RESIDENTS across the Sunshine Coast hinterland were rattled on Saturday morning after a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck near Kilkivan, northwest of Gympie.
The tremor, recorded at 9.49am by Geoscience Australia’s National Earthquake Alerts Centre, is the largest onshore quake in Queensland in the past 50 years.
More than 14,500 people lodged “felt reports” on Geoscience Australia’s website within hours, describing shaking from Cairns in the north to Wollongong in the south.
Seismologist Michelle Salmon said the data helps emergency agencies assess the extent of such rare seismic events.
“Felt reports provide vital situational awareness,” she said. “This event is highly significant for Queensland and will contribute to future hazard modelling.”
Locally, hinterland residents described a mix of surprise and unease as the ground shifted beneath them. “The windows rattled and it felt like a wave rolled underneath me—it lasted maybe 30 seconds,” Sara said.
Glenn, who was sitting at home in the Sunshine Coast region, said the jolt was strong enough to make him pause.
“It shook me in my chair. Friends in Brisbane and Hervey Bay felt it too,” he noted.
Bronwyn reported her fish tank “rocking for about 10 seconds” as the shaking rolled through her home.
While no serious damage has been reported, the quake was a reminder that even relatively stable regions like Queensland are not immune to seismic activity.
Authorities continue to encourage residents to submit felt reports to assist in building a clearer picture of the event.
