Strongest Queensland Earthquake in 50 Years Jolts Homes Across Brisbane

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck near Kilkivan, about 170 kilometres northwest of Brisbane, jolting Queenslanders awake on Saturday morning. The tremor, recorded at 9:49 a.m. AEST on August 16, 2025, was the strongest earthquake in Queensland in half a century. Homes shook from Rockhampton to northern New South Wales.

A Rare Earthquake in Queensland

The quake was shallow, only 10 kilometres deep, which made the shaking feel stronger. Geoscience Australia confirmed it was the largest onshore earthquake in Queensland in 50 years. Many compared it to the Newcastle earthquake of 1989, one of Australia’s most widely felt events.

More than 16,000 residents reported the Queensland earthquake. People described rattling windows, creaking roofs, and falling objects. For many, it was their first time experiencing an earthquake, leaving them shocked and uneasy.

Power Cuts and Local Disruptions

The earthquake caused several short-term problems across Queensland:

• Power outages affected around 11,000 homes, especially in Fraser Coast, Murgon, and Burrum Heads. Most had electricity back by the afternoon.

• Authorities checked the tracks, which delayed train services in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast

• Hospitals briefly switched to backup power.

• In Brisbane’s CBD and nearby suburbs, residents evacuated buildings as walls and floors shook.

Fortunately, there were no serious injuries. Most of the damage was minor, such as wall cracks and ceiling tiles falling.

Some specialists suggest that improvements in building design over the past 50 years helped reduce the risk of major destruction.

What Happens Next

Experts warn that aftershocks are possible in the coming days. The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed there is no tsunami risk. Authorities advise residents to stay alert, secure heavy items, and check their homes for any signs of damage.

Earthquakes of this strength are rare in Queensland. Had it struck closer to Brisbane or the Gold Coast, the damage could have been far worse.

The event clearly reminds Australians that while the country is not known for frequent quakes, the risk is still real.

Key Takeaway

The Queensland earthquake of August 2025 will be remembered as a rare event. The quake surprised thousands and reminded locals that disaster preparation is not only about bushfires, floods, and storms—sometimes the ground itself can be the biggest threat.