Central NSW 4.5 Magnitude Earthquake on April 14 Shakes Homes Near Orange

A 4.5 magnitude earthquake hit central NSW on Tuesday night, April 14, 2026. This is the largest quake recorded in this specific area since 1977.
By Newsroom | Natural Disasters, Australia |

Thousands across central-west New South Wales felt a jolt Tuesday night, April 14, 2026, as a 4.5-magnitude earthquake registered about 30km southwest of Orange. The tremor, striking at a shallow depth of 5km around 8:19 PM AEST, generated enough force to be felt hundreds of kilometres away, including in Batemans Bay. Geoscience Australia recorded over 2,000 reports of shaking, which experts described as a substantial event for the region.

Australia news live: thousands feel ‘large’ earthquake in central-west NSW; Albanese arrives in Brunei for fuel supply talks - 1

Unprecedented Seismic Activity in the Area

The earthquake is being cited as the largest recorded in this specific region by Geoscience Australia. Senior seismologist Dr. Phil Cummins noted that only five seismic events of any magnitude have occurred within a 50km radius of the epicenter since 1977. The previous significant tremor in the vicinity was a 4.3 magnitude event in 2017. Dr. Cummins indicated that while aftershocks are possible, they are expected to be less intense and cover a smaller area. The quake's epicentre was located southeast of the Cadia gold mine, a detail highlighted in multiple reports.

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Australia news live: thousands feel ‘large’ earthquake in central-west NSW; Albanese arrives in Brunei for fuel supply talks - 2

Wider Implications and Political Movements

While the immediate focus is on the geological event, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was reportedly en route to Brunei to discuss fuel supply matters, a separate agenda item gaining traction. News reports also briefly mentioned a legal battle over billions in mining royalties and assets involving two wealthy citizens, alongside discussions around fuel-related government initiatives and potential solutions to a national fuel crisis. These points, while present in the news cycle, appear distinct from the seismic event itself.

Australia news live: thousands feel ‘large’ earthquake in central-west NSW; Albanese arrives in Brunei for fuel supply talks - 3

Background to the Tremor

The 4.5 magnitude earthquake occurred on Tuesday evening, with its epicentre positioned near Orange in New South Wales. Reports suggest the shaking was felt across a significant portion of the state. This event follows a smaller 4.4 magnitude earthquake near Boorowa just over a month prior, on March 11. The rarity of such a significant tremor in this particular area underscores the unusual nature of Tuesday night's event.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened in central New South Wales on Tuesday night, April 14, 2026?
A 4.5 magnitude earthquake occurred around 8:19 PM AEST, about 30km southwest of Orange. The tremor was shallow, at a depth of 5km, and was felt hundreds of kilometres away.
Q: How strong was the earthquake and where was it located?
The earthquake measured 4.5 in magnitude and its epicentre was about 30km southwest of Orange, New South Wales, at a shallow depth of 5km.
Q: Is this earthquake unusual for the Orange region?
Yes, experts from Geoscience Australia have stated this is the largest recorded earthquake in this specific region. Only five seismic events of any size have happened within 50km of the epicentre since 1977.
Q: What are the chances of aftershocks after the April 14 earthquake?
Dr. Phil Cummins, a senior seismologist, indicated that aftershocks are possible but are expected to be weaker and cover a smaller area than the main earthquake.
Q: What other news was happening around the time of the earthquake?
While the earthquake was the main local event, news reports also mentioned the Prime Minister travelling to Brunei for fuel supply talks and legal disputes over mining royalties. These events are separate from the seismic activity.
Q: Did the earthquake affect the Cadia gold mine?
The earthquake's epicentre was located southeast of the Cadia gold mine, and this detail was noted in several reports about the event.