by Kevin McCue
Just 24 years after the formation of the colony of South Australia in 1836, the early europeans had become quite aware of local earthquakes. The Register newspaper was set up in 1837 and the locals dutifully reported their experiences of earthquakes to the Register or to the Chief Meteorologist, Charles Todd. He in turn included them in his monthly reports which were also duly printed in the newspapers. Epicentres derived from these newspaper reports are plotted with their magnitude in Figure 1. Three of the earthquakes were reported felt in Adelaide.
Figure 1 Epicentre map 1860 – 1869 (map by Clive Collins).
A moderate to large earthquake is reported widely enough that an isoseismal map or felt area can be constructed, and from the felt area and centre of the map the size of the earthquake and a location of the epicentre can be imputed. Small earthquakes are felt only locally so their location is readily determined. Figure 4 below, shows a small earthquake located just east of Adelaide on 19 March 1862 in the then most populated area of South Australia. It was widely felt out to a distance of about 35km but at low intensity. The lack of higher intensities would suggest a focal depth of 20 to 30km which is matched by some of the well located earthquakes there today.
Compare that with a similar sized earthquake later the same year at Tothill’s Creek, Figure 5, which shows a different pattern that would be expected from an earthquake with perhaps a 5 to 10km focal depth; strong near the epicentre, rapidly decreasing in intensity with distance.
If there are too few reports, because the earthquake was not large or was in an isolated area then an estimate of the size and location can still be assessed though with greater uncertainty. Typically a magnitude 2.5 earthquake may only be felt out to a distance of a few kilometres so the location and size can be well estimated.
That an earthquake was not felt at a site is useful for limiting both the location and magnitude.
The first earthquake of the decade to be large enough to draw a felt map is shown in Figure 4.
The largest earthquake in the decade was a magnitude 5.0 earthquake on 12 August 1863, the epicentre between Port Augusta and Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, but there is only one confirmed report of this earthquake and it should be considered highly problematic.
What is interesting is that the earthquakes are all in zones defined by epicentres recorded in the post-instrumental period, 1965-2022; Eyre Peninsula, the Southeast and most of them in the Mt Lofty and Flinders Ranges. No significant earthquake damage was reported in the decade.
The level of seismicity during the decade can be compared with that of more recent times following the installation of short period seismographs in the State by David Sutton and his team at Adelaide University in 1965. A graphic comparison is shown in Figure 2 where the black line is fitted to the observed cumulative number of earthquakes per year in the period 1965-2020 and the red line the equivalent for 1860-1869.
We conclude that either the number of M3 earthquakes is just a third of the expected number or fewer observations were reported. Both lines suggest a very similar 1 in 100 year event
Figure 2 Recurrence relations for the 1860-1869 period (red) compard with that for 1965-2020 (black).
The implied ‘b’ value for the decade is about 0.75, quite low compared with the value of 0.91 for the modern period but within the range of other decades examined by the author. Should the ‘b’ value be a constant for any region or is it simply an indicator of a variable rate of activity? Is it representative, ten years is a very short period of time to assess the distribution and frequency of State earthquakes? No attempt has been made to assess the completeness of the earthquake sample.
Figure 3 A histogram of numbers of events per year in the decade 1860-1869 is shown above. There were few earthquakes, widely distributed, showing how quickly europeans dispersed across South Australia after initial occupation.
Acknowledgment
Katherine Dix had located many of the earthquakes discussed here but some of the parameters have changed due to the scanning of more newspapers. Clive Collins patiently drew the epicentre map, several versions of it. I would like to thank David Love for his continuing support for this project.
Earthquakes in South Australia, 1860
Evidence for only 2 small earthquakes was discovered in the South Australian newspapers using Trove, both of them investigated by Dix (2013). An explosion of gunpowder at a closed mine site near Truro was also widely reported. The Port Adelaide earthquake on 25 May was felt by a few people throughout Adelaide.
1860 03 28 Morning, Truro – an explosion
On Tuesday 1st May it was reported on page 3 of The South Australian Advertiser under Miscellaneous Extracts that a shock of earthquake was felt, rather strongly, at Truro and Wheal Barton, a mine site where clocks were stopped and started. The South Australian Register of Friday 30 March, page 2 however, had already reported that it was caused by the explosion of 3 barrels of gunpowder, inadvertently left on site when the mine closed.
1860 04 12 at 10:15 UTC, Kapunda
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 14 April 1860, page 3
KAPUNDA.
Kapunda. April 13.
A smart shock of an earthauake was felt in Kapunda and the neighbourhood on Thursday night at about a quarter to 8. Some houses were so far shaken as to upset wine glasses and make cradles and other things on tables shake violently.
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Thursday 19 April 1860, page 3
EARTHQUAKE AT RIVERTON.—On Thursday night, the 12th instant, the settlers on the Gilbert were alarmed by the indications of an earthquake. From half-past 7 till 12 o’clock a loud rumbling noise resembling the rolling of a heavy carriage was heard, accompanied with a slight tremor of the earth, which was felt by several individuals under their feet.
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Tuesday 1 May 1860, page 3
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.—On Saturday morning last, the inhabitants of Truro and Wheal Barton were rather startled by a loud rumbling noise, followed by the jumbling of crockery on the shelves of the houses. Some clocks were set going, and others stopped at the same time. The very houses were in a tremor with the effects of the shock. – Communicated.
1860 05 25 at 12:50 UTC, Port Adelaide
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 4 June 1860, page 3
ENCOUNTER BAY. May 26.
EARTHQUAKE. — A very distinct shock of an earthquake was felt at about 20 minutes past 10 o’clock on Friday morning by many persons in Port Adelaide and its neighbourhood. The house in which our Port Reporter resides, which is built of wood, was suddenly shaken, as though something heavy had fallen against it. The crockery on the shelves rattled, and at the same time two reports resembling cannon at a short distance were heard. The shock was felt by many other persons in the Port, as well as on the Peninsula, at the Pilot Station, and at Queenstown. The captain of one of the vessels in the harbour, who was on deck at the moment, felt his ship heave and grate against the wharf, and numbers of fish were observed to leap from the water. All the accounts agree as to the time and description of the shock.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 5 June 1860, page 3
PORT ELLIOT.
Port Elliot. May 31.
The Earthquake.— The shock of an earthquake was felt at the Port at 20 minutes past 10 on Friday evening, not Friday morning, as printed in the paragraph in Monday’s Register.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 7 June 1860, page 3
The Shock of Earthquake. — A gentleman residing in Grote-street, Adelaide, informs us that he distinctly heard the shock of earthquake on the 1st inst., at about eight minutes after 10 p.m. He describes the sound as being a kind of buzz or whirr, resembling the rapid rotation of an engine fly-wheel.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 19 June 1860, page 5
Earthquake. — A very distinct shock of an earthquake was felt at about 20 minutes past 10 o’clock on Friday evening, June 1, by many persons in Port Adelaide and its neighbourhood. The house in which our Port Reporter resides, which is built of wood, was suddenly shaken, as though something heavy had fallen against it. The crockery on tbe shelves rattled, and at the same time two reports resembling cannon at a short distance were heard. The shock was felt by many other persons in the Port, as well as on the Peninsula, at the Pilot Station, and at Queenstown. The captain of one of the vessels in the harbour, who was on deck at the moment, felt his ship heave and grate against the wharf, and numbers of fish were observed to leap from the water. All the accounts agree as to the time and description of the shock. The earthquake was also felt at Glenelg and Fullarton. A gentleman residing in Grote-street, Adelaide, also informs us that he distinctly heard the shock of earthquake on tbe 1st inst., at about eight minutes after 10 p.m. He describes the sound as being a kind of buzz or whirr, resembling the rapid rotation of an engine fly-wheel.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 12 October 1860, page 2
The shock of an earthquake was felt at Adelaide on the 1st of June.
Earthquake.—A very distinct shock of an earthquake was felt at about 20 minutes past 10 o’clock on Friday evening, June 1, by many persons in Port Adelaide and its neighbourhood. The house in which our Port Reporter resides, which is built of wood, was suddenly shaken, as though something heavy had fallen against it. The crockery on tbe shelves rattled, and at the same time two reports resembling cannon at a short distance were heard. The shock was felt by many other persons in the Port, as well as on the Peninsula, at the Pilot Slation, and at Queenstown. The captain of one of the vessels in the harbour, who was on deck at the moment, felt his ship heave and grate against the wharf, and numbers of fish were observed to leap from the water. All the accounts agree as to the time and description of the shock. The earthquake was also felt at Glenelg and Fullarton. A gentleman residing in Grote-street, Adelaide, also iuforms us that he distinctly heard the shock of earthquake on the 1st inst., at about eight minutes after 10 p.m. He describe the sound as being a kind of buzz or whirr, resembling the rapid rotation of an engine fly-wheel.
| Date | Time UTC | Lat | Long | ML | Place | Comment |
| 1860 04 12 | 10:15 | -34.3 | 138.8 | 3.0 | Kapunda | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1860 05 25 | 12:50 | -34.8 | 138.4 | 2.5 | Port Adelaide | Dix (2013)/This paper |
Earthquakes in South Australia, 1861
Juat a single earthquake was reported by the media in 1861, the fewest for any year between 1860 and 1965. There were no months with no earthquakes. Dix(2013) noted this event and another in December on the Stone Hut Range which has not yet shown up in state newspapers being digitised by TROVE. This minor activity follows a similarly sparse year for earthquakes.
