Geoscience Australia confirmed the tremor hit about 3.44pm, at a depth of 12.

A spokesperson for the national service said the earthquake could have been felt by people up to 28km away.

A number of residents reported their windows shuddered while others thought it was a mine blast or just rumbling.

It is the third earthquake to occur in the region in the past month.

A 2.7 magnitude quake was recorded at Jerrys Plains at 9.28pm on July 18, at a depth of 0km.

Not long after that, at 9.55pm, there was a 2.6 magnitude earthquake at Muswellbrook with a depth of 0km.