Tsunamis in Australia

A tsunami is a series of long waves (typically hundreds of kilometres in length) caused by large-scale ocean disturbances, such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, explosions or meteorites.

Several people in hi-vis gear and hardhats deploy a deep-ocean tsunami detection buoy from a boat.

Deployment of a deep-ocean tsunami detection buoy

Tsunamis are recorded in Australia about once every 2 years. Major land flood (inundation) is rare, but even relatively small tsunamis can be dangerous to swimmers and boaters.

Australia has an advanced early warning system to warn of tsunami threats to Australian coastal communities. Timely warnings are provided by the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC), which we operate 24/7 with Geoscience Australia.

The JATWC also plays an important international role as regional Tsunami Service Provider for the Indian Ocean.

In this section, explore:

For assistance during a tsunami, contact your state or territory's emergency services – view our Emergency contacts page.

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Learn more about tsunamis, including what causes tsunamis and how often they occur