1861 11 16 at 11:30 UTC, Warcowie
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Friday 6 December 1861, page 3
A rather severe shock of an earthquake was felt at Warcowie, Far North, about 9 o’clock of the evening of the 16th inst. It lasted several seconds, and was so strong as to shake the houses. No accident resulted from its effects.
| Date | Time UTC | Lat | Long | ML | Place | Comment |
| 1861 11 16 | 11:30 | -31.8 | 138.8 | 3.0 | Warcowie | Dix (2013)/This paper |
Earthquakes in South Australia, 1862
In this article we have listed just 6 earthquakes, 5 of them previously documented by Dix(2013). An earthquake in the Tothill Creek region southeast of Auburn may have been relatively shallow, 10km or less, as opposed to the Adelaide region earthquake on 19 March which must have been 20km deep or more, as interpreted from their isoseimal maps. The largest earthquake was in the Southeast region near Robe, felt in Mount Gambier, it must have been about magnitude 4.5.
1862 01 04 at 14:00 UTC, Robe
South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1867), Saturday 11 January 1862, page 2
KINGSTON, LACEPEDE BAY.
January 6.
Last Saturday night the inhabitants of this township and neighbourhood were much alarmed at the shock of an earthquake. This occurrence took place shortly after 11 o’clock at night, and continued for about a quarter of an hour. The shaking of their houses and ringing of their crockery, alarming them considerably. It was preceded by noises similar to the rumbling of thunder.
South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1867), Saturday 18 January 1862, page 2
GUICHEN BAY.
January 9.
On Saturday night, between the hours of 11 and 12 o’clock, a perceptible shock of an earthquake was felt by every inhabitant in Robe, and which lasted for a few seconds. Just previous to the shock a rumbling noise like distant thunder was distinctly heard, travelling from eastward to west. During the tremor every house in the township acknowledged the compliments of the season by several polite bows, which caused no small terror to the inhabitants, and even the bottles and glasses on the shelves in the hotels, in a more feminine manner, fell to kissing each other. However, I am happy to state I have heard of no damage being done.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 18 January 1862, page 2
GUICHEN BAY.
Robe, January 9.
The shock of an earthquake was distinctly felt here at about 11.30 p.m., on the 4th inst.; the day had been rather sultry; but the shock was unaccompanied by any other natural disturbance.
Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 – 1954), Tuesday 7 January 1862, page 5
It was notified at the Telegraph office yesterday that shocks of earthquake had been felt on Saturday evening last, about twenty minutes past eleven o’clock, at Guichen Bay and Mount Gambier. The first shock was accompanied with a rumbling noise from east to west. There has been no irregularity noticed in the magnetic instrument at the Flagstaff Hill Observatory.
1862 02 09, at night, Melrose
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 13 February 1862, page 3
MOUNT REMARKABLE.
Melrose. February 10.
Since my last communication we have been favoured with splendid cool weather, and to-day some very heavy rains have fallen, and the plains are now well saturated with water. and the country
round begins to look green. I have heard several people speak of their having last night experienced two rather severe shocks of an earthquake, which was soon followed by loud peals of thunder and lightning, succeeded by heavy rain.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 13 February 1862, page 2
Earthquake. — Our correspondent at Mount Remarkable speaks of two distinct shocks of earthquake having been felt in that neighbourhood on the night of the 9th inst.
1862 03 19 at 05:15 UTC, Adelaide
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 26 March 1862, page 4
Shock of an Earthquake. — A shock of an earthquake was distinctly felt in Adelaide between 2 and 3 o’clock on Wednesday, March 19. While Mr. J. H. Parr was engaged in selling some horses at the John Bull Yards a rumbling sound was noticed. It was, our informant says, ‘like the rumbling of a heavy wagon over the street.’ The shock was also felt by other persons in town. Mr. Arthur Hardy states that it was quite perceptible at Mount Lofty, and resembled very much the noise produced by a dray sliding sideways down a rocky declivity. It was also noticed at Norwood, and resembled the distant explosion of gunpowder. Our Morphett Vale correspondent mentions the shock as having been felt at that place about the same time as in Adelaide.
Figure 4 Adelaide earthquake on 19 March 1862.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 26 March 1862, page 2
SOUTH AUSTRALIA.
Adelaide, March 26, 1862.
A shock of an earthquake was felt in Adelaide and the surrounding country on the 19th instant.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 28 March 1862, page 3
MOUNT PLEASANT.
Mount Pleasant March 26.
A shock of an earthquake was felt here on the 19th inst, about 3 o’clock p.m.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 22 March 1862, page 2
The Recent Shock of an Earthquake.— It will be seen from our Morphett Vale correspondent’s letter that the shock of an earthquake was felt at that place about the same time as in Adelaide. We understand that it was also perceived at Norwood, and resembled very much the distant explosion of gunpowder.
South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1867), Saturday 29 March 1862, page 6
NOARLUNGA.
March 25.
The noise lately heard, and supposed to be from some earthquake, was distinctly heard both on land and sea in this quarter. It has been compared to a loud report of a cannon, or blasting of stone, and to a number of lesser ones, as if a number of guupowder cannisters had been fired off one after the other.
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Wednesday 26 March 1862, page 2
Referring to our recent statement concerning the earthquake, Mr. Baldwin, of Echunga, informs us that it was very distinctly felt there, the noise accompanying it resembling distant artillery, or rather a distant explosion of a mine or a magazine.
South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1867), Saturday 22 March 1862, page 1
A shock of an earthquake was experienced in the neighbourhood of Adelaide about 3 o’clock on Wednesday afternoon. There was a sensible vibration of the earth, accompanied by a rumbling sound like the report of distant artillery. It was distinctly heard at Mitcham, at Highercombe, at Fordham’s, on the Mount Barker-road, and at several other places.
1862 09 12 at ??time, Mt Gambier
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Friday 26 September 1862, page 2
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE,
THE GEOLOGY OF MOUNT GAMBIER.
—Our readers are aware, that the Rev. Mr. Wood of Penola is about to publish a work illustrative of the Geology of the district of which Mount Gambier is the centre. But we are only in the infancy of scientifically – conducted researches into the geology of South Australia. For instance, we are told that Mr. George French Angas was some time since engaged in geological researches at the mouth of the Onkaparinga, the result being the discovery of some very interesting specimens, supposed to be cretaceous. Mr. Angas immediately forwarded specimens to the Rev. Mr. Clarke, the well-known geologist of New South Wales, and that gentleman has written a letter in reply, stating that the specimens sent to him bear all the characteristics of cretaceous origin ; that they are highly interesting in a scientific point of view : and that they carry back our ideas of the Murray fossils to a far remoter period than that usually attached to the geological formations of this colony.
CONJECTURAL EARTHQUAKE.—Several of our friends have assured us that they distinctly felt the shock of an earthquake either preceding or accompanying the great thunder-storm on the evening of last Friday week. Certainly, the knocking down of looking-glasses, cups, and other articles, in one or two houses, would warrant the conclusion that the cause of vibration proceeded, not from above but from below. We have, however, no positive assurance of the fact; the thunder itself was loud enough to create a sensation even amougst domestic utensils.
1862 12 12 at 20:57 UTC, Auburn
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 16 December 1862, page 3
AUBURN.
Auburn, December 13.
A distinct shock of earthquake was felt here this morning at 27 minutes past 6. The direction seemed to be from south to north. The shock lasted about four seconds.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 20 December 1862, page 5
RlVERTON.
Riverton, December 13.
This morning, at 33 minutes past 6 a.m., the shock of an earthquake was felt in this neighbour-hood. It was accompanied by a rumbling sound, compared by some persons to thunder, and by others to a reaping-machine. The vibration seemed to be from east to west, and shook the ground perceptibly, making the roofs, windows, crockery, &c., rattle. I have heard that it was felt at Butcher’s Gap and Saddleworth.
1862 12 14 at 21:00 UTC, Tothills Creek
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Saturday 20 December 1862, page 2
AUBURN.
December 19.
The shock of an earthquake was felt here last Monday morning as in other parts of the North, but from what I can gather from other reports it seems to have been experienced here in the greatest force. It commenced at 25 minutes past 6 a.m., and lasted several seconds.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 20 December 1862, page 7
KAPUNDA.
Kapunda, December 17.
