There was a similar occurrence in July in Croydon/Lilydale area (Melbourne Eastern suburbs) that was attributed to an earthquake with a shallow epicenter....
PIA AKERMAN From: The Australian June 21, 2013 8:33AM
A MINOR earthquake has shaken Melbourne's northeastern suburbs.
Geoscience Australia has confirmed a 1.5 magnitude earthquake occurred near Lilydale, 40km from Melbourne, at 6.57 this morning.
The State Emergence Service says people have reported feeling the tremors across outer eastern suburbs including Ferntree Gully, Montrose, Croydon, Ringwood and Mt Dandenong.
No reports of damage or injury have so far been received.
Twitter users and callers to talkback radio first reported hearing a large explosion at around 7.00am.
''It was like a 44-gallon drum exploding outside the front door,'' Anthony from Mt Dandenong told 3AW.
''About 10 seconds afterwards, you could hear an echo.''
Croydon resident Grant told the radio station ''there was a boom and the house shook.'' Digital Pass $1 for first 28 Days
The SES has advised people to be aware of possible aftershocks that could cause damage and to check for any damage around the home.