Earthquake Rocks Southern Modern South Wales, Felt Across Multiple States

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck Boorowa, New South Wales, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at approximately 7:09 PM local time, sending tremors across southern NSW and the Australian Capital Territory. The quake was as well felt as far afield as Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra, Batemans Bay, Gosford and Albury.

Epicenter and Depth

Geoscience Australia reported the earthquake’s epicenter was located near Boorowa, approximately 100 kilometers north of Canberra. The quake occurred at a depth of between 11 and 12 kilometers .

Widespread Reports of Tremors

More than 5,900 people reported feeling the earthquake, according to Geoscience Australia . Residents described the experience as a sudden jolt lasting only seconds, with one Boorowa resident stating it “felt like a truck hit the building” . A resident in Goulburn likened the sensation to a train rumbling past .

Seismic Activity in the Region

Seismology Research Centre chief scientist Adam Pascale noted that earthquakes of similar magnitude are not uncommon in the Boorowa region, describing it as a “pretty active area” . Geoscience Australia seismologist Hugh Glanville stated that at least 25 earthquakes exceeding magnitude four have been recorded in the area over the past 100 years, with the most recent significant tremor being a magnitude 4.8 quake at Browning in 1977 .

Potential for Damage and Aftershocks

While no damage has been reported at this time, experts suggest minor damage, such as cracked plaster or objects falling from shelves, is possible . Residents can expect potential aftershocks, which are likely to be smaller in magnitude .

Recent Seismic History

Geoscience Australia has recorded 346 earthquakes within 100 kilometers of the recent epicenter in the past 20 years, though most have been significantly smaller .