There is evidence that the Australian coast may have experienced large tsunami during the past few thousand years. This evidence is revealed through deposits of shell, coral and boulders which are well above sea level and several kilometres inland. Tsunami are recorded in Australia about once every two years but most are small and present little threat to coastal communities.
The tsunami hazard faced by Australia ranges from relatively low along the southern coasts of Australia to moderate along the north west coast of Western Australia. This area is more susceptible because of its proximity to Indonesia and other countries in the region which are prone to significant earthquake and volcanic activity.
Several significant tsunami have hit Australia's north west coast with the largest, at Cape Leveque in 1977, reportedly producing a six metre wave height.