Australia is intraplate but still records frequent earthquakes, including damaging events in its southeast and west. This page pulls real records for Australia: the largest earthquakes on record from USGS, how often the ground shakes nearby, tsunamis from the NOAA database, and volcanoes from the Smithsonian program. Nothing is guessed.
A quiet recent record is good news, but many damaging earthquakes strike places that were quiet for decades. The only real protection is a warning the moment the ground moves - which is exactly what the free QuakeMate app gives you, along with tsunami and volcano alerts for Australia.
Check Australia hazard risk in detail
An interactive breakdown of the earthquake, tsunami and volcano risk near Australia - or search any city or region.
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Earthquake risk in Australia - FAQ
Is Australia at risk of earthquakes?
Yes. On average about 4 quakes a year nearby of magnitude 4+ within 1000 km, based on the last 20 years of USGS data. The strongest earthquake on record nearby is M6.7 in 1988.
What was the biggest earthquake in Australia?
The strongest earthquake on record near Australia is M6.7, in 1988 (38 km WSW of Tennant Creek, Australia), from USGS.
Does Australia get tsunamis?
No tsunamis are recorded within 1000 km of Australia in the NOAA database - though coastlines everywhere carry some residual risk after a very large offshore quake.
How do I get earthquake warnings in Australia?
Download the free QuakeMate app for iPhone. It watches your location and sends a real-time push the instant a quake strikes nearby, plus tsunami and volcano alerts, with custom magnitude and distance rules. On Android, join the waitlist.