The quake struck near Uluru, southwest of Alice Springs. File photo: Getty Images
The quake hit around 4.30am (AEST) and the epicentre was south of Yulara, a township near Uluru and south-west of Alice Springs.
Beyonce Matthew, who was on the night shift at Sails In The Desert Hotel, said some guests woke up to the rumbling.
"It was only for a few minutes," she told AAP.
"The doors were shaking, but nothing fell off the bookshelves."
She said it was a bit of a surprise.
"A few guests woke up and felt it."
The US Geological Survey said the quake was 77km south-southwest of Yulara and registered the quake at a 5.5 magnitude.
There are no early reports of damage.
