4.5-magnitude earthquake shakes central west New South Wales

A 4.5-magnitude earthquake struck near Orange in central west New South Wales on the evening of April 14, 2026.

The quake occurred at 8:19 pm local time at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers.

The epicenter was located approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Orange, close to the Cadia goldmine.

Geoscience Australia received over 2,000 reports of tremors from the region.

The earthquake was felt as far as hundreds of kilometers away, including areas southeast such as Batemans Bay.

A senior seismologist described it as a "large earthquake for this area." No immediate reports of significant damage or casualties have been confirmed.

Authorities expect aftershocks to follow but anticipate these will be lighter and felt over a smaller area.

This event is notable as one of the largest earthquakes in the region since a 4.3-magnitude quake in 2017.

The occurrence highlights the seismic activity potential in central west New South Wales.

Geoscience Australia continues to monitor the situation closely and advises residents to remain alert for any further tremors.

The agency emphasizes that while aftershocks are likely, they are expected to be less intense.

The proximity of the quake to the Cadia goldmine, a significant local landmark, underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring for any impacts on mining operations.

The widespread reports of the tremor demonstrate the extent to which seismic events can be felt across large distances in eastern Australia.

This earthquake adds to the understanding of seismic risks in the region, which, while not as frequent as in other parts of the world, can still produce notable events.

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