Australia's east coast is rattled by a 4.8-magnitude earthquake

An earthquake has been recorded off the North Queensland coast in Australia with GeoScience saying the magnitude-4.8 quake happened at about 5:00pm on Wednesday.

The quake was reportedly felt in Bowen, Mackay, Townsville, Ayr and Airlie Beach. 

There have not been any reports of damage to homes or injuries but State emergency services in the area have been put on alert as they wait for calls for assistance.

Terry Stone, from Bowen, told the Townsville Bulletin that he 'felt a bit of a rumble' that sounded like thunder.

'The house shook a little bit, it felt like big thunder close by, I didn't realise what it was,' he said.