An earthquake measuring an estimated magnitude 4.8 on some smartphones was felt across Melbourne about 11.40pm on Sunday.
The shock lasted for about 15 seconds and included the shaking of walls and windows.
Twitter user JSTaR described the sensation as a “sudden very loud shockwave”.
“Felt that in Craigieburn. Was a sudden very loud shockwave that rattled the windows and doors. Felt like a bomb went off or a plane crashed. No residual shaking. Had us checking the house and garage scratching our heads. Reportedly small landslip a few streets away,” JSTaR tweeted.
It’s expected to have caused minor damage, with no reports of major damage yet emerging an hour later.
Geoscience Australia reported a magnitude 3.8 quake near Sunbury, at an estimated depth of three kilometres.
SES Victoria, which later published its guide on how to stay safe in an earthquake, was quick to acknowledge the shock in a tweet “Yep. We felt it too.”
It added: “In an #Earthquake (and any aftershocks) remember to ‘Drop, Cover and Hold On’. More info here.” The site link broke but was restored soon after.
Tweet from @EarthquakesGA
Understandably, #Earthquake was trending on Twitter late on Sunday night after the tremors, with many Melburnians shocked by the experience.
Stormer Zoe tweeted: “Felt it in Kew!! I’ve never ever felt one like that before”.
Among those responding tweeted the movement had been felt in Croydon, Chelsea and Camberwell, while reports of the “house shaking in Rye” were echoed across the metropolitan area.
The Andorian reported that it “Knocked my drink off my bed in Mentone.”
Tweet from @vicsesnews
Paul Lejos summarised the thoughts of many when he tweeted: “Melbourne #earthquake felt all across the CBD, everyone wide awake!”
Twensor tweeted the quake was felt further afield: “Sunbury? Man the windows were shaking out Ferntree Gully way in the Dandenong foothills!!”
HollyGoLightly described the scare as “Sounded like a truck driving through my bedroom!”
And Dr Eric Levi retained his sense of humour: “Who said nothing fun ever happens in Craigieburn!!!”
