Magnitude 4.4 Earthquake Occurred North of Canberra, Near Boorowa, New South Wales, on March 11, 2026

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake occurred north of Canberra, near Boorowa, New South Wales, on March 11, 2026. The tremor, reported by over 5,900 individuals, was felt across a wide region including Sydney, Canberra, and Wollongong. Geoscience Australia data indicates the event struck at an approximate depth of 11 to 12 kilometers.

The tremor, reported by over 5,900 individuals, was felt across a wide region including Sydney, Canberra, and Wollongong.

Earthquake Details

The earthquake was recorded at approximately 7:10 PM AEDT on March 11, 2026. Its epicenter was located near Boorowa, New South Wales, situated approximately 100 kilometers north of Canberra. Geoscience Australia reported the tremor occurred at a depth of 12 kilometers, while other data indicated a depth of 11 kilometers.

Felt Reports and Regional Impact

More than 5,900 individuals submitted reports of feeling the earthquake. The tremor was experienced in numerous locations across Central New South Wales and beyond, including major cities such as Sydney, Canberra, Wollongong, Batemans Bay, Gosford, and Albury.

Residents in Boorowa, near the epicenter, described feeling a brief but noticeable tremor that lasted only a few seconds. Some characterized the shaking as strong but brief.

Expert Commentary and Historical Context

Seismologists from both Geoscience Australia and the Seismology Research Centre commented on the event. Hugh Glanville of Geoscience Australia stated that while the earthquake was notable for the area, it was not unprecedented, citing records of at least 25 quakes of magnitude four or higher in the region over the past 100 years. This event represents the largest tremor in the area since a magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred in Browning in 1977. Glanville also noted 346 earthquakes within 100 kilometers of the epicenter over the past 20 years, most of which were smaller. Residents may experience smaller aftershocks.

While the earthquake was notable for the area, it was not unprecedented, citing records of at least 25 quakes of magnitude four or higher in the region over the past 100 years.

Adam Pascale, chief scientist at the Seismology Research Centre, described the Boorowa region as seismically active, noting that earthquakes of similar magnitude are not uncommon. He indicated that while the tremor could be felt over distances exceeding 100 kilometers, significant damage from an event of this magnitude is generally unlikely.

Significant damage from an event of this magnitude is generally unlikely.

Damage Assessment

As of current reports, no damage has been confirmed. The Hume Police District stated it had received no reports of damage or requests for assistance related to the earthquake. Earthquakes of this size are capable of causing minor damage, such as plaster cracking or items falling from shelves.