Earthquake rattles outback near NT-SA border

A 5.3 magnitude earthquake has shaken the outback along the Northern Territory-South Australia border, according to Geoscience Australia.

The earthquake occurred at around 4.30am (AEST) and its epicenter was south of the town of Yulara near Uluru and southwest of Alice Springs.

Beyonce Matthew, who works the night shift at Sails In The Desert Hotel, said some guests were woken up by the thud.

“It only lasted a few minutes,” he told AAP.

“The doors were shaking, but nothing fell off the bookshelves.”

He said it was a bit of a surprise.

“A few guests woke up and felt it.”

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred 77 kilometers south-southwest of Yulara and was recorded as 5.5 magnitude.

There are no early reports of damage.