscience Australia received thousands of reports from people who felt the earthquake.
- The State Emergency Service issued a reminder about earthquake safety drills.
- There is no tsunami threat from the earthquake.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck the state of Victoria in the early hours of Saturday, October 3, 2026, with tremors felt across Melbourne and surrounding regions. Geoscience Australia detected the earthquake at 2:01 a.m. near Leongatha, approximately 130 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Thousands of "felt reports" were received by Geoscience Australia from residents who experienced the shaking. Social media posts indicated the tremors were felt in various locations, including Narre Warren, Garfield, Preston, and Heidelberg Heights. Some residents reported being woken up by the shaking, with descriptions of beds, windows, and homes swaying.
The Victoria State Emergency Service issued a reminder about earthquake safety procedures, advising people to drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and protect their head and neck. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed there was no tsunami threat associated with the earthquake.
This event follows a series of seismic activities in Victoria, including a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in September 2021 that caused damage in Melbourne. Experts have previously stated that these tremors are part of normal seismic activity in the region.