A slight shock of an earthquake was felt by several persons in this town and neighbourhood on Monday morning, about half-past 6. It shook buildings, and was followed by a low rumbling noise.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 18 December 1862, page 3
BLACK SPRINGS.
Black Springs, December 16.
Many of the residents in this locality were much surprised and alarmed on Monday morning last, December 15, by severe shocks of an earthquake. Some of those persons who had risen from their night’s repose rushed to their doors in their fright and wonderment to see the cause. In convening with several afterwards on the subject they describe its effects in varied langauge. Some felt the earth’s oscillations from west to north: others felt a kind of return shock proceeding from north to west ; some of those who had risen from their beds declare they felt the earth upheave and fall down again beneath them ; others described it as waving up and down; while those again who were in a recumbent position in their beds describe the earth’s motion as a violent trembling. Many of the articles of furniture in the houses, those used for culinary purposes, and cups, saucers, glasses, &c., appeared to sympathize with old mother earth in her convulsive throes, and to relieve in higher notes above the doleful music below, chiming as if in awful chorus. A sound accompanied the earthquake, or rather perhaps followed it, described by those who heard it as a loud rumbling noise, many vehicles running, distant thunder, a loud crash, mountains or heavy weights failing, &c. It produced no little fear on many minds,….The Rev. Thos. Lloyd of Kooringa, while preaching here on Sunday evening, alluded to the earthquake, endeavouring to improve the solemn occurrence. I do not think its effects were extensive, as it was not heard a distance of 13 miles from here.
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Wednesday 17 December 1862, page 3
HILL RIVER.
December 15.
We had a severe shock of an earthquake this morning about 6 o’clock; it completely shook the house and set all the crockery upon the jingle. The shock lasted five minutes; it commenced with a strange rumbling noise, but very loud; we did not perceive any motion before or after— it was only the one shock. Our neighbors felt the shock, but not so severe as we felt it.
Figure 5 An isoseismal map for the Tothill’s Creek earthquake, 14 December 1862
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Wednesday 17 December 1862, page 3
CLARE.
December 15.
This morning about a quarter before 7 o’clock we were all startled by a shock of an earthquake, which seems to have been felt generally in the neighborhood. The direction appeared to be from S.E. to N.W. and did not last more than 15 or 16 seconds. Persons in the open air seem to have been as much struck with the noise and shaking as those in the house, who describe it as like a heavy train passing along.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 18 December 1862, page 3
TOTHILL’S CREEK.
On Monday morning, about 5 o’clock, we were roused from our slumbers by tbe shock of an earth-quake. It was of shirt duration—I should say about a quarter of a minute—but very violent. You will no doubt hear of it also from other quarters, as these subterranean disturbances are generally felt tlrough a large extent of country.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 18 December 1862, page 2
The Earthquake.— Several of our country correspondents refer to the earthquake which seems to have been felt over a large extent of country in the North. At Clare, Tothill’s Creek, Kapunda, and Black Springs the shock, or series of shocks, were distinctly felt.
| Date | Time UTC | Lat | Long | ML | Place | Comment |
| 1862 01 04 | 14:00 | -36.9 | 139.5 | 4.5 | Cape Jaffa | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1862 02 09 | – | -32.8 | 138.2 | 3.0 | Melrose | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1862 03 19 | 05:15 | -34.95 | 138.80 | 3.7 | Adelaide | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1862 09 12 | – | -37.8 | 140.8 | 2.5 | Mt Gambier | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1862 12 12 | 20:57 | -34.1 | 138.7 | 2.5 | Auburn | This paper |
| 1862 12 14 | 21:00 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.9 | Tothills Ck | Dix (2013)/This paper |
Earthquakes in South Australia, 1863
Six of the 8 earthquakes unearthed from newspaper records were previouly reported by Dix (2013) though details vary, especially time. For example the earthquake on 1 June at Kapunda turned out to be two separate events, one in the Adelaide Hills the other Kapunda. Intensities during the Adelaide Hills event are best understood if the focal depth was about 25km. Similarly there were 2 unrelated events in the Southeast at the end of November, one on the SA/Vic border, the other in Backstairs passage. Both Dix and I agree that the Eyre Peninsula earthquake was about magnitude 5 as it was felt over a large ditance from Port Lincoln to Port Augusta.
1863 04 15 at 12:00 UTC, Morphett Vale
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 18 April 1863, page 3
MORPHETT VALE.
Morphett Vale. April 16.
On Wednesday (15th) the weather was exceedingly warm, and in the evening the shock of an earthquake was distinctly heard and felt here about half-past 9 o’clock. The sound resembled that of thunder, and the windows and dishes were made to rattle.
1863 05 31 at 12:40 UTC Near Adelaide
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 6 June 1863, page 4
Supposed Shock of an Earthquake.—A correspondent residing at Enfield reports the following: —”At about 10 o’clock last evening a rumbling underground noise was heard in every part of my house. The impression produced upon my mind was that it was a slight shock of an earthquake.
Figure 6 Felt reports for the 31 May 1863 earthquake in the Adelaide Hills.
Explicable intensities if the focal depth was about 25km or so.
I learn that a similar sound was heard towards the hills in the direction of Mount Lofty at about the same hour. I am anxious to know whether this sound was generally heard, and in what directions.” Mr. Thos. F. Loutit, of Gawler, writes as follows:— ” For the satisfaction of your Enfield correspondent I may state that I distinctly heard such a noise as he describes, and remarked at the time that I thought it was an earthquake. The sound appeared to travel from north-west to south-west. I was in the open air at the time.”
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 9 June 1863, page 3
The Recent Earthquake Shock.— We are informed by a correspondent at Greenock that ” a slight shock of an earthquake was felt in that neighbourhood on Sunday night, May 31 at 10 minutes past 10 o’clock. The vibration lasted about eight seconds, and seemed to pass from east to west.”
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 3 June 1863, page 2
Supposed Shock of an Earthquake.— Mr. Thos. F. Loutit, of Gawler, writes as follows :— “For the satisfaction of your Enfield correspondent I may state that I distinctly heard such a noise as he describes, and remarked at the time that I thought it was an earthquake.
This and the following earthquake, a day apart, had previously been thought to be one event at Kapunda.
1863 06 01 at 16:30 UTC, Kapunda
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 6 June 1863, page 2
KAPUNDA.
Kapunda, June 3.
A noise like the rumbling of a very heavily-laden wagon was heard here on Monday night, about 2 a.m., and I presume it was the earthquake—I said it was one at the time.
1863 07 21 at 08:30 UTC, Port Augusta
South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1867), Saturday 1 August 1863, page 3
PORT AUGUSTA.
July 25.
On Tuesday evening, July 21, at 6 p.m., Port Augusta time, we were visited with the heaviest shock of an earthquake I ever experienced in South Australia, the direction being from south-east to north-west, and duration as near as I can judge from 40 seconds to a minute.
Figure 7 Earthquake felt strongly at Port Augusta and nearby places but not Stirling. Felt Corunna Station near Iron Knob.
I was preparing for tea on table in the adjoining room when a strange grating, rumbling sound, somewhat resembling a bullockdray grubbing along the corner of the weather-boarded building, startled me, simultaneously with which the tea things and lamp appeared to have commenced dancing on the table. I felt the floor shake under my feet ; the shock passed across the Gulf; and at the pilot-house — opposite shore — it shook the wooden tenement sufficiently to stop the clock on the mantlepiece, as well as alarming the inmates. The same shock was distinctly felt on Section 869, adjoining Stirling, but no one appears to have noticed it in Stirling township. At Corunna, the Gawler Ranges, north-west country, it was also distinctly felt, and by parties driving in from there. The glass had been falling some time previous for rain.
1863 08 12 at 11:30 UTC, Eyre Peninsula
South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1867), Saturday 15 August 1863, page 1
PORT LINCOLN.
August 15.
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here last Wednesday evening about 9 o’clock. I believe it was felt at Port Augusta also.
Ed.- The latter comment could not be corroborated in local newspapers.
1863 10 03 at ?time, SE Border Region
South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1867), Saturday 17 October 1863, p 2
MOUNT GAMBIER
[Abridged from the Border Watch.]
October 9.
The shock of an earthquake was felt on Saturday morning last throughout Strathdownie and the Border stations. It was accompanied by a rumbling noise.
1863 11 28 at 05:30 UTC, Backstairs Passage
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 2 January 1864, page 6
The following is an extract of a letter from the Head Keeper of the Sturt Lighthouse to the Secre-tary of the Marine Board, reporting a shock of an earthquake on November 28;—
” At 3 p.m. on Saturday, the 28th of this month (November), while employed in the lantern of the Lighthouse, I felt a slight shock of an earthquake. It made a low, rumbling sound, and caused the tower of the Lighthouse to tremble very much ; it also caused the cylinders to tremble on the lamps, and the vane on the top of the lighthouse to rattle very much. It did not last more than from 10 to 15 seconds.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 11 December 1863, page 3
FINNISS VALE.
