The earthquake was felt in the northern Australian city of Darwin according to Nine News Darwin. Such was the strength of the earthquake that buildings were evacuated after the earthquake shortly after 12.00pm local time (3.30am BST). According to Nine News, office workers left their building after feeling the tremors although no alarm went off.
Geoscience Australia said the earthquake struck a depth of about 220km (136 miles) and has been felt as far as Western Australia’s Kimberley region.
There was no damage or any reported casualties from the tremors in the city.
Strong shaking caused alarm in the East Timor capital of Dili, prompting people to run out of their houses according to reports.
The 7.3 magnitude quake was also felt on Indonesia’s holiday island of
Bali.