A significant earthquake was experienced across the region at approx. 9.15am on Wednesday (Sep. 22).

The epicentre was located near Woods Point. The Siesmology Centre recorded a 5.3 magnitude. Some media outlets said 5.6.

Jason Allan of Thornton said his house shook, and the tremor lasted about 20 seconds.

Bev Johns at Kinglake West described the earthquake as “big”.

Peter Cocks said: “Biggest I have felt. Epping rocked.”

Sharelle Graham commented: “Huge here in Alexandra, shook the whole house and made things fall over, scary.”

Rick Newbery same the same occurred at Montrose in the Yarra Ranges. Georgina Ilekosa reported the tremor affecting Mooroolbark. Rosemary Broad confirmed the shake affecting homes at Vermont South.

Susan Barras at Pakenham, and Bev Purcell at Viewbank, described the quake as ‘scary’.

Across Victoria, the effects were felt. This included reports from Annie Roberts (Chiltern), Ali Perris (Horsham), John Cantrill (Mernda) and Mya G. Grayly (East Melbourne).

Buildings were evacuated. The Herald Sun carried photographs of a building wall collapsed at Prahran.