Finniss Vale. December 9.
On Saturday week last, about 2 o’clock in the afternoon, the shock of an earthquake was very sensibly felt in this neighbourhood; its direction appeared to be from south to north, and was accompanied by a loud rumbling noise like thunder, which was distinctly heard several miles distant. A few days preceding the earthquake the weather was peculiarly hot and sultry; so much so, indeed, as to lead Mr. Hargraves to remark that such an occurrence might be expected.
1863 12 07 at 00:30 UTC, Nuccaleena
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 26 December 1863, page 5
EARTHQUAKE IN THE FAR NORTH. A gentleman, writing from a station near Nuccaleena, says :—On Sunday, 7 December about 10 o’clock, we experienced a violent shock of an earthquake, which lasted for several seconds.” Observer, Dec. 26.
| Date | Time UTC | Lat | Long | ML | Place | Comment |
| 1863 04 15 | 12:00 | -35.1 | 138.5 | 2.5 | Morphett Vale | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1863 05 31 | 12:40 | -34.6 | 138.8 | 3.3 | Gawler | This paper |
| 1863 06 01 | 16:30 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 2.5 | Kapunda | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1863 07 21 | 08:30 | -32.6 | 137.4 | 3.9 | Port Augusta | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1863 08 12 | 11:30 | -33.4 | 136.6 | 5.0 | Eyre Peninsula | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1863 10 03 | – | -35.5 | 141.0 | 2.5 | SE Border Region | This paper |
| 1863 11 28 | 05:30 | -35.7 | 138.1 | 3.2 | Backstairs passage | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1863 12 07 | 0.30 | -31.0 | 138.5 | 3.0 | Nuccaleena | Dix(2013)/This paper |
Earthquakes in South Australia, 1864
All 6 of the earthquakes listed here were mentioned by Dix (2013). Only some of the times have changed. None of the earthquakes exceeded M3.0, a very quiet year.
1864 01 04 at ?, Mount Gambier
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Friday 26 February 1864, page 2
Four earthquakes were also felt in various parts of the colony, one of them at Mount Gambier on January 4, taking an east to west direction, with a low rumbling sound.
1864 06 20 at evening, Linwood
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Friday 1 July 1864, page 3
LINWOOD.
June 30.
On Monday evening last, the 20th, a rumbling noise was heard like that of a waggon, going from north-east to south-west. It was thought that it was like the shock of an earthquake, as one of the houses of the settlers was found cracked from top to bottom in several places ; some of the stones were cracked through, and not with the mortar, as would be the case were the house damp.
1864 08 02 at ??, Mt Gambier
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Friday 5 August 1864, page 2
AN EARTHQUAKE.—We are informed by Mr Babbage that on Tuesday last, about noon, while he, along with the Rev J. E. Woods was riding on the Penola road, about six miles from Mount Gambier, they heard a low rumb-ling noise, as if of a cart passing over rocky ground. They could see nothing around to account for the noise. On riding on about four miles further, they came to Mr McCalman’s hut, near the Dismal Swamp, and on making enquiries there, they learnt that a similar noise had been heard there at the same instant. It is supposed to have been a slight shock of an earthquake. It was not observed at Mount Gambier.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 13 August 1864, page 3
MOUNT GAMBIER.
On Tuesday, August 2, the Rev. J. E. Woods and Mr. Babbage noticed a slight shock of an earthquake while riding about six miles from Mount Gambier, on the Penola-road.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 18 August 1864, page 3
The report of an earthquake, to which we referred last week, is discredited, and the paper
contains some jocose letters and paragraphs on the subject.
1864 10 09 at?time, Beltana
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 21 October 1864, page 3
MOUNT DECEPTION.
Beltana, October 14.
Last Sunday we had two distinct shocks of earthquake. The natives appear to think that it is a sign of rain. They say country big one growl, by and by rain tumble down.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 21 October 1864, page 2
EARTHQUAKE.—Our Mount Deception correspondent mentions two distinct shocks of earth-quake as having happened there on Sunday, October 9.
1864 11 11 at night, Port Adelaide
Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer (SA : 1864 – 1878), Saturday 12 November 1864, p3
A slight shock of an earthquake is said to have been felt at the Port on Friday night.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 7 November 1864, page 2
Supposed Shock of Earthquake— A few persons resident at the Port report having distinctly felt on Friday night what was taken to be the shock of an earthquake, and the fact of one of the pillars in the bonded stores of Messrs. J. Newman and Son having during the night settled some three or four inches, and causing a stack of cases of spirits to fall, has been attributed to the same cause.
| Date | Time UTC | Lat | Long | ML | Place | Comment |
| 1864 01 | -37.7 | 140.8 | 2.5 | Mt Gambier | Dix (2013)/This paper | |
| 1864 06 20 | – | -34.4 | 138.7 | 2.5 | Linwood | Dix(2013)/This paper |
| 1864 08 02 | -37.7 | 140.8 | 2.5 | Mt Gambier | Dix (2013)/This paper | |
| 1864 10 09 | – | -30.8 | 138.4 | 3.0 | Beltana | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1864 10 09 | – | -30.8 | 138.4 | 2.5 | Beltana | This paper |
| 1864 11 11 | – | -34.8 | 138.4 | 2.5 | Port Adelaide | Dix (2013)/This paper |
Earthquakes in South Australia, 1865
The state experienced a low level of seismicity, just six earthquakes reported, one of them on the far western Eyre Peninsula in November perhaps as large as magnitude 4.5. All but the one near Houghton struck northern parts of the State.
Not quite 30 years after colonisation, the new settlers had obviously spread very quickly.
1865 02 25 at ?, Angaston
Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer (SA : 1864 – 1878), Friday 3 March 1865, page 3
A shock of an earthquake was felt at Angaston, on Saturday last.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 1 March 1865, page 2
Shock of an Earthquake.— A correspondent informs us that the shock of an earthquake was felt at Angaston for several minutes between 2 and 3 o’clock on Saturday last. The shock was still more distinctly noticed at Kaiserstuhl. Our correspondent remarks that the several shocks recorded for years past have travelled apparently in the same line towards Kapunda.
1865 06 24 at 09:25 UTC, Umberatana
South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1867), Saturday 8 July 1865, page 2
We are informed that on the 24th ult., at five minutes to 7 p.m., a smart shock of earthquake was experienced in the vicinity of Umberatana. The first indication was a rumbling noise, like the rolling down of large quantities of stones, immediately after which the ground shook and trembled very perceptibly.
1865 07 26 at 18:30 UTC Pekina run
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 11 August 1865, page 3
MOUNT REMARKABLE.
Melrose, August 8.
I have been informed by a gentleman who was camping on the Pekina run on the night of Wed-nesday, 26th ultimo, that at 4 o’clock on the following morning a severe shock of an earthquake was felt nearly all over the run, and that plates, dishes, &c., were thrown from the shelves in the shepherds’ huts, and in many cases the shingles of the roofs were shaken and loosened ; two more shocks of less force were experienced during the day. The same state of things occurred at Coonatto, but I am not aware that any thing of the kind was felt in the immediate neighbourhood of Melrose.
1865 10 02 at 00:30 UTC, Oweindana (Mt Serle)
Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal (Port Wallaroo, SA : 1865 – 1881), Saturday 21 October 1865, page 4
Our informant states that on the 2nd of this month he experienced a smart shock of an earthquake at Oweindana, near Mount Serle. It occurred at about ten in the mornirg, the weather at the time being cloudless and serene. There was first heard a violent report, like a thunder clap, which was followed by a rumbling noise and a trembling of the earth. A blackfellow was asked what he thought of it. He replied—”Ground big one yabber!”
1865 11 09 at ??, Po(o)lda
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 5 December 1865, page 2
PORT LINCOLN.
Port Lincoln. December 1.
On Sunday evening, the 12th, about 10 o’clock, a splendid meteor was seen to fall. It appeared to travel from W.N.W., falling towards E.N.E. It was seen for two seconds, and was of the utmost brilliancy. On Thursday, the 9th, a shock of an earthquake was experienced at Poolda, Mr. Hawson’s station, about 150 miles from here due west. It shook the glasses in the room, rung the bell on the table, and shook the house completely. It was also felt near this. Mr. W. J. Lawrence says he felt his house shake about the same time.
[Ed. If ‘felt near this’ imples felt near Port Lincoln, then the earthquake was about magnitude 4.5.]
1865 12 11 at 00:45 UTC, Houghton
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 22 December 1865, page 3
GUMERACHA.
Gumeracha, December 20.
