Residents across Victoria were jolted awake on Saturday by a magnitude 4.8 earthquake, an event reported by the Herald Sun, The Age, The Guardian, ABC News and Nine.
According to the Herald Sun, the quake struck as wild weather continued across the state, with residents describing being woken by mugs rattling. Tremors from the earthquake were felt across Melbourne, The Guardian reported. The Age described it as the biggest earthquake to rattle Victoria in three years, while ABC News reported the quake shook rural parts of the state.
The reports, published on Saturday, October 3, 2026, did not immediately include details on the earthquake's exact epicentre, depth, or whether any damage or injuries had been recorded.
The event drew coverage from multiple Australian outlets within a short period, reflecting its wide reach. The Age's characterisation of it as the largest in three years places it above other recent seismic activity in the region, though the reporting provided did not specify which earlier quakes it was being compared with.
The Herald Sun's account links the earthquake to ongoing severe weather in Victoria, suggesting residents were dealing with both at the same time. No further information on the weather conditions or their effects was included in the available reporting.
Authorities had not, in the material available, issued public guidance on the earthquake or its aftermath.
What to watch next: official statements from Australian seismic and emergency authorities on the quake's epicentre, depth and any damage assessments.
