Western Australia’s worst earthquake

Just before 11am on the 14th of October 1968 (the Queen's Birthday), Western Australia received its most destructive earthquake ever. The epicentre was the small Wheatbelt town of Meckering. The damage was severe. Over 100 structures were destroyed, wiping out most of the houses in the district, along with the majority of the businesses in the main street.

It was felt all over the state too, with reports of the quake in Esperance, Albany and Geraldton. It also affected Perth, where there are stories of high-rise buildings swaying for minutes after. It caused structural issues in older buildings and damaged the Kwinana Freeway. St Mary's Cathedral even lost a cross. Towns close to Meckering also had damaged buildings, like York and Northam.

Thankfully, there was no death but quite a few were injured. From there, cleanup and rebuilding of the town commenced. Although, with a much lower population since many left town. These days, Meckering is worth a visit to see several displays about the quake and walk through the original townsite (which is now vacant land). Nearby, you can also visit the remains of the Salisbury Homestead, which has been left as it was the day of the quake, and a preserved section of the earthquake fault line.

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