A slight shock of an earthquake was distinctly felt by a number of persons in the Township of Houghton and its vicinity on Monday, the 11th inst, about a quarter past 10 a.m. Mr. G. McEwin, J.P., who was walking in his grounds at the time, heard a rumbling noise like thunder, but upon observing there were no clouds visible in the sky was at a loss to account for the unnatural sound. Later in the day the statements of other persons residing in the neighbourhood tended to confirm the opinion of that gentleman that it was really the shock of an earthquake.
| Date | Time UTC | Lat | Long | ML | Place | Comment |
| 1865 02 25 | – | -34.5 | 139.0 | 2.5 | Angaston | Dix(2013)/This paper |
| 1865 06 24 | 09:25 | -30.3 | 139.3 | 3.0 | Umberatana | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1865 07 26 | 18:30 | -32.8 | 138.6 | 3.0 | Pekina run | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1865 10 02 | 00:30 | -30.4 | 138.5 | 3.0 | Oweindana | This paper |
| 1865 11 09 | – | -33.5 | 135.4 | 4.0 | Po(o)lda | Dix(2013)/This paper |
| 1865 12 11 | 00:45 | -34.8 | 138.8 | 2.5 | Houghton | Dix (2013)/This paper |
Earthquakes in South Australia, 1866
The most interesting of the thirteen events listed here is an earthquake swarm of 15 events in the vicinity of Black Springs in December. Such swarms are not uncommon but enigmatic, what is their cause? Fortunately they don’t herald a larger earthquake. Another earthquake, near Gumeracha in August is suspected by some to have been the sonic boom from a meteor rather than an earthquake but I favour the latter cause as did Dix (2013).
1866 04 10 at 11:30 UTC, Port Gawler
South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1867), Saturday 21 April 1866, page 2
PORT GAWLER, EAST.
Tuesday, April 17.
I have heard from some parties in this neighborhood that the shock of an earthquake was felt this day week ; it seemed to pass from north-west to south-east, and occurred about 9 o’clock p.m. ”
1866 05 18 at 14:05 UTC, South East
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Saturday 26 May 1866, page 2
EARTHQUAKE.
To the Editor of the Border Watch.
Sir,—Last night, Friday the 18th May, shortly after retiring to bed at 11.30 p.m., I felt a very distinct shock of an earthquake. It was of an undulating wavy character, and passed from S.W. to N.E. It appeared, or rather my sensation was as if three undulations or waves passed in regular succession, with an interval of partial quiescence, the whole movement apparently lasting about three seconds. My bed I could distinctly feel to vibrate—probably this was caused by its being of iron—the undulations were accompanied by a sound as if a strong breeze were passing—but it was perfectly calm at the time.
The position of my residence is about 30 miles N. by E. of Mount Gambier. It would be a singular corroboration had any others accidentally noticed this phenomenon, which plainly indicates—with other instances of the kind well authenticated—that volcanic action has not yet ceased on this portion of the continent. Who can say that Mount Gambier and Mount Schank will not again burst out some day!
I may mention the Aneroid barometer was unusually low in the evening, being 29.5.W.
1866 06 06 ??time, Nuriootpa
Southern Argus (Port Elliot, SA : 1866 – 1954), Saturday 9 June 1866, page 3
LATEST ADELAIDE NEWS.
Adelaide, Friday, 8 p.m.
Two shocks of an earthquake were felt at Nuriootpa at 2 o’clock on Wednesday.
1866 08 24 at 12:45 UTC, Gumeracha
South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1867), Saturday 1 September 1866, p4
EARTHQUAKE AT GUMERACHA.
[Sent to Mr. Todd.] Gumeracha, August 25.
A very loud report, causing the windows and doors of houses to shake, was heard at Gumeracha, Blumberg, Mount Pleasant, and other places, at 10.15 p.m. last night. It was supposed to be an earthquake.
A Mr. Morgan, of North Gumeracha, reports in the township this morning that he saw a large meteor, which he describes as about nine inches in diameter, and with a tail 50 yards long, in the eastern sky, which burst with a tremendous report. Every one here heard the report, but I have learned nothing authentic about the meteor.
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Saturday 1 September 1866, page 3
SMITHFIELD.
[Correspondent.] Monday, August 27.
The following statement of a strange natural phenomenon would have reached you earlier but that I was anxious to receive other persons’ unsolicited observations, in order that my statement should be the more complete. I, in company with some others from various quarters, formed a private meeting in Scott’s upstairs room, at his hotel in Salisbury, on Friday evening last, and at or about half-past 10, we heard a strange noise, which shook the place, and caused a remark from one of our number, that he thought we were going through the floor. I thought at the time it was an earthquake, but no satisfactory reason could be assigned for the noise. On reaching home my wife told me she had been much alarmed by a noise at the same time of the night, which resembled the noise a number of heavy stones would make if rolled down the roof of our house. My neighbor, Mr. Blake, heard the report, which a companion of his likened to the report of cannons; five minutes previous there was a large meteor crossed the heavens in a direction from S.E. to N.W. by N., bursting into a number of pieces, the whole neighborhood being lit up with its red light. I trust some of your scientific readers will explain the above, which was seen and heard by many, both at Smithfield and Salisbury. I believe it was a sharp shock of an earthquake, preceded by, but independent of, the meteor.
Figure 8 Felt reports for the small earthquake (meteor) south of Gumeracha on 24 August 1866
Southern Argus (Port Elliot, SA : 1866 – 1954), Saturday 1 September 1866, page 2
MEADOWS.
On Thursday (? or Friday – Ed.) evening, between 9 and 10 o’clock, people here were suddenly startled by an exceedingly bright light, which proved to be a splendid meteor. It burst with a great noise, resembling cannon at a distance, and at the same time a slight shock of earthquake was felt, accompanied by a rumbling sound not unlike distant thunder.
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Monday 3 September 1866, page 3
SOUTH RHINE.
Tuesday, August 28.
On Friday evening last, about a quarter past 10 p.m., there was a very loud report heard here. It seemed like distant thunder, but as there was not the least appearance of thunder it is supposed to be an earthquake ; and, at the some time, there was seen a very large meteor. The sound seemed to go from south to south-east.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 28 August 1866, page 3
GUMERACHA.
Gumeracha, August 26.
On Friday night, the 23rd(sic) (?24th – Ed.)inst., at a quarter past 10 o’clock, the inhabitants of Gumeracha were rather astonished to hear their doors and windows shaking as if some one was trying to effect an entrance. This was followed by a tremendous report like the discharge of a heavy piece of ordnance. The sky was beautifully clear at the time, and the atmosphere very frosty. Next morning (Saturday) persons began to talk about it, and to compare notes of their observations. When the coach arrived from Mount Pleasant and Blumberg it was found that the report had been heard at these places also. The conclusion hastily arrived at was that it must have been a shock of an earthquake. Later in the day new light was thrown upon the subject by two or three persons who were at different places at the time reporting that they saw a large meteor. Some describe it as large as the moon, another person says about nine inches in diameter. It was in the eastern sky, and burst into fragments about the size of hens’ eggs after the report was heard. I have been told since that the explosion was heard at Tungkillo, and also at the River Murray, 30 miles from here.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 28 August 1866, page 2
The Meteor and Supposed Earthquake at GUMERACHA.–A gentleman living in Kensington informs us that at 10 minutes past 10 o’clock on Friday evening he perceived the largest meteor he had ever seen dropping from a great elevation in the sky due eastward. Although a bright moonlight night, the illumination was very great. He further states that some two or three minutes afterwards a report resembling thunder was distinctly heard reverberating through the hills, but so many seconds had elapsed that he could hardly at the time imagine it to be caused by the bursting of the meteor
Photo The runins of Illawatana Homestead in the Flinders Ranges
1866 09 02 evening, Illawatana
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Saturday 15 September 1866, page 2
From Illawatana, September 3, it is reported that there had been rain two nights and a day the previous week, and a shock of an earthquake was felt on the evening of the 2nd.
1866 11 25 at 20:30 UTC, Ketchowla
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 12 December 1866, page 2
Earthquake in the Far North.— A correspondent writing from Ketchowla on (Tuesday) December 4 says : —”On Monday morning last at 10 minutes to 6 o’clock a shock of an earthquake was felt at this station. It shook all the crockery in the house. About the same time it was felt at Mr. Stewart’s station, when the owner thought his well was tumbling in. A few minutes later the shock was felt very severely at Hills’s Munjibbie Station, and lasted about a minute and a half. It was also felt about six miles east of this.”
