A magnitude-6.1 earthquake has shaken the Northern Territory.

The quake, one of the biggest in Australia’s recent history, hit at 3.44am (ACST) on Saturday about 125km west of Uluru and 450km southwest of Alice Springs, according to Geoscience Australia.

• Dutton inflames refugee debate
• Sam Dastyari offended by Peter Dutton comments
• NT croc drowning victim ‘died happy’: son

“Australia in recorded history hasn’t had that many earthquakes of magnitude-6 and above,” Geoscience Australia senior seismologist Jonathan Bathgate said.

The effects of the quake were felt in Coober Pedy.

In 1997 a magnitude-6.2 earthquake struck off the WA coast and in 1988 Australia’s largest earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.6, was recorded at Tennant Creek.

Mr Bathgate said Saturday’s earthquake had mainly been felt by people in tourist areas surrounding Uluru, but one report had been received far away at Coober Pedy.

“It certainly is a sparsely populated area and that’s probably a very lucky aspect,” he said.

NT police said there has been no reports of damage or injury from the shake.

WITH AAP