1866 12 30 between 09:00 and 10:30 UTC, Black Springs swarm – 15 earthquakes
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 5 January 1867, page 5
EARTHQUAKE at Black Springs.—A correspondent writes:—”On Sunday last (30th), between half-past 6 o’clock and 8 in the evening, this neighbourhood was visited by 13 distinct shocks of earthquake. Some followed each other rapidly at intervals of a few seconds, and others at from 15 to 20 minutes. The vibration passed from east to west, and the sound resembled a heavy wagon being driven rapidly over a bridge. On the Wednesday before there were two shocks about 4 o’clock in the afternoon. I was down a well at the time, which seemed to rock for half a minute. The man at tbe top only heard a rumble, with very slight vibration. On both occasions the sky was free from clouds, and some singular puffs of air followed each shock.”
| Date | Time UTC | Lat | Long | ML | Place | Comment |
| 1866 04 10 | 11:30 | -34.6 | 138.4 | 2.5 | Port Gawler | Dix(2013)/This paper |
| 1866 05 18 | 14:05 | -37.4 | 140.9 | 3.0 | South-East | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1866 06 06 | – | -34.4 | 139.0 | 2.5 | Nuriootpa | This paper |
| 1866 06 06 | – | -34.4 | 139.0 | 2.5 | Nuriootpa | This paper |
| 1866 08 24 | 12:45 | -34.9 | 138.9 | 3.5 | Gumeracha | Dix(2013)/This paper |
| 1866 09 02 | – | -31.1 | 138.7 | 3.0 | Illawatana | Dix/This paper |
| 1866 11 25 | 20:30 | -33.2 | 139.3 | 3.0 | Ketchowla | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1866 12 27 | 06:25 | -33.9 | 138.8 | 3.0 | Black Springs | This paper |
| 1866 12 27 | 06:35 | -33.9 | 138.8 | 3.0 | Black Springs | This paper |
| 1866 12 30 | 10:30 | -33.9 | 138.8 | 3.0 | Black Springs | Dix(2013)/This paper |
Earthquakes in South Australia, 1867
No decade has seen so few earthquakes reported in the state newspapers, we assume this reflects a lack of activity. Dix(2013) listed no events. The two listed here are on either side of Spencers Gulf, a common source in the Gulf would surely have been more widely felt.
1867 06 05 at 14:30 UTC, Wallaroo
Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal (Port Wallaroo, SA : 1865 – 1881), Saturday 8 June 1867, p 2
A friend informs us that sometime after midnight on Wednesday a rumbling sound was heard accompanied by a tremulous motion, strongly suggestive of an earthquake. Perhaps some of our correspondents experienced the same, if so we shall be glad to hear what they have to say on the subject.
1867 11 04 at 06:15 UTC, Franklin Harbour, Eyre Peninsula
Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal (Port Wallaroo, SA : 1865 – 1881), Wednesday 27 November 1867, page 4
Wallaroo.
The shock of an earthquake was felt at Dr M’Kechnie’s station, Yabmanna (Ed. Yabmana?), Franklin Harbour, on the 4th instant. It occurred at a quarter to 4 in the afternoon. The direction of the wave appeared to be from west to east. The shock, which was distinctly felt by a number of shearers and others on the station, had the usual accompaniment of a rumbling sound, and was severe enough to make the cook’s plates and pannicans rattle together upon the shelves. The atmosphere was clear.
| Date | Time UTC | Lat | Long | ML | Place | Comment |
| 1867 06 05 | 14:30 | -33.8 | 137.6 | 2.5 | Wallaroo | This paper |
| 1867 11 04 | 06:15 | -33.6 | 136.9 | 3.0 | Franklin Harbour | This paper |
Earthquakes in South Australia, 1868
Apart from a small earthquake off Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island, the other earthquakes were all in the Burra/Tanunda region, the largest magnitude 4.0 which is reported to have brought part of a ceiling down. None of the earthquakes were reportd felt in Adelaide.
1868 01 05 at 05:30 UTC, Kooringa
Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer (SA : 1864 – 1878), Friday 10 January 1868, page 3
KOORINGA.
January 8, 1868.
On Sunday, the 5th instant, a shock of an earthquake was experienced by many persons, but a greater disturbance was felt at Mount Bryan and Black Springs.
Figure 9 Felt area oif the small earthquake at Kooringa (Burra) on 5 January 1868, ML 3.4
South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1868 – 1881), Saturday 11 January 1868, page 7
KOORINGA, January 8.
On Sunday afternoon the shock of an earthquake was felt by many persons. At Mount Bryan, Black Springs, and the World’s End Station, a greater elementary disturbance is reported to have taken place.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 8 January 1868, page 3
KOORINGA.
Kooringa, January 7.
A shock of an earthquake was distinctly felt about 3 p.m. yesterday by many persons here; it was also noticed at the World’s End Station and at Mount Bryan, where pictures shook, plates rattled, and people went outside the door to see what was the matter.
1868 02 18 at 10:20 UTC, Angaston
Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer (SA : 1864 – 1878), Friday 21 February 1868, page 3
SHOCK OF EARTHQUAKE.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir—Yesterday evening, while sitting in my house, I felt and heard a very perceptible shock of an earthquake at ten minutes to 8 o’clock. It resembled the passing of a very heavy waggon at a rapid rate up Crane-street (in a north-easterly direction) ; so much so that I ran out to convince myself that such was not the case. I recollect a very similar shock that was experienced in Adelaide about twenty-five years ago, at which time our family were living in a wooden house. On that occasion the sensation was as if a passing dray had caught the corner of the building and given it a tremendous shock. No doubt many in Kapunda and other parts of the Province felt the shock last night ; but still some may like to compare their ideas and sensations on the subject, and, therefore, I trouble you with this letter.
I am, &c.,
J. B. ADAMSON.
Kapunda, 19th February, 1868.
Figure 10 Felt area of an earthquake south of Angaston SA on 18 February at 10:20 UTC
South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1868 – 1881), Saturday 22 February 1868, page 10
KAPUNDA.
On Tuesday evening shortly before 8 o’clock, a slight shock of earthquake was felt in Kapunda by a number of persons, whilst many others knew nothing of it until the circumstance was mentioned, when they remembered hearing a rumbling noise at the time specified. We ourselves were out of doors at the time, and heard the noise, but did not take any particular notice of it ; but we have been credibly informed by several persons that the windows of their houses were audibly shaken, frighten-ing the inmates ; in one instance the children who had just been put to bed jumped up frightened, The barometer in the afternoon was rather low, and slowly falling ; on the following morning it was again rising, but Mr. Darwin did not feel the shock alluded to, and consequently did not particularly watch the barometer at that time.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 22 February 1868, page 3
Shock of Earthquake at Kapunda.—The Kapunda Herald has the subjoined paragraph with reference to the slight shock mentioned by our Angaston, Greenock, Lyndoch, Nuriootpa, and other correspondents:—”On Tuesday evening, shortly before 8 o’clock, a slight shock of earthquake was felt in Kapunda by a number of per-sons, whilst many others knew nothing of it until the circumstance was mentioned, when they re membered hearing a rumbling noise at the time specified. We ourselves were out of doors at the time, and heard the noise, but did not take any particular notice of it; but we have been credibly informed by several persons that the windows of their houses were audibly shaken, frightening the inmates—in one instance the children who had just been put to bed jumped up frightened. The barometer in the afternoon was rather low, and slowly falling; on the following morning it was again rising; but Mr. Darwin did not feel the shock alluded to, and consequently did not particularly watch the barometer at that time.”
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 25 February 1868, page 2
COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.
WILLIAMSTOWN, February 22. On Tuesday evening, February 18, we experienced a slight shock of an earthquake. I at first thought it was thunder, for a sound like a very heavy distant peal was heard; but the strong vibration that accompanied the sound, and the rattling of glass and crockery, led me to conclude it was some internal convulsion of nature. I particularly noted the time— 10 minutes to 8 o’clock p.m. There were heavy clouds about, and the night was close and oppressive. The sound appeared to come from the north.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 21 February 1868, page 3
LYNDOCH, February 19. There was a strong shock of an earthquake felt here last night at about 8 o’clock. It was preceded by a rumbling noise like thunder or a wagon passing, then was felt a sensible shock, which caused the doors and windows to rattle considerably. The shock lasted about two or three minutes, and seemed to take a north-eastern direction. The shock was slightly felt at Sandy Creek, and also in the Barossa Hills.
GREENOCK, February 19. A correspondent favours us with the following :— last evening (Tuesday, February 18), at about five minutes to 8 o’clock, the shock of an earthquake was distinctly felt by myself and several others residing in and near Greenock. It lasted about six seconds, and seemed to travel from south west to north-east.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 5 March 1868, page 3
COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.
KANMANTOO, February 25.
An earthquake was recently felt here, lasting about six to eight secotds. The direction of it seemed to be S.S.W. to N.N.E., the direction of the main range. It made crockery and tinware rattle.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 20 February 1868, page 3
ANGASTON, February 18. A pretty smart shock of an earthquake was felt in the township this evening at seven minutes to 8. Part of the ceiling of one house was shaken down. Several persons mistook the noise accompanying the shock for thunder, whilst others thought that a heavy wagon was passing along the street. I am happy to bay that no material damage has been done.
South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1868 – 1881), Saturday 29 February 1868, page 7
TANUNDA, February 22. On Tuesday evening, February 18, about 8 o’clock, the people of Tanunda and neighborhood were startled by a very severe shock of earthquake, which lasted several seconds, shaking the windows, and in several instances making teacups and glasses tremble on the tables.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 7 March 1868, page 5
NEW MECKLENBURG, March 3.
An earthquake was recently felt here, lasting about six to eight seconds. The direction of it seemed to be S.S.W. to N.N.E., the direction of the main range. It made crockery and tinware
rattle.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 4 March 1868, page 2
SHEAOAK LOG, February 25. Nothing of much note in the commercial line has occurred since my last. Our township is still alive, in spite of red rust, and we feel the scarcity of money. Last Tuesday, about 8 o’clock p.m., we felt a severe shock of an earthquake, which lasted about six seconds.
Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer (SA : 1864 – 1878), Friday 21 February 1868, page 3
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir—I beg to forward you the enclosed, as you may think it worth while inserting in your paper.
On Tuesday evening at seven minutes to 8 o’clock, at my residence at Ross’s Creek, about three and a half miles north of Kapunda, in the room in which we (viz., my wife, self and four children), were sitting facing south-east, we all distinctly felt the tremor of the flooring; the outer door and large folding doors between the sitting and bed rooms, audibly shook or trembled. My servant, who was in the yard north-west of the house at the same time, distinctly felt the tremor of the earth, and likened it to a heavily-laden dray passing; and to those in the house and the girl outside, the wave evidently travelled nearly due from east to west. The tremor lasted for the space of nearly two seconds. I may add, the road being little frequented, there was no probability of a loaded dray passing at the time. Perhaps others may have experienced the shock at the same time, and may inform you of it–which I take to be a slight shock of earthquake.
I am, &c.
ENQUIRER. Ross’s Creek, February 19,1867.
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Thursday 27 February 1868, page 3
TANUNDA, February 22. On Tuesday evening, February 18, about 8 o’clock, the people of Tanunda and neighborhood were startled by a very severe shock of earthquake, which lasted several seconds, shaking the windows, and in several instances making teacups and glasses tremble on the tables.
Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 – 1954), Wednesday 26 February 1868, page 3
SUMMARY OF NEWS.
A slight shock of an earthquake experienced at Angaston on the 19th inst.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Thursday 20 February 1868, page 2
Shock of an Earthquake.—Our Angaston correspondent, in his letter received yesterday, mentions a slight shock experienced there on Tuesday evening.
1868 02 28 ?time, Hog Bay
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Monday 23 March 1868, page 3
HOG BAY, March 14. We had a shock of an earthquake on Kangaroo Island on the 28th of last month ; but it was the slightest we have experienced for the last seven years. It is strange that we should have these periodical shocks. They all seem to come from the westward. Sometimes there are two at this season of the year.
1868 10 28 at 03:45 and 19:45 and 1868 11 01 at 07:40 UTC, South of Burra
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Saturday 31 October 1868, page 2
THE EARTHQUAKE.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir—Mr. Belcher, the Telegraph Station Master at the Burra, has just sent me the following telegram with regard to the recent shocks of earthquake:— “Mr. Holt, of Mount Bryan, 15 miles N.N.E. from the Burra, reports a severe shock of an earthquake being felt there on “Wednesday last, the 28th, at 1p.m., which for violence surpassed any previously felt. Substantial stone buildings were so violently shaken that the men rushed out, certain that the walls would fall. The flagged floors heaving, as it were, under the feet, and the buildings all quivering. The greatest effect was noticeable on the galvanized iron roofs, the vibrations of which lasted several seconds. The sound seemed to come from west to east. There was also another shock felt on the morning after (29th October), at 5 a.m.” I see in to-day’s Advertiser that Mr. Davidson reports the first shock as being felt at Clare (about 33 or 34 miles S.S.W. from Mount Bryan), at 1.17, travelling, as he thought, from west to east; and Mr. Bastard, our Stationmaster at the same place, tells me that the second shock was felt at 5.15 a.m. on the 29th. Supposing the times to have been correctly noted, it would appear that the earthquake had a progressive motion from about N.E. to S.W., but further reports are required to confirm this. Both Mr. Holt and Mr. Davidson, it will be seen, agree in giving it an easterly motion. The weather was hot throughout, with a good deal of lightning on the evening of the 28th.
I am, Sir, &c.,
CHARLES TODD,
Observer and Superintendent of Telegraphs. Adelaide,
October 30, 1868.
South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1868 – 1881), Saturday 7 November 1868, page 12
EARTHQUAKE AT CLARE.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir — On Wednesday, the 28th October, while seated at dinner, we were all suddenly startled by a rumbling noise as of distant thunder, only the sound seemed below our feet. We stared, at each other in silence for a moment, when all doubt as to what was the cause of our fear was soon removed. The dishes on the table began to rattle, and the floor to move beneath our feet. It was a shock of earthquake. The day had been very sultry, the thermometer at the time standing about 90° in the shade. The wind N. by W. The time when we felt the shock, 17 minutes past 1 o’clock p m., it seemed to be travelling from west to east, at least such was the impression left on my mind. I have no doubt other and more minute accounts will reach you from other quarters. It was but a very slight shook, compared with one we felt in this quarter about six years ago. I am, Sir, &c.,
WILLIAM DAVIDSON. Clare, October 28, 1868
Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer (SA : 1864 – 1878), Friday 6 November 1868, page 3
CORRESPONDENCE.
SHOCKS OF EARTHQUAKE.
TO THE EDITOR.
Sir—The peculiarity of the weather of late has furnished decided evidence that something more than ordinary was occurring meteorologically —and this was further proved by the shock of an earthquake experienced here on Wednesday last, October 28.
The day was very, sultry, and heavy nimbri clouds around with a falling barometer presented electrical indications. At 1.30 p.m. a distant rumbling sound similar to that produced by a heavy goods train passing a long way off was heard. The trembling of the ground, and the tinkling of the crockeryware and glasses told what was the cause of the sound. Others felt less of it in this neighbourhood than myself, but my house being situated on the top of a hill may account for that fact. On Hoyle’s Plains, as also at Penwortham, Watervale, and Leasingham the shock was distinctly felt. At one store in Watervale, as also one of the public houses the various articles of crockeryware, glass, &c., shook on the shelves in an audible manner. At about 4 p.m. it set in wet, and continued a steady, heavy rain, for some hours. At about 4.25 on Thursday morning a second shock was felt by a great many persons, some of whom were awoke by it. It rained also on Thursday morning, the day throughout being very cloudy; and although a little cooler, a strange, oppressive feeling was experienced.. On Friday, the sky was overclouded, but without rain. Saturday was, perhaps, the hottest day of the week, with an intensely hot and oppressive atmosphere. Yesterday (Sunday) the intense heat continued, with heavy rain, cumuli, and nimbri clouds, and strong electrical indications. At about 5.10 p.m. several persons round here noticed what they fully believe to be a third shock, and it is more than probable that it was so.
Figure 11 Felt area if the earthquake near Burra on 28 October 1868 at 03:45 UTC.
South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1868 – 1881), Saturday 7 November 1868, page 7
MINTARO, October 31.
On Wednesday last the shock of an earthquake was felt in this neighborhood, the time as near as possible being 20 minutes past 1p.m. Glasses and crockery were seen to vibrate. The shock appeared to be travelling from north to south. On the following morning another occurred about a quarter-past 5, which I am quite confident was travelling for the north, southwards, as the iron roofing commenced vibrating at the northern end of the house, and the vibration came gradually south. I sleep close to the south gable wall, and I heard the vibration some seconds before I experienced the swinging motion in my bed, so that I can speak confidently of the course it was going. The shock, in point of time, the same as the day previous, viz., from eight to ten seconds. A great many here felt it as much as I did, and others observed the vibration of windows, &c, which l did not. I. believe you will get accounts from the Far North in a few days which will give reports of its being much stronger up there.
South Australian Chronicle and Weekly Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1868 – 1881), Saturday 31 October 1868, page 7
CLARE, October 28.
At about 1.15 p.m. this day a very perceptible shock of an earthquake was felt in this neigh-borhood. In some instances the furniture was observed to tremble, and the heaving and trembling of the ground were very perceptible.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wednesday 4 November 1868, page 3
COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.
WATERVALE October 31.
The shock of an earthquake was felt here on Wednesday last, at about half-past 1 p.m. It appears to have been general for some miles round, and a second shock was felt between 5 and 6 a.m. on next day (Thursday).
Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer (SA : 1864 – 1878), Friday 6 November 1868, page 3
SKILLOGOLEE CREEK.
November 3,1868.
I suppose the principal news I have for you is that we have experienced three decided shocks of earthquake—the first at about 1.25 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28 ; the second between 4 and 5 a.m. on Thursday, the 29th; and the third on Sunday afternoon, November 1, at about 5 o’clock. I will send further particulars.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Friday 6 November 1868, page 2
Earthquake.— Our Watervale and Skillogolee correspondent says that “the shock of the earthquake was noticed over some miles of country— in some parts moderately severe, in others it was hardly distinguishable from distant thunder. From what I can glean of the surrounding neighbourhood, it appears that the shock was most severely felt near Mount Horrocks, and was distinctly felt in Watervale, Skillogolee Creek, Leasingham, Penwortham, and noticed (more severely) on Hoyle’s Plains. I was about taking a ‘ siesta,’ and had remarked a peculiarly sultry and strange feeling pervading the atmosphere, with sudden puffs of wind, when I heard what I considered a heavy dray coming up a hill. On looking out of the door, I could see no signs of anything of the sort, and should have taken it to be the heavy rumble of distant thunder, but that the ground shook and things in the house slightly ‘ tinkled’ with a sound similar to that caused by a heavily laden wagon approaching at good speed. A second shock was felt on Thursday morning, and this was said to have been almost, if not quite, as severe.”
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 7 November 1868, page 16
THE EARTHQUAKE. — The Kapunda Herald, says:—”A shock of an earthquake was felt at Auburn and the Burra shortly after noon on Wednesday last, and we have heard several persons say they felt it in Kapunda also, but we ourselves did not remark it.” The same paper has the following letter from Mr. Adamson, of Auburn, dated October 29:—”Sir—’ Our own’ will have informed you that we had an unmistakable shock of earthquake yesterday, at 1.15 p.m. I was sitting in my parlour, and heard the low mysterious rumble which produces such a strangely solemn sensation on the mind. The windows rattled and jarred in their casements. 1 immediately ran out, and putting my hand ou the porch felt it tremble and vibrate considerably. The shock was felt at Penwortham and East Auburn; the crockery in the stores rattled ou the shelves. This morning, at 5.14,1 was awoke by another shock, which was also felt by others in bed. Duration of first shock, 15 to 20 seconds.”
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 14 November 1868, page 10
The Hurricane at Saddleworth.— You doubtless have seen some account of the earthquake, a slight shock of which was undoubtedly felt here, although at first it was said by a gentleman, with whom I was in company, to be distant thunder. It was, however, subsequently believed to be the tail end of the earthquake.
Southern Argus (Port Elliot, SA : 1866 – 1954), Saturday 7 November 1868, page 3
Whilst the fearful story of death and ruin in Peru is still fresh in the minds of the people, we are having on a very small scale a disturbance in our land from similar causes, two smart shocks of earthquakes having been felt in the north, extending, so far an can be learnt for the present, from Kapunda to about 20 miles beyond the Burra. The first shock was noticed about 1 o’clock p.m. on Wednesday, the 26th October, and within a few minutes of time at each of these distant points, the direction being apparently from north-east to south-west. The second shock was felt at 5 a.m. on the 29th. In each instance the disturbance was sufficiently startling to cause fear in many near Mount Bryan that the substantial stone buildings would full upon them, the heaving of the flagged floor being very distinctly felt by the residents.
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Saturday 31 October 1868, page 3
The Earthquake.—A slight shock of an earth-quake was felt at Hamilton shortly after 1 o’clock on Wednesday, accompanied by a low rumbling sound similar to distant thunder. The weather was very hot and sultry at the time.
1868 12 ?? at ?, Gum Creek Run
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 15 December 1868, page 2
EARTHQUAKE.—By a private letter from the manager of the Gum Creek Run to Mr. P. Wells it appears that the shock of an earthquake had been felt there.
| Date | Time UTC | Lat | Long | ML | Place | Comment |
| 1868 01 05 | 05:30 | -33.7 | 138.9 | 3.4 | Kooringa | Dix(2013)/This paper |
| 1868 02 18 | 10:20 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.8 | Angaston | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1868 02 28 | – | -35.7 | 137.9 | 3.0 | Hog Bay | This paper |
| 1868 10 28 | 03:45 | -33.8 | 138.9 | 4.0 | Burra | Dix/This paper |
| 1868 10 28 | 19:45 | -33.8 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Burra | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1868 11 01 | 07:40 | -33.8 | 138.9 | 2.5 | Burra | This paper |
| 1868 12 | – | -33.7 | 138.8 | 2.5 | Gum Creek Run | Dix (2013)/This paper |
Earthquakes in South Australia, 1869
In 1869, the earthquakes are few and small, the largest the second earthquake at Gum Creek on 01 October which was widely felt in Auburn, Watervale and other places but the other places are not identified, apart from Skillogolee Creek.
1869 01 12 at ?, Gum Creek
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Tuesday 2 February 1869, page 7
A slight shock of earthquake was experienced at Gum Creek (in the North) on the morning of the 12th.
CHARLES TODD, Observer.
1869 04 12 at 06:00 UTC, Kapunda
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Saturday 17 April 1869, page 2
A SLIGHT EARTHQUAKE. — The town of Kapunda has had a slight shock of its own, though many residents and the local Press did not know of the visitation. The latter says:— “On Monday afternoon, at half-past 3, a shock of earthquake was distinctly felt by a number of persons in Kapunda. Some of the ladies of the Baptist congregation were working in the lower schoolroom and felt the shock distinctly and in some of the houses near the railway its effects were said to be audible in the shape of crockery windows, &c., shaking. And we learn that some of the miners who were employed at the time fifty fathoms below the surface also experienced the sensation of a very peculiar shock.”
1869 06 30 at 17:35 UTC, Gawler
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Saturday 10 July 1869, page 2
A CONCEALED EARTHQUAKE. — The Gawler Times says:—”We were surprised to hear this afternoop, for the first time, that a smart shock of an earthquake was felt in Gawler shortly after 3 a.m. on Wednesday, 1st inst. The information was given us on good authority, and we understand the shock was felt by several persons in different parts of the town. It was accompanied by a loud subterranean rumbling noise, and the usual vibratory wavelike motion, proceeding, as on two former occasions, from a north-easterly to a south-westerly direction. We cannot explain how it is that those who felt the shock should not have made it known before.”
1869 08 14 at 17:00 UTC, Rhynie
Gawler Times (SA : 1869 – 1873), Friday 20 August 1869, page 3
RHYNIE.
Wednesday, August 18.
SINGULAR PHENOMENON.—We are informed that on Sunday morning last, between 2 and 3 o’clock, while the sky was overcast with clouds, a sodden light appeared, illuminating the whole atmosphere with tho brightness of day; a low, rumbling sound succeeded, accompanied by five distinct and load noises, as of distant explosions underground: The light continued several seconds, and was sufficient to render the hill beyond Willaston distinctly visible from the south end of Murray-street. A slight trembling of the ground was felt, not like the wavy motion of an earthquake, but like the vibration from the firing of a blast in a mine. One of the witnesses of the phenomenon— and of which there were several—tells us from his experience in New Zealand, he believed it was an earthquake.
1869 10 05, Tsunami predicted
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Monday 20 September 1869, page 2
TIDAL WAVE.—AS a tidal wave is said to be due on October 5, there really have been people leaving MacDonnell Bay, as well as Sandridge and Glenelg, to get out of its reach. A facetious correspondent writes in the Border Watch, comforting those who have fled to the vicinity of the Mount, with the reminder that earthquakes usually accompany the tidals.
1869 10 01 at 09:35 UTC, Gum Creek
Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 – 1922), Tuesday 5 October 1869, page 2
We are informed by Mr. Percy Wells that at five minutes past 7 o’clock on the evening of Friday, the 1st instant, a rather sharp shock of earthquake was felt at Gum Creek, near Kooringa. It was experienced at the same time at Wildotto, about ten miles north-east of Gum Creek. The barometer fell from 29.80 on Wednesday night to 28.80 on Thursday night, and continued at this point all day Friday, and after the earthquake it began to rise.
South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 – 1889), Wednesday 13 October 1869, page 2
A sharp shock of earthquake was experienced at Kooringa (Ed. Burra) on October 1.
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Monday 18 October 1869, page 3
COUNTRY CORRESPONDENCE.
SKILLOGOLEE CREEK, October 5. On Friday evening, October 1, about 7 p.m., a shock of earthquake was felt, also in Auburn, Watervale, and other places.
Figure 12 Felt area of the Gum Creek earthquake of 01 October 1869.
| Date | Time UTC | Lat | Long | ML | Place | Comment |
| 1869 01 12 | – | -33.8 | 138.8 | 2.5 | Gum Creek | This paper |
| 1869 04 12 | 06:00 | -34.3 | 138.9 | 3.0 | Kapunda | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1869 06 30 | 17:35 | -34.5 | 138.8 | 2.5 | Gawler | Dix (2013)/This paper |
| 1869 08 14 | 17:00 | -34.1 | 138.7 | 2.5 | Rhynie | This paper |
| 1869 10 01 | 09:35 | -33.8 | 138.8 | 3.6 | Gum Creek | Dix (2013)